Graduate Studies, UNL

 

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

First Advisor

Ora Paul Haar

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

Department

Music

Date of this Version

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M. A.)

Major: Music

Under the supervision of Professor

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, the author. Used by permission

Abstract

This document is a compilation and discussion of different modern jazz education resources geared towards beginning and intermediate students. It is intended for the younger high school jazz educator who may have just started their careers and are searching for new(er) resources to aid their teaching and rehearsal techniques. For the seasoned high school jazz educator, this document may suggest additions to their current lesson plans and/or updates to their current resource compilations and rehearsal practices. A primary goal of this document is to suggest ideas to aid these educators in teaching jazz music more wholistically, in small or large group settings. Another goal is to highlight those resources that have informed my personal practice of jazz performance and education. Although various jazz pedagogy textbooks and resource lists address similar topics, this document supplements those materials by extending the concepts and techniques they present. As such, my comments are intended as a supplemental guidebook, rather than a handbook or manual.

The resources compiled and discussed consist of a broad range of materials, including books/textbooks, websites, smartphone/computer applications, YouTube channels, and documentaries. Each chapter covers different areas of jazz education:

Chapter 1 – Listening
Chapter 2 – Historical Context
Chapter 3 – Jazz Theory
Chapter 4 – Rhythm Section
Chapter 5 – Horns
Chapter 6 – Improvisation
Chapter 7 – Final Thoughts

The resource suggested is discussed following ways:
• description of the resource and its purpose
• what are the reasons for choosing the resource?
• how does it serve as an addition to existing resources?
• what are the educational benefits to beginner and intermediate students?

In each chapter, I suggest how each resource could be applied in the classroom and rehearsals.

Advisor: Ora Paul Haar

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