Jazz Composition and Arranging in the Digital Age

Jazz Composition and Arranging In the Digital Ageis a comprehensive and practical instructional book and reference guide on the art and craft of jazz composition and arranging for small and large ensembles. In this book, veteran composers and arrangers Richard Sussman and Michael Abene combine their extensive years of experience as musicians and instructors to demonstrate how advances in music technology and software may be integrated with traditional compositional concepts to form a new and more efficient paradigm for the creative process. This book builds on material and issues treated in traditional jazz composition and arranging courses, including all the fundamental musical techniques and information associated with jazz arranging and composition instruction. In addition, each chapter of the book also contains specific examples demonstrating the effective utilization of music software as applied to the realization of these techniques. Software is employed both as both a learning tool in the form of examples and exercises, and as a practical tool illustrating how many modern day composer/arrangers are utilizing these techniques successfully in the real world. The book also offers several chapters devoted exclusively to the creative use of music technology and software. The extensive companion website provides listening examples for each chapter as well as enhanced software tips, expanded and additional music examples, and appendices of , basic principles and an expanded recommended listening list for further study.

An accomplished jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, Richard Sussman has also achieved widespread acclaim as a jazz educator, clinician, and music technologist. He has been a member of the Jazz Composition faculty at Manhattan School of Music for over 25 years and is also recipient of the prestigious ASCAP award for Jazz Composition.

Michael Abene is widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest living jazz composer/arrangers. In addition to teaching jazz composition and arranging at the Manhattan School of Music, Mr. Abene co-directed the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop for many years.

Contents
Preface
-What This Book Covers
-How to Use This Book and Companion Website
Acknowledgements
Section I - Overview and Basic Information
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - A Brief Overview of MIDI and Music Software
Chapter 3 - Basic Information
Chapter 4 - Fundamental Musical Considerations
Chapter 5 - Introduction to Music Notation Software
Section II - Arranging For Small Jazz Ensemble
Chapter 6 - Overview of Small Ensemble Writing/Rhythm and Rhythmic Notation
Chapter 7 -Melody & Melodic Development (3-4 Horns)
Chapter 8 - Basic Harmonic Concepts (3-4 Horns)
Chapter 9 - Reharmonization of Approach Tones (3-4 Horns)
Chapter 10 - Melodic Reharmonization and Counterpoint (3-4 Horns)
Chapter 11 - Form and Planning the Arrangement/Instrumentation
Chapter 12 - Dynamics & Articulations
Chapter 13 - The Rhythm Section
Chapter 14 - Completing the 3-4 Horn Arrangement
Chapter 15 - Notation Software: Generating Parts, Page Layout, & Printing
Chapter 16 - Arranging For 5-6 Horns - Harmony and Chord Voicings
Chapter 17 - Form and Planning the Arrangement (5-6 Horns)
Chapter 18 - The Soli and Shout Chorus
Chapter 19 - Completing the 5-6 Horn Arrangement
Section III - Arranging For Large Jazz Ensemble
Chapter 20 - Overview of Large Ensemble Considerations
Chapter 21 - Unison & Octave Writing/Monophonic Texture
Chapter 22 - Concerted Writing For Brass
Chapter 23 - Concerted Writing For Saxes
Chapter 24 - Big Band Instrumental Subdivisions
Chapter 25 - Form and Planning the Arrangement
Chapter 26 - Modern Harmonic Concepts & Voicing Techniques
Chapter 27 - More on Modern Harmony, Melodic Reharmonization, & Counterpoint
Chapter 28 - Woodwind and Brass Doubles and Mutes
Chapter 29 - Line Writing and Polyphony
Chapter 30 - The Soli Section (Big Band)
Chapter 31 - The Shout Chorus (Big Band)
Chapter 32 - Arranging For Vocalists and Instrumental Soloists
Chapter 33 - Completing The Big Band Arrangement
Chapter 34 - Review of Music Notation Software Techniques
Appendices (On the Companion Website)
A. Summary of Basic Arranging and Voicing Principles
B. List of Recommended Scores and Recordings for Study
C. Bibliography
Index