Using Technology To Teach Jazz Improvisation To Community College Students

Ted Ferguson

Advisor: Jesse Guessford, School of Music

Committee Members: Jan Arminio, Elaine Rendler

Research Hall, #161
April 11, 2018, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to better understand the usefulness of music technology in helping students learn jazz improvisation. This study will examine students’ lived experiences as they create improvisations using technology, in order to credibly answer the central research question: How do students experience learning jazz improvisation with the assistance of technology? This inquiry suggests that students will develop advanced improvisational skills and knowledge when assisted by music technology. The study is significant because it expands on previous research and encourages new ways of using technology in music education. A sampling of twelve (12) students from Northern Virginia Community College of Annandale, Virginia will participate in this study. Participants will be recruited by a letter of consent and labeled using alpha and numerical identifiers to assure confidentiality. Subjects shall create original jazz improvisation literature utilizing integrated software programs. A Likert Scale, Pre/Post Test, Control and Test Groups, and Scored Test will be used as quantitative instruments to collect and analyze data for this research project. Information in the form of MIDI, DAW, and notation files may be useful to researchers of future inquiries about this topic.

Keywords: using, technology, teach, jazz, improvisation, students, community college.