This course will review both diatonic and modal harmony as it applies to chord structures, chord progressions and scales used in jazz improvisation. Students will learn how to translate the chord symbols found in “lead sheets” (music with only chord symbols and melody), how to interpret chord alterations, and how to identify key centers. This course will help students learn the language of jazz and develop the necessary skills to create intelligent and musical improvised solos. Students should be able to read music notation and have a basic understanding of major and minor tonality (often-used major scales plus major & minor triads).