Jazz Composition and Arranging [Spiral-bound]

Boras (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0534252613 | ISBN-13: 978-0534252618 | Publication Date: October 15, 2004 | Edition: 1

JAZZ COMPOSITION AND ARRANGING is a comprehensive introduction to the skills and techniques necessary for producing a successful composition and arranging project. Drawing on Boras' background as a professional composer and musician, his text focuses on the concepts underlying instrumental writing, rather than on stylistic concerns -- approaching the subject by integrating both narrative and music examples. These examples illustrate the harmonic and melodic practices that are prevalent in today's contemporary jazz music scene. In particular, the text focuses on presenting voice-leading tendencies in a number of different contexts: line writing, bass line construction, voicing procedures, and scoring textures. Equally appropriate for upper-level music majors and professional musicians, JAZZ COMPOSITION AND ARRANGING combines the basic elements of jazz so that both arrangers and composers gain a full understanding of the subject.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The text is organized very well. It flows from topic to topic in the most logical manner and the writing style is clear and concise. The order of presentation is excellent. By starting with the basic principles of composition (instead of the ranges of the saxophone, for example) the author is allowed to expound ideas of a very conceptual nature (i.e. melody, harmony, rhythm) before getting into the nitty-gritty of ranges, transpositions etc. Thus, the student is not weighed down with memorization; instead, he/she is given the broader view first, which I prefer."

"The Author speaks with the authority of one who has an extensive background as a composer and practical practitioner, while bringing to the subject a highly sophisticated classical, theoretical background."

About the Author

Tom Boras received a Bachelor of Music in composition from the University of North Texas and a Masters of Music in composition from the New England Conservatory of Music, and a doctorate degree from Columbia University. Tom has taught at Berklee College of Music, Columbia University, and since 1985, at New York University, where he held the position of Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 396 pages
• Publisher: Schirmer; 1 edition (October 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534252613
• ISBN-13: 978-0534252618
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #904,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Tom Boras - A Wonderful Talent, September 20, 2009

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Brent Rusche "three_views" (Edison, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jazz Composition and Arranging (Spiral-bound)

As a former student of Professor Boras, this book brings it all together. This textbook is very dense and covers just about everything about arranging. This text is an intense and very "University" analysis of arranging for Big Band. Highly recommended along with his CD, "Three Houses" (of which a few examples reference).