Spring 2025

Jazz Studies (MUJZ)

• http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/programs/jazz/
• D class assignments available in TMC-200; Phone: (213) 740-4721.
• Students accepted into a graduate program must take examinations prior to their first registration. Any deficiencies revealed must be removed prior to completion of two semesters of course work. Transferring undergraduate students registering for the first time who have previous course work must take the appropriate examination for placement. Contact the Thornton School Office of Student Affairs for information. INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION - 1 unit has a $350 fee, and includes 7.5 hours of total instruction. 2 units has a $700 fee, and includes 15 hours of total instruction. Contact school for course level guide.

MUJZ 141a: Basic Keyboard Skills for the Improviser (2.0 units)

Reading skills related to jazz accompanying, including the ability to identify and play chords on the piano utilizing different voicings.

• Note: For Classical ReDesign students. For all courses in the Keyboard Lab (MUS 213), students are required to use their own headset, comprising headphones with an attached boom microphone. Headsets must have a 1/8" (3.5mm) wired TRRS connector to work with the lab controller system. Compatible headsets can be found in the USC bookstore. Students can also purchase these online etc. Examples include the following models: Logitech H111, Logitech H151, Logitech G332, and Yamaha HPH 250m.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44426D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Friday	7 of 16	David Arnay	MUS213

MUJZ 150: Beginning Jazz Improvisation (2.0 units, max 4)

Development of beginning improvisational skills including underlying principles of theory, harmony, jazz ear training, and jazz style.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44432R	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	5 of 8	John Thomas	TMCG131	PDF (74552 KB)

MUJZ 153: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Weekly individual instructio and performance forum. Open only to jazz studies majors.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Jazz Studies
• Note: Individual Instruction at the 153-level now includes Jazz Forum.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44435D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Drumset
44437D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	3 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Guitar
44438D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	2 of 30	Nick Stoubis	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Non-Traditional
44439D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Piano
44441D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	4 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Saxophone
44443D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	4 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trombone
44445D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trumpet
44447D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Voice
44449D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	2 of 30	Luciana Souza	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118

MUJZ 195: Jazz Elements I (2.0 units, max 8)

Study of compositional, improvisational, performance, and arranging elements found in jazz. Students will model influential groups and jazz artists.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44455D	001	Lecture-Lab	1:00-2:50pm	Tue, Thu	16 of 20	Katie Thiroux, Alexander Hahn	TMCG128

MUJZ 197b: Vocal Jazz Elements I (2.0 units)

Study of stylistic, musical, improvisational, rhythmic, historical, performance, and arranging elements found in the vocal jazz genre. Students will explore concepts through the study of influential jazz vocal artists as well as their own performances.

• Prerequisite: MUJZ 197A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44459D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Mon, Wed	6 of 10	Luciana Souza	TMCG128

MUJZ 218a: Afro-Latin Percussion Instruments (2.0 units)

Instruction in the performance of percussion instruments associated with African, South American, and Caribbean music traditions, with special emphasis on adaptation to jazz music.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44461R	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Friday	8 of 8	Aaron Serfaty	TMCG128

MUJZ 218b: Afro-Latin Percussion Instruments (2.0 units)

Instruction in the performance of percussion instruments associated with African, South American, and Caribbean music traditions, with special emphasis on adaptation to jazz music.

• Prerequisite: MUJZ 218A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44462R	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Friday	3 of 8	Aaron Serfaty	TMCG128

MUJZ 253: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Weekly individual instruction and performance forum. Open only to jazz studies majors.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Jazz Studies
• Note: Individual Instruction at the 253-level now includes Jazz Forum.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44475D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Drumset
44477D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	2 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Guitar
44478D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	3 of 30	Nick Stoubis	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Non-Traditional
44479D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Piano
44481D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Saxophone
44483D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trombone
44485D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trumpet
44487D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Voice
44489D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	3 of 30	Luciana Souza	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118

MUJZ 300x: Non-Major Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 16)

Intermediate and advanced instruction designed for non-music majors. Not available for credit to music majors.

• Note: Final Deadline to request D-clearance: Friday of the first week of classes. Submit an individual instruction d-clearance request online here: music.usc.edu/students/individual-instruction-d-clearance-request-forms/. Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44495D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	TMC118
Non-Traditional
44499D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Piano
44501D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	TMC118
Saxophone
44503D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trombone
44505D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trumpet
44507D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Voice
44509D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Luciana Souza	TMC118

MUJZ 301: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 16)

Intermediate and advanced instruction on secondary instrument for music majors, on principal instrument for music minors and B.S. music majors. Open only to music majors and minors.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Music, Jazz Studies, Music Industry, Music Recording, Composition, Composition (Film Scoring), Electroacoustic Media, Jazz Studies (Vocal), Music Education, Bassoon, Clarinet, Classical Guitar, Double Bass, Flute, French Horn, Harp, Harpsichord, Oboe, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Studio Guitar, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Violoncello, Vocal Arts
• Note: Final Deadline to request D-clearance: Friday of the first week of classes. Submit an individual instruction d-clearance request online here: music.usc.edu/students/individual-instruction-d-clearance-request-forms/. Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44512D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	TMC118
Composition
44514D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Vincent Mendoza	TMC118
Drumset
44516D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	TMC118
Non-Traditional
44518D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Piano
44520D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	13 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	TMC118
Saxophone
44522D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trombone
44524D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trumpet
44526D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Voice
44528D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 of 30	Luciana Souza	TMC118

MUJZ 305b: Advanced Jazz Theory (2.0 units)

Analysis and transcription of jazz performances and scores, encompassing questions of style, form, harmonic and melodic language, and considerations of rhythm.

• Prerequisite: MUJZ 305A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44532D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Tue, Thu	14 of 20	Jason Goldman	TMCG128

MUJZ 350g: A History of Jazz Music (4.0 units)

A history of jazz music and the styles of music considered antecedents to jazz.

• General Education: This course satisfies the university's general education requirement.
• Note: For music majors ONLY. This course carries GE credit but is intended for music majors and not a general student audience. Music majors can obtain D-clearance through the department.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44541D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Mon, Wed	22 of 30	Nathaniel Sloan	KDC236

MUJZ 353: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Weekly individual instruction and performance forum. Open only to jazz studies majors.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Jazz Studies
• Note: Individual Instruction at the 353-level now includes Jazz Forum.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44543D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	2 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Composition
44546D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Vincent Mendoza	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Drumset
44549D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	2 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Guitar
44551D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Nick Stoubis	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Non-Traditional
44552D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Piano
44555D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Saxophone
44558D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	2 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trombone
44561D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trumpet
44564D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Voice
44567D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	3 of 30	Luciana Souza	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118

MUJZ 395: Jazz Elements II (2.0 units, max 8)

Advanced study of compositional, improvisational, performance, conducting, and arranging elements found in the jazz repertory. Students will be encouraged to forge individual musical expressions.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (MUJZ 195 or MUJZ 197B)
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior, Senior

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44575D	001	Lecture-Lab	2:00-3:50pm	Mon, Wed	9 of 20	Jon Hatamiya, Clarence Penn	TMCG128

MUJZ 400: Arranging for Jazz Ensemble (2.0 units)

Scoring for jazz ensemble with emphasis on writing for sections of like and mixed instruments as well as full ensemble.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44595D	001	Lecture	12:00-12:50pm	Tue, Thu	10 of 10	Jason Goldman	TMCG128

MUJZ 450: Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (2.0 units, max 4)

Development of intermediate improvisational skills including underlying principles of theory, harmony, jazz ear training, and jazz style. Recommended preparation: MUJZ 150.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44604R	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Mon, Wed	4 of 8	David Arnay	TMCG131

MUJZ 453: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Weekly individual instruction and performance forum. Open only to jazz studies majors.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Jazz Studies
• Note: Individual Instruction at the 453-level now includes Jazz Forum.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44622D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Composition
44625D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	2 of 30	Vincent Mendoza	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Drumset
44628D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Guitar
44630D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	3 of 30	Nick Stoubis	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Non-Traditional
44631D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Piano
44634D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Saxophone
44637D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trombone
44640D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Trumpet
44643D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118
Voice
44646D	001	Lecture	7:00-9:50pm	Monday	3 of 30	Luciana Souza	CTV136A
			TBA				TMC118

MUJZ 490x: Directed Research (1.0-8.0 units, max 12)

Individual research and readings. No available for graduate credit.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior, Senior

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44652D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10	Jason Goldman	TMC118

MUJZ 501: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Secondary instruction for graduate music majors or instruction for graduate non-music majors.

• Note: Final Deadline to request D-clearance: Friday of the first week of classes. Submit an individual instruction d-clearance request online here: music.usc.edu/students/individual-instruction-d-clearance-request-forms/. Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44662D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	TMC118
Composition
44665D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Vincent Mendoza	TMC118
Drumset
44668D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	TMC118
Non-Traditional
44671D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Piano
44674D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	TMC118
Saxophone
44677D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trombone
44680D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trumpet
44683D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Voice
44686D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Luciana Souza	TMC118

MUJZ 536: Jazz Composition for Orchestra (2.0 units)

Jazz Composition skills using symphonic instrumentation; Listening assignments provide technique and historical perspective. Scoring assignments for orchestra with rhythm section, and smaller instrument combinations.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44687D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Tue, Thu	8 of 8	Vincent Mendoza	TMCG131

MUJZ 551: Graduate Jazz Improvisation (2.0 units)

Development of proficiency in improvising to advanced jazz concepts, including transposition, substitute harmony, superimposed harmony, atypical harmonic schemes, and contemporary chord and scale types. Open to jazz studies majors and studio guitar majors.

• Prerequisite: MUJZ 451
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Jazz Studies, Classical Guitar, Studio Guitar

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44694D	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	3 of 8	Michael Stever	TMCG131

MUJZ 553: Individual Instruction (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44724D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	TMC118
Composition
44727D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Vincent Mendoza	TMC118
Drumset
44730D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	4 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	TMC118
Non-Traditional
44733D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Piano
44736D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	TMC118
Saxophone
44739D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trombone
44742D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trumpet
44745D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Voice
44751D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 30	Luciana Souza	TMC118

MUJZ 554: Graduate Certificate Performance (4.0 units, max 16)

Individual instruction and related lab participation for Graduate Certificate students.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44754D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 5	Jason Goldman	TMC118

MUJZ 588: Special Studies in Jazz Performance (2.0 units, max 6)

Performance problems, composers and/or stylistic analysis of music from the jazz idiom. Specific emphasis to be determined by the Jazz studies department.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student, Doctoral Student
• Note: Topic: Duke Ellington

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44756D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Wednesday	Canceled	Ron Mc Curdy

MUJZ 590: Directed Research (1.0-12.0 units)

Research leading to the Master's Degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44758D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118

MUJZ 653: Performance (1.0-2.0 units, max 12)

Individual or master class instruction for D.M.A. Performance majors.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Bass
44760D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Darek Oleszkiewicz	TMC118
Composition
44763D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 30	Vincent Mendoza	TMC118
Drumset
44766D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Aaron Serfaty	TMC118
Non-Traditional
44769D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Piano
44772D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Otmaro Ruiz	TMC118
Saxophone
44775D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trombone
44778D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Trumpet
44781D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Jason Goldman	TMC118
Voice
44784D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Luciana Souza	TMC118

MUJZ 790: Research (1.0-12.0 units)

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
44797D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10	Jason Goldman	TMC118