In this course students begin the exploration of the effect of European tempered harmony on the continued development of American music (Blues, Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Folk etc). Building on their ability to improvise melodically, rhythmically, and over V-I and IV-I movements, students further develop and internalize rhythmic divisions/superimpositions, and secondary cadential movements through imitation, practice, and improvisation over the Blues, Rhythm Changes, and common song forms. Students will learn to recognize and improvise on movements and progressions commonly heard in “tonal” harmony including the two ways to move from IV-I, from I - ii, secondary dominants, and related major and minor keys. This course culminates in recognizing and applying through improvisation and accompaniment, tritone dominant related (altered) harmony. Stylistically diverse American music from the 20's through today will be explored for aural development and historical context. This class will be held with instruments in hand. Skills will be developed primarily by ear.