University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Jazz for the cello: Fostering effective expression through historic transcribed brass and reed solos

Reid, Tomeka

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/96139

Description

Title
Jazz for the cello: Fostering effective expression through historic transcribed brass and reed solos
Author(s)
Reid, Tomeka
Issue Date
2017-04-27
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Gray, Lawrence
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Gray, Lawrence
Committee Member(s)
  • Lund, Erik
  • Magee, Jeffrey
  • McNeill, Charles
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • music
  • jazz
  • cello
  • transcription
Language
en
Abstract
Stringed instruments naturally possess a vocal quality where, similar to the human voice, notes can be modified through bends and slides, lending themselves to numerous styles of music. As jazz, and the blues are America’s classical music, it is worthwhile to the 21st century string player to explore alternative techniques in order to become more musically versatile. This study investigates idiomatic jazz articulations and their application to the cello in fostering effective and convincing expression of jazz styles, as these techniques are not often taught in string pedagogy at the secondary, university or conservatory levels. A brief history of the emergence of the cello in jazz is provided as well as transcriptions and mini-biographies of select artists, prominent during each significant time period in jazz, demonstrating how to interpret cello performance in a jazz context. Capturing the closest replication and spirit of each of the selected master performer’s solos is shown through transcription. Although individuals studying these transcriptions may find some discrepancies in interpretation, this paper serves to open possibilities and provide some useful suggestions for the cellist interested in performing in the style of this great American musical art form. Each section contains a transcription that suits the range of the cello comfortably, complete with expressive mark indications, bow articulations and select suggested fingerings for each solo.
Type of Resource
  • text
  • image
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/96139
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2017 Tomeka Reid

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Theses [Option 2] - Music PRIMARY