In the Spring 2017 semester I’ll be teaching courses in three different areas—popular music, jazz theory & performance, and ethnomusicology—all of which are open to all Northeastern students. In each I’ve planned a series of events and activities that will take us out of the classroom and into the city of Boston. If you’d like more information on these courses, please email me at m.lomanno@northeastern.edu.

Joe Henderson and John Scofield

MUSC 2208 – Jazz Improvisation
(W/F 11:45am – 1:25pm)

A workshop course on jazz improvisation, including an overview of major approaches, innovators, and styles. The course will include a jazz theory curriculum, study of improvisational techniques, and a significant listening component. Students will complete solo work and group projects, with opportunities for jam sessions and an individual final project. Open to all instruments and vocalists.

Procession on Endicott St. – Opening Night of  St. Anthony’s Feast in Boston’s North End

MUSC 2540 – Musical Communities of Boston
(T/F 3:25 – 5:05pm)

A special topics ethnomusicology course that combines ethnography, social justice, and experiential learning, focusing on Boston’s immigrant populations and public culture. Among the units covered will be: “19th Century Immigrants and their Legacies: China, Ireland, and Italy”; “Latin@ Identity and Media Technologies”; “Music, Faith, and Diaspora”; “Celebrating Diversity through Urban Activism, Education, and Tourism”; and “Lusophone Boston: Azores, Brazil, Cape Verde, Portugal.”

Meshell Ndegeocello

MUSC 2101 – Black Popular Music
(Rescheduled for the Summer 1 term)

A survey of major innovators and styles of black popular music, beginning at the turn of the 20th century through present day. Among the units covered will be: “Music and Protest,” featuring an event on Nina Simone; “Black Feminisms: ‘Big Mama Thornton, Beyoncé, and Beyond”; “Hip Hop: Origins and Translations”; and “From Sun Ra to Janelle Monae: Pop Music and Afro-Futurism.”

Follow this link for a Spotify playlist previewing some of the music we’ll listen to during the semester.