A short history of jazz: Louis Armstrong to Miles Davis

Course Dates: 03/05/20 - 31/05/20
Time: 11:00 - 13:15
Location: KS - Keeley Street
Sara Dhillon

Trace the development of this influential music from its origins in New Orleans through to its remarkable, rapid evolution today, learning about the different styles of each era and key musical figures. N.b. no class on May 17th.


What is the course about?

This course aims to take you on a journey from the beginnings of the music at the turn of the twentieth century and introduce you to the key figures (and unsung heroes!), placing them in a historical context: what they did, who they influenced and why they are important. Using some of their greatest recordings as examples, we will develop a further listening guide.

What will we cover?

- The origins of the music looking in particular at the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, and the key figures associated with the early New Orleans Style of music in the 1920s including Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Sydney Bechet and Jelly Roll Morton.
- The Swing era of the 1930s, the heyday of the American Big Band, and move into the 1940s, in which we look post-war at the break up of the Big Bands and the emergence of smaller ensembles and the development of more innovative styles of playing, in particular bebop.
- The 1950s where new styles start to emerge as part of the mainstream, and the 1960s when jazz faced a real challenge due to the popularity first of rock and roll then the emergence of singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan and the Beatles.
- How the music has evolved through the 70s, 80s and 90s to the present day and some of the key musical groups and figures associated with those different decades.

What will I achieve?

- Have an overview of the development of this highly influential music from its origins in New Orleans through to the present day.
- Distinguish more clearly the different styles of jazz which have evolved decade by decade over the last century and the key figures associated with them.
- Understand better how and why certain musicians were so influential and made such an impact on the music.


No prior knowledge or skills required, only an enthusiasm for the music! You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English.


Tutor presentation and explanation, including handouts
Guided listening and watching of audio and audio-visual examples
Class discussion and debate
Listening and reading outside class is encouraged and once enrolled futher online resources will be available via Moodle.


Please bring a notebook and pen.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?


Tutor Biographies

Book your place

Course Code: MD651

Sun, day, 03 May - 31 May '20

Duration: 4 sessions (over 5 weeks)

Full fee: £89.00
Senior fee: £89.00
Concession: £54.00

Or call to enrol: 020 7831 7831

Download form & post

Any questions? music@citylit.ac.uk
or call 020 7492 2630
