The syllabi, course outlines, and class schedules linked below reflect Earl MacDonald’s current teaching at the University of Connecticut, where he has served as Director of Jazz Studies since August 2000.
These materials are shared in the spirit of transparency and continuity. They outline not only course requirements, but the underlying values that guide the work: disciplined listening, historical awareness, technical clarity, and ethical engagement with music as a living practice.
Jazz Improvisation
- Intro To Jazz Improvisation – MUSI 1601 (Fall 2025)
- Jazz Improvisation and Performance – MUSI 3601 (Spring 2026)
Jazz Arranging
Syllabi, lecture notes, handouts and thoughts relating to the process of composing and arranging instrumental jazz ensemble music are included here.
Jazz Arranging 1: Writing Jazz Combo Arrangements – MUSI 3631 (Fall 2025)- Jazz Arranging 2: Arranging for Big Band – MUSI 3632 (Spring 2026)
Composition
- Composition I/III (Fall 2019)
- Jazz Composition – Course Outline and Schedule (Spring 2026)
Jazz Ensembles
- UConn Jazz Lab Band – MUSI 1115, section 2 (Spring 2026)
Jazz Music and Social Change
- UNIV 1784, section 027-1218: Freshman Honors Seminar (Fall 2022)
Applied Lessons
- Jazz Piano Lessons (Spring 2024)
- Applied Jazz Lessons (Fall 2021)
Independent Study Credit
- Independent Study (Spring 2026)