University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

OSTINATOS IN JAZZ DRUM SET IMPROVISATION: A PEDAGOGICAL AND CONCEPTUAL GUIDE FROM MAX ROACH TO MARCUS GILMORE

Osawa, Maxwell

This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130417

Description

Title
OSTINATOS IN JAZZ DRUM SET IMPROVISATION: A PEDAGOGICAL AND CONCEPTUAL GUIDE FROM MAX ROACH TO MARCUS GILMORE
Author(s)
Osawa, Maxwell
Issue Date
2025
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Spencer, Joel
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Spencer, Joel
Committee Member(s)
  • Pugh, James
  • McNeill, Charles
  • Tharp, Reynold
Department of Study
School of Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Date of Ingest
2025-12-01T15:51:28-06:00
Keyword(s)
  • Jazz
  • Drums
  • Ostinato
  • Improvisation
  • Max Roach
  • Joe Farnsworth
  • Bill Stewart
  • Marcus Gilmore
Language
eng
Abstract
This study undertakes a pedagogical exploration of ostinatos in jazz drum set improvisation, tracing their evolution from the swing era to contemporary performance practice. Through the analysis of ostinato applications from drummers Max Roach, Bill Stewart, Joseph Farnsworth, and Marcus Gilmore, this paper categorizes ostinatos into three types—simple timekeeping, layered and polyrhythmic, and “created clave”—to examine their distinct functions within improvisational contexts. Rooted in jazz’s intercultural rhythmic heritage, the work argues for the ostinato as a powerful improvisational tool, capable of enhancing accessibility and danceability without necessitating a reduction in complexity. Through transcription, analysis, and original exercises, this guide offers performing drummers both technical and conceptual frameworks to integrate ostinatos into modern jazz improvisation. Ultimately, it reframes the ostinato not as a clichéd function of specific styles, but as a flexible and expressive device that encourages rhythmic exploration and audience connection.
Type of Resource
text
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2025 Maxwell Osawa

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Papers [Option 3] - Music PRIMARY