CLASSES FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS
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Basic Rhythm Section Skills for Pianists & Guitarists
Introduction to rhythm section playing for pianists and guitarists by playing with a drummer and bassist. Emphasis on beginning jazz tunes, time, using chord extensions and basic soloing.
Introduction to Ensemble Playing
A class open to all instrumentalists focusing on the beginning concepts of group playing and how to listen.
Ensemble (formerly Rhythm Section)
A class made up of a quartet or quintet. Materials covered include literature, intros, endings, styles, tempos and comping.
Cannonball Adderly Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of the group's most famous recordings. For alto sax, trumpet, piano, bass and drums. Intermediate level required.
Clifford Brown/Max Roach Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Ensemble. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Clifford and Max's famous recordings. For trumpet, tenor sax, piano, bass and drums. Intermediate level required.
Wes Montgomery Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire, guitar techniques, and stylings of Wes Montgomery and his trios. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Wes' most famous recordings. For guitar, piano, bass and drums. Intermediate level required.
Brazilian Music Ensemble
A class covering all major Brazilian styles including Samba, Bossa Nova, Frevo, Maracatu and Baiao. This is a hands/on ensemble setting. For all instruments. Intermediate level required. Pre-requisite for percussionists/ Brazilian Percussion. Offered once a year.
Cuban Music Ensemble
A class offering the foundations of both contemporary and folkloric Cuban music styles, with historic perspectives. This is a hands-on workshop where the players will become familiar with playing salsa in the tradition. For all instruments. Intermediate level required. Pre-requisite for percussionists: Cuban Percussion. Offered once a year.
Acid Jazz Ensemble 1& 2
A class covering the history, groove and stylings of Acid Jazz. Emphasis will be groove along with intense study of some of the famous Blue Note groove tunes. Intermediate level required. For piano, bass, drums, guitar, horn.
Intermediate Ensemble
Soul Jazz Ensemble
Intermediate to Advanced Ensemble covering great soul jazz tunes from artists such as Ramsey Lewis, Eddie Harris, Les McCann, & Stanley Turrentine.
Grant Green Ensemble
An ensemble covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of Grant Green from his classic Blue Note recordings during the early to mid-60's. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Grant's most famous original compositions as well as standards performed by the master. Instrumentation will include Guitar, B3 Organ, Drums and Tenor Saxophone.
Horace Silver Ensemble 1
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Blue Note years of Horace Silver. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Horace's famous recordings. For trumpet, alto, tenor, trombone and rhythm section. Intermediate to advanced level required.
Horace Silver Ensemble 2
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Blue Note years of Horace Silver. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Horace's famous recordings. For trumpet, alto, tenor, trombone and rhythm section. Intermediate to advanced level required.
Sonny Rollins Ensemble
A class covering the composistions and history of Sonny Rollins. Emphasis on solo transcription and ensemble playing. For piano or guitar, bass, drums and tenor. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Stan Getz Bossa Nova Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the early 60's collaborations with Gilberto and Jobim. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of their famous recordings. For tenor, nylon string guitar, voice and rhythm section. Intermediate to advanced level required.
Thelonious Monk Ensemble
A class covering the history , repertoire and stylings of Monk's original compositions. The ensemble performs orchestrations of selected Monk tunes and concentrates on the particular problems of improvising over Monk's harmonic structures. For Tenor, Alto, Trumpet, Trombone and Rhythm Section. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Tower of Power Ensemble
A class covering the repertoire and style of this famous funk band. Emphasis on precision and groove. The ensemble will perform some of Tower of Power's greatest hits. For tenor, trumpet, baritone sax and full rhythm section. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
George Shearing Ensemble 1
A class covering the repertoire and the ?Shearing Sound.? Emphasis on ensemble playing, block chord voicings for piano, and tanscriptions of his most famous songs. For piano, bass, drums, guitar, and vibes. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
George Shearing Ensemble 2
A class covering the repertoire and the ?Shearing Sound.? Emphasis on ensemble playing, block chord voicings for piano, and tanscriptions of his most famous songs. For piano, bass, drums, guitar, and vibes. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Jazztet Ensemble
Music of the Benny Golson/Art Farmer Jazztet. For trumpet, tenor, trombone, and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Art Blakey Ensemble 1
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers. The ensemble performs transcriptions of Blakey's most famous recordings. For tenor, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Art Blakey Ensemble 2
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers. The ensemble performs transcriptions of Blakey's most famous recordings. For tenor, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Miles Davis Ensemble 1
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the mid-50's and 60's Prestige recordings of the famous quintet. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Miles's famous arrangements. For Trumpet, Alto and Tenor with rhythm section. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Miles Davis Ensemble 2
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the mid-50's and 60?s Prestige recordings of the famous quintet. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Miles?s famous arrangements. For Trumpet, Alto and Tenor with rhythm section. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Bill Evans Trio
A class covering the styles and analysis of the classic Bill Evans Trio sound. Transcriptions will be required. For Piano, bass, drums and guitar. Advanced level required.
Bird & Diz Ensemble 1 & 2
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the mid to late 40's emergence of Bebop. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of their famous recordings and solos. For all horns and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Brecker Brothers Ensemble
A class covering the repertoire and style of the Brecker Brothers sound. The ensemble will perform some of Michael and Randy's most famous tunes. For tenor, trumpet, alto and full rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Cal Tjader Ensemble
A class covering the repertoire and stylings of Cal Tjader. Emphasis on ensemble playing, groove and precision. For vibes, guitar, piano, bass and percussion. Advanced level required.
Charles Mingus Ensemble 1
A class covering the repertoire and history of Charles Mingus. This class is written for 5 horns and a rhythm section. Emphasis will be on ensemble playing. For 2 trumpets, alto, tenor, trombone, piano, bass and drums. Advanced level required.
Charles Mingus Ensemble 2
A class covering the repertoire and history of Charles Mingus. This class is written for 5 horns and a rhythm section. Emphasis will be on ensemble playing. For 2 trumpets, alto, tenor, trombone, piano, bass and drums. Advanced level required.
Chick Corea Ensemble
A class covering the early recordings of Chick to the music from 'Return to Forever.' For piano, bass, drums, sax and voice. Advanced level required.
Herbie Hancock Ensemble (Electric)
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Herbie Hancock fusion/funk period. For piano, bass, drums, sax, and guitar. Advanced level required.
Herbie Hancock Ensemble (Bluenote)
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Blue Note years of Herbie Hancock. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Herbie's famous recordings. For trumpet, tenor, trombone and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Dave Brubeck Ensemble
A class covering the classic tunes of Dave Brubeck. Emphasis on odd meters, solo transcription and ensemble playing. For piano, bass, drums and alto. Advanced level required.
Dizzy Gillespie Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the late 50's-early 60's Dizzy Gillespie band. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Dizzy's famous recordings, including some of the Afro-Cuban tunes. For trumpet, alto, tenor, trombone and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
John Coltrane Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire and stylings of the Blue Note years. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Coltrane's most famous compositions. For Tenor, and Rhythm Section. Advanced level required.
Best of Blue Note Ensemble
An ensemble covering music from the Blue Note era of the 1950's and 60's. For 2-3 horns and rhythm section.
Duke Ellington Ensemble
An ensemble focusing on the compositions and harmonic style of Duke Ellington. On octet with five horns and rhythm section.
John Scofield Ensemble
A class covering the repertoire and style of John Scofield. The ensemble will perform some of John's most famous tunes. For Guitar and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Lee Morgan Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Blue Note years of Lee Morgan. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Lee's famous recordings. For trumpet, alto, tenor, trombone and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Modern Jazz Quartet
A class covering the sound and repertoire of the MJQ, dealing with the chamber music approach of John Lewis's compositions. For vibes, piano, bass and drums. Advanced level required.
Oliver Nelson Ensemble
A class covering the music from the ?Blues and the Abstract Truth.? For 3 saxes and trumpet and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Pat Metheny Ensemble
A class covering the repertoire and stylings of Pat Metheny. Emphasis will be made on sound, odd meters and improvisation. The ensemble will perform some of Pat's famous songs. For Guitar, percussion and full rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Wayne Shorter Ensemble
A class covering the history, repertoire, and stylings of the Blue Note years of Wayne Shorter. The ensemble performs transcriptions of some of Wayne's famous recordings. For trumpet, alto, tenor, trombone and rhythm section. Advanced level required.
Weather Report Ensemble
A class covering the most famous recordings of this band. Emphasis on groove, soloing, and most of all... how to play as a group. One of the original members, Chester Thompson will conduct this ensemble. For piano, bass, drums, percussion and sax. Audition only.
Advanced Instrumental Ensemble
A performance ensemble for advanced students featuring intensive study of advanced repertoire and advanced improvisational devices.
Advanced Ensemble-New Arrangements of Old Standards
Taking old standards and making them new and exciting can be quite challenging. Learn how to "freshen" the music up. Each student will be required to arrange a tune for the ensemble. By audition.
Advanced Ensemble Techniques
Learn to play in an advanced setting by sharpening your sightreading skills and performing challenging arrangements. For all instruments.
Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1
A beginning look at 4 note chords and their inversions, then moving to upper structures, such as 9, 11 and 13 chords and their alterations. Learn to play these in several positions. Emphasis on ii-V-I's and their inversions.
Jazz Drumset Essentials 1
This will introduce the beginning jazz drummer basic ride patterns, latin patterns, comping, song forms and an introduction to brushes.
Jazz Piano Styles
A class covering some of jazz history's most famous pianists, starting with Fats Waller and Willie "The Lion" Smith and continuing to today's most famous players. Discussion of each player's distinctive sound, style, and repertoire.
Guitar Styles
Guitar Comping I
A 2 hour class covering many 'comping' concepts specifically geared for the beginning to intermediate guitarist. Drop 2, Drop 3, and pianistic voicings will be discussed as they pertain to standards and more specifically the ii/V/I progression. Harmonization techniques including Wes Montgomery block-chord style will be covered as well as Joe Pass walking bass line style of playing. Rhythmic devices as well as beginning tension and chord substitution will also be discussed. This class is an excellent way for the guitarist to get deeper inside his/her role of comping.
Jazz Guitar Voicings
For guitarists who want to move beyond vanilla "guitar chords" to authentic jazz voicings. The class will begin with 3rds & 7ths (guide tones), and move through triads and quartal voicings. Students will apply voicings over jazz blues progressions.
History and Styles of the Classic Jazz Trios
A class covering some of the most famous trios in jazz history, including Oscar Peterson, Nat Cole, Ahmad Jamal, and Red Garland. Topics covered will be history, styles, repertoire, and transcriptions. For musicians and non-musicians.
Jazz Keyboard Voicings 2
A continuation of Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1. Emphasis on sight reading chord charts, right and left hand voicings and more upper structure voicings with alterations.
Jazz Drumset Essentials 2
A continuation of Jazz Drumset Essentials 1 with a emphasis on advanced comping techniques, and intro to soloing and brushwork. Students will get to play with bass and piano.
Easy Jazz Guitar
Class is designed for beginning jazz guitarists, advanced beginners, and players versed in other styles who want to make the transition to jazz. Focus is on simple chord shapes and rhythms to get a jazz sound; chord voicings; comping rhythms; and guide tones.
Drumset Improvisation 1
A class covering the concepts and techniques needed to create 'musical vehicles', such as 4's, 8's and full choruses. Students will compose and play their own solos.
Drumset Improvisation 2
A continuation of Drumset Improv 1 with an emphasis on applying to standard repertoire. Students will play more melodies and building into full blown choruses. Pre-requisite Drumset Improvisation 1.
Jazz Chops for Guitarists
A class for guitarists to play faster and with greater fluency without tensing up. Learn to play bebop lines and edge the tempos up.
Jazz Keyboard Voicings 3
The Art of the Duo
A class on how to play as a duo. In different playing situations, you may have piano and voice, guitar and voice, and horn and bass with either piano and voice. Learn how to play in all these situations. Advanced level required. For vocalists and instrumentalists.
Intros and Endings
For Pianists and Guitarists-- a study of standard intros and endings for jazz tunes. Students will research and write their own intros and endings to share with the class. Learning these intros and endings will be essential for the performing musician.
Introduction to the B3 Organ
A class covering the ins and outs of the Hammond Organ. Starting with a brief history of the instrument and how the instrument got into jazz and blues, the class offers in-depth instruction on using the drawbars, the playing touch (different than piano), use of the expression pedal, the difference between a Leslie speaker and 'straight' ones, discussion of Hammond 'clones.' Also addressed is left hand bass and the bass pedals. The class is primarily directed to pianists who want to know how play the Hammond.
The Essence of Brushwork
A class focuing on all the necessary time keeping patterns, and on new and useful brush techniques to help the execution of the time and solo work. Students will also focus on sound and its purpose.
Cuban Percussion
This class will focus on all the instruments of the Cuban rhythm section: Conga, Bongo, Timbales, as well as guiro, merengue guira, maracas and shekere. The participants will also get a firm grasp of how clave functions in Cuban music and how all the percussion parts fit together in clave. We will also cover how songs in Cuban music and Salsa are constructed, breaks, intros (how to come in properly) and 'when to play what.' This course is a pre-requisite for the Cuban Music Ensemble.
Brazilian Percussion
This class covers the major styles of Brazilian music and the associated styles, instruments, and techniques. Instruments include the Pandeiro, Ganza, Caxixi, Chekere, Surdo, Tamborim,Timbau & Repinique, Agogo, Caixa (Snare Drum), Berimbau, Atabaque, and Quica.
Introduction to Brazilian Guitar
The study of brazilian guitar and its function in bossa nova and samba. Learn voicings, rhythms and comping patterns.
Nothing But The Conga
In order to play Cuban music convincingly it is essential to have an understanding of the conga drum, also known as the tumbadoras. It is not possible to play the other percussion instruments convincingly without this knowledge. This 6-week course is designed to provide the student with grounding in conga technique. It is strongy recommended that participants own a conga drum.
Wes Montgomery Guitar Style
The guitar stylings, techniques, chord voicings, and tunes of this great jazz guitarist.
Art Blakey Drumset
A class for drummers covering the styles and techniques of Art Blakey. This is an intensive study of a jazz master and his contribution to jazz drumming. Transcribing and technique will be emphasized. This class is a pre-requisite to the Art Blakey Ensemble. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Max Roach Drumset
A class for drummers covering the time and solo techniques of Max Roach. This is a great class for improvisation on the drumset. Transcribing and technique will be emphasized. This is a pre-requisite to the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Ensemble. Intermediate level required.
It's About Time
A class for drummers and bassists designed to center the player's time. The class work includes metronome studies, time studies, and discussion of the role of drums and bass as timekeeper.
Get In The Pocket
An essential class for the intermediate to advanced instrumentalist wanting to learn to get inside the time. Emphasis on playing with only a drummer. The class also covers the beginnings of playing time on the drumset.
How To Accompany A Soloist
Whether it is a vocalist or another instrumentalist, a pianist or guitarist must be able to support the soloist. Emphasis on comping, bass lines, voicings, intros and endings. Students will get to work with vocalists and horn players. A great class for the working musician. Advanced Level. Pre-requsites- Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1 and 2, Intros and Endings, and a background of ensemble playing.
Chordal Instrumental Toolbox
An essential class for the intermediate to advanced player. Devices and tools the player can use on a gig, including progressions, advanced chord voicings, accompaniment techniques. From Pat Coil's book, ‘Sessions of a Working Piano Player.’ For pianists and guitarists.
Grant Green Guitar Style
A 2 hour course concentrating on the soloing techniques/concepts used by Grant Green. These techniques will be studied through the use of solo transcriptions as well as lead sheets to many of Green's original compositions. Specific melodic patterns used by Green will be examined as well as scale choices used by Green, especially bebop scales and blues scales. Green's improvisational ideas will be used extensively over the ii/V/I progression as well as standard jazz forms such as AABA, Blues and Rhythm Changes.
Chester Thompson Drumset Master Class
A class for intermediate/advanced drummers. Chester will work through practice techniques, time, triplets, soloing, and more. This is a 3 week Mini-course.
Salsa Piano
Learn traditional piano montunos needed for playing in Cuban ensemble. Learn the difference in the two claves and how the piano montuno is shaped around each of them.
Solo Piano
Work on composing your own arrangements of standard repertoire and how to execute it in a solo format. Components discussed will be stride, Shearing Voicings, stylistic considerations, tempo vs rubato, intros or endings, soloing, bass lines, harmonic movement and TIME.
Jimmy Raney Guitar Style
This class focuses on the guitar stylings, techniques, and phrasing of this great jazz guitarist.
Solo Guitar
A class focusing on the elements of solo jazz guitar -- melody, comping, and bass lines -- and how to combine these to make music using the entire guitar.
Jazz Piano Master Class
Open to intermediate to advanced pianists. Students will prepare a solo piano piece to play each week. These performances will serve as a springboard for discussion and examples of what and how to practice. Topics covered will include harmonization techniques, voicings and textures, melodic phrasing, improvisation, repertoire, and historical styles.
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
A class on 'The Basics.' A study of theory, chords, scales and blues. For the Beginner.
Beginning Jazz Improvisation 1
A class focusing on the study of chords, scales, modes, simple patterns and harmonic structure. For all instruments.
Beginning Jazz Improvisation 2
A class focusing on the study of chords, scales, modes, simple patterns and harmonic structure. For all instruments.
Beginning Jazz Improvisation 3
A continuation of Beginning Improvisation 2 -- A class focusing on the study of chords, scales, modes, simple patterns and harmonic structure. For all instruments.
Introduction to Modes
Blues Improvisation 1
A class introducing the musician to the blues, and various ways to improv over standard changes and substitutions. This class is a blend of patterns, ear training, analysis and technique. The class will also look at Minor blues. Intermediate level required.
Blues Improvisation 2
A class introducing the musician to the blues, and various ways to improv over standard changes and substitutions. This class is a blend of patterns, ear training, analysis and technique. The class will also look at Minor blues. Intermediate level required.
Applying Improvisation Skills With Live Rhythm Section
The ii-V-I Progression
A class introducing the musician to the most important chord progression in jazz. This class is a blend of patterns, ear training, analysis and technique.
Rhythm Changes
A class introducing the musician to the standard 'I Got Rhythm' chord changes and various ways to improvise over these changes. This class is a blend of patterns, ear training, analysis, and technique. Intermediate level required.
Standard Repertoire for Instrumentalists
Diminished Patterns 1
A class covering the minor ii7b5-V7b9-I6 progression. Emphasis on diminished scales and their purpose and patterns that will work over this progression. This class is a blend of ear training and analysis as well. Intermediate level required.
Intermediate Improvisation
A class concentrating on patterns, playing in different keys, call and response, chord alterations, tempos, and group participation. Application to bebop and straight ahead swing tunes.
Solo Transcription
A class covering techniques involved in melodic, harmonic and rhythmic transcription of improvised solos from recordings. Intermediate level required.
Call & Response-Developing Quick Ears & Transcribing Solos
Calisthenics for Instrumentalists
An intensive class on running scales, arpeggios, and patterns in all keys. Players will increase dexterity and speed. Intermediate level required.
Diminished Patterns 2
Advanced study of diminished patterns focusing on the minor ii-v-i.
Modal Approach to Altered Chords
A class covering the scales and modes that can be used over altered chords. Chord study and analysis of tunes will be covered as well. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Improvisation by Ear
A class introducing the musician to call and response. Listening and playing it back. The class will work through different forms such as blues and rhythm changes as will as ii-V patterns. An essential class for the musician who is looking to strengthen their ear training abilities.
Hearing Chord Changes by Ear
Stages
An intermediate improvisation class on how to develop your solos from very simple melodies to bebop lines. For the intermediate/advanced improvisor.
Augmented Patterns
Study of augmented patterns and their application.
Quick Access to Altered Extensions
Advanced Improvisation
A class covering complex harmonic structures, transcription and analysis of jazz solos. Application to bebop and modal style of tunes.
Thelonious Monk/Bud Powell Improvisation
Improvisation class is open to intermediate to advanced instrumentalists and vocalists. Prior improvisational experience is suggested. The class will examine a few important works by each composer, first analyzing the pieces and studying the recordings made by Monk and Powell (and others when relevent), then identifying, and putting into practice, specific techniques for improvisation over each piece. The class will be a "laboratory" setting, with much group playing, interaction, and discussion.
Charlie Parker Improvisation
Learn the tunes and solos of one of the greatest saxophone players in our history. Emphasis is on transcription and technical execution of the tunes. This is a 2-part class, with part 2 focusing on performance and students writing a bebop head in the style of Charlie Parker. The Charlie Parker Omnibook is a required text for this class (can be ordered from www.jazzbooks.com).
Bill Evans Improvisation
A study of the music of Bill Evans, with analysis of his improvisational style and solo transcription. Geared for pianists and guitarists.
Why We Play, What We Play
This class will focus on the reason we play a song the way we do. This is not a theory class, but a class that deals with communication and sharing of the emotion in music. We will cover a range of songs from sad to joyful. The purpose is to discover who we are as individuals in this music. There was a reason why monk, dizzy, duke and others played the way they did. Find out who you are in this music.
Bebop and Post-Bop Vocabulary for the Intermediate to Advanced Improvisor
This class will cover jazz and non-jazz improvisational tools for expanding your melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic vocabulary. Along with pure free improvisation, the bebop and post bebop vocabulary of Charlie Parker and Wayne Shorter will be explored in this hands-on class.
Melodic Approach to Upper Extensions
Odd and Multi-Meter Tunes
This class will explore music with odd or multi-meter time signatures. Composers studied will include: John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Dave Brubeck, and Danilo Perez. After analyzing the music aurally various exercises will be used to internalize the meter(s). Finally, the class will play the music with greater confidence and become actively engaged in the creative process of improvising in odd and multi-meters. This class is for intermediate to advanced musicians with prior experience with improvisation, and may be audited by non-musicians with an interest in learning more about this music.
Jazz Theory
A beginning theory class for musicians and non-musicians.
Ear Training 1
A basic class starting with intervals, triads, 4 note chords, inversions of chords, bass lines and simple melody lines. Minimal dictation.
Ear Training 2
A continuation of Ear Training 1. A study of chordal extensions and their inversions and voicings. How to pull parts off a CD.
Ear Training 3
A continuation of ear training 2.
Chart Writing for Vocalists and Instrumentalists
A class covering the basics of notation and application to writing simple chord charts. Intros and Endings to tunes are discussed. Prerequisite: Ear Training 1.
Jazz Harmony
This class begins with fundamentals of theory: key signatures, major and minor scales, and their importance in understanding jazz harmony. Standard jazz literature will provide study material to learn about chord types, chord progression and aids to memorization. Mastery of these basic elements will pave the way for understanding more complex harmonic structures.
Beginning Arranging 1
An introduction to arranging for a small group. The class begins with lead sheets and trio arrangements, progressing to arrangements for horns.
Interpreting a Lead Sheet: the ii-v-i
This class focuses on chord vocabulary, changing key centers and their significance to the tune. Suitable for keyboardists, instrumentalists and vocalists. Participants need basic understanding of chord symbolization and some basic keyboard skills. Course can be of value even if these skills are not well-developed.
Beginning Sightreading for Vocalists & Instrumentalists
A beginning class on how to sightread charts and single lines. For all instrumentalists and vocalists.
Beginning Sightreading for Vocalists & Instrumentalists
A beginning class on how to sightread charts and single lines. For all instrumentalists and vocalists.
Beginning Arranging 2
Intermediate Arranging
Arranging for Guitar
A class for the intermediate to advanced guitarist that will focus on using the different elements of the guitar (chords, melody, bass lines) to create interesting arrangements. This is a great class for guitarists who would like to improve their ability to play with a vocalist or other instrumentalist in a duo or trio situation.
Advanced Ear Training
Sightreading & Stylizing Arrangements for the Advanced Instrumentalist
Lyric Writing
This class examines lyrics of the famous composers, including Broadway, Hollywood, and jazz writers. Topics include rhyme schemes and song forms as they apply to the lyric,. Students bring in their own writing, find and bring in various lyrics, and bring and perform their own songs for critique. The class also looks at how Western Literature and poetry influenced major lyricists such as Johnny Mercer, E.Y. Harburg, and Lorenz Hart.
Original Jazz Composition
A class on original student compositions. This class will cover the different forms of jazz as well as styles, such as (blues, minor blues, rhythm changes, modal tunes, and writing in the style of famous jazz composer). Notation will be discussed as well as helpful tools to sight reading other charts. Prerequisite Jazz Theory 1 & 2 and Chart Writing.
Harmonic Analysis and Substitutions
Jazz Drumset Essentials 1
This will introduce the beginning jazz drummer basic ride patterns, latin patterns, comping, song forms and an introduction to brushes.
Jazz Drumset Essentials 2
A continuation of Jazz Drumset Essentials 1 with a emphasis on advanced comping techniques, and intro to soloing and brushwork. Students will get to play with bass and piano.
Drumset Improvisation 1
A class covering the concepts and techniques needed to create 'musical vehicles', such as 4's, 8's and full choruses. Students will compose and play their own solos.
Drumset Improvisation 2
A continuation of Drumset Improv 1 with an emphasis on applying to standard repertoire. Students will play more melodies and building into full blown choruses. Pre-requisite Drumset Improvisation 1.
Art Blakey Drumset
A class for drummers covering the styles and techniques of Art Blakey. This is an intensive study of a jazz master and his contribution to jazz drumming. Transcribing and technique will be emphasized. This class is a pre-requisite to the Art Blakey Ensemble. Intermediate to Advanced level required.
Max Roach Drumset
A class for drummers covering the time and solo techniques of Max Roach. This is a great class for improvisation on the drumset. Transcribing and technique will be emphasized. This is a pre-requisite to the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Ensemble. Intermediate level required.
Chester Thompson Drumset Master Class
A class for intermediate/advanced drummers. Chester will work through practice techniques, time, triplets, soloing, and more. This is a 3 week Mini-course.
The Essence of Brushwork
A class focuing on all the necessary time keeping patterns, and on new and useful brush techniques to help the execution of the time and solo work. Students will also focus on sound and its purpose.
Cuban Percussion
This class will focus on all the instruments of the Cuban rhythm section: Conga, Bongo, Timbales, as well as guiro, merengue guira, maracas and shekere. The participants will also get a firm grasp of how clave functions in Cuban music and how all the percussion parts fit together in clave. We will also cover how songs in Cuban music and Salsa are constructed, breaks, intros (how to come in properly) and 'when to play what.' This course is a pre-requisite for the Cuban Music Ensemble.
Brazilian Percussion
This class covers the major styles of Brazilian music and the associated styles, instruments, and techniques. Instruments include the Pandeiro, Ganza, Caxixi, Chekere, Surdo, Tamborim,Timbau & Repinique, Agogo, Caixa (Snare Drum), Berimbau, Atabaque, and Quica.
Nothing But The Conga
In order to play Cuban music convincingly it is essential to have an understanding of the conga drum, also known as the tumbadoras. It is not possible to play the other percussion instruments convincingly without this knowledge. This 6-week course is designed to provide the student with grounding in conga technique. It is strongy recommended that participants own a conga drum.
Jazz Piano Styles
A class covering some of jazz history's most famous pianists, starting with Fats Waller and Willie "The Lion" Smith and continuing to today's most famous players. Discussion of each player's distinctive sound, style, and repertoire.
Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1
A beginning look at 4 note chords and their inversions, then moving to upper structures, such as 9, 11 and 13 chords and their alterations. Learn to play these in several positions. Emphasis on ii-V-I's and their inversions.
Jazz Keyboard Voicings 2
A continuation of Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1. Emphasis on sight reading chord charts, right and left hand voicings and more upper structure voicings with alterations.
Jazz Keyboard Voicings 3
Basic Rhythm Section Skills for Pianists & Guitarists
Introduction to rhythm section playing for pianists and guitarists by playing with a drummer and bassist. Emphasis on beginning jazz tunes, time, using chord extensions and basic soloing.
Intros and Endings
For Pianists and Guitarists-- a study of standard intros and endings for jazz tunes. Students will research and write their own intros and endings to share with the class. Learning these intros and endings will be essential for the performing musician.
Salsa Piano
Learn traditional piano montunos needed for playing in Cuban ensemble. Learn the difference in the two claves and how the piano montuno is shaped around each of them.
How To Accompany A Soloist
Whether it is a vocalist or another instrumentalist, a pianist or guitarist must be able to support the soloist. Emphasis on comping, bass lines, voicings, intros and endings. Students will get to work with vocalists and horn players. A great class for the working musician. Advanced Level. Pre-requsites- Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1 and 2, Intros and Endings, and a background of ensemble playing.
Chordal Instrumental Toolbox
An essential class for the intermediate to advanced player. Devices and tools the player can use on a gig, including progressions, advanced chord voicings, accompaniment techniques. From Pat Coil's book, ‘Sessions of a Working Piano Player.’ For pianists and guitarists.
Thelonious Monk/Bud Powell Improvisation
Improvisation class is open to intermediate to advanced instrumentalists and vocalists. Prior improvisational experience is suggested. The class will examine a few important works by each composer, first analyzing the pieces and studying the recordings made by Monk and Powell (and others when relevent), then identifying, and putting into practice, specific techniques for improvisation over each piece. The class will be a "laboratory" setting, with much group playing, interaction, and discussion.
Bill Evans Improvisation
A study of the music of Bill Evans, with analysis of his improvisational style and solo transcription. Geared for pianists and guitarists.
Solo Piano
Work on composing your own arrangements of standard repertoire and how to execute it in a solo format. Components discussed will be stride, Shearing Voicings, stylistic considerations, tempo vs rubato, intros or endings, soloing, bass lines, harmonic movement and TIME.
Jazz Piano Master Class
Open to intermediate to advanced pianists. Students will prepare a solo piano piece to play each week. These performances will serve as a springboard for discussion and examples of what and how to practice. Topics covered will include harmonization techniques, voicings and textures, melodic phrasing, improvisation, repertoire, and historical styles.
Guitar Styles
Easy Jazz Guitar
Class is designed for beginning jazz guitarists, advanced beginners, and players versed in other styles who want to make the transition to jazz. Focus is on simple chord shapes and rhythms to get a jazz sound; chord voicings; comping rhythms; and guide tones.
Basic Rhythm Section Skills for Pianists & Guitarists
Introduction to rhythm section playing for pianists and guitarists by playing with a drummer and bassist. Emphasis on beginning jazz tunes, time, using chord extensions and basic soloing.
Jazz Guitar Voicings
For guitarists who want to move beyond vanilla "guitar chords" to authentic jazz voicings. The class will begin with 3rds & 7ths (guide tones), and move through triads and quartal voicings. Students will apply voicings over jazz blues progressions.
Guitar Comping I
A 2 hour class covering many 'comping' concepts specifically geared for the beginning to intermediate guitarist. Drop 2, Drop 3, and pianistic voicings will be discussed as they pertain to standards and more specifically the ii/V/I progression. Harmonization techniques including Wes Montgomery block-chord style will be covered as well as Joe Pass walking bass line style of playing. Rhythmic devices as well as beginning tension and chord substitution will also be discussed. This class is an excellent way for the guitarist to get deeper inside his/her role of comping.
Jazz Chops for Guitarists
A class for guitarists to play faster and with greater fluency without tensing up. Learn to play bebop lines and edge the tempos up.
Intros and Endings
For Pianists and Guitarists-- a study of standard intros and endings for jazz tunes. Students will research and write their own intros and endings to share with the class. Learning these intros and endings will be essential for the performing musician.
How To Accompany A Soloist
Whether it is a vocalist or another instrumentalist, a pianist or guitarist must be able to support the soloist. Emphasis on comping, bass lines, voicings, intros and endings. Students will get to work with vocalists and horn players. A great class for the working musician. Advanced Level. Pre-requsites- Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1 and 2, Intros and Endings, and a background of ensemble playing.
Chordal Instrumental Toolbox
An essential class for the intermediate to advanced player. Devices and tools the player can use on a gig, including progressions, advanced chord voicings, accompaniment techniques. From Pat Coil's book, ‘Sessions of a Working Piano Player.’ For pianists and guitarists.
Arranging for Guitar
A class for the intermediate to advanced guitarist that will focus on using the different elements of the guitar (chords, melody, bass lines) to create interesting arrangements. This is a great class for guitarists who would like to improve their ability to play with a vocalist or other instrumentalist in a duo or trio situation.
Introduction to Brazilian Guitar
The study of brazilian guitar and its function in bossa nova and samba. Learn voicings, rhythms and comping patterns.
Grant Green Guitar Style
A 2 hour course concentrating on the soloing techniques/concepts used by Grant Green. These techniques will be studied through the use of solo transcriptions as well as lead sheets to many of Green's original compositions. Specific melodic patterns used by Green will be examined as well as scale choices used by Green, especially bebop scales and blues scales. Green's improvisational ideas will be used extensively over the ii/V/I progression as well as standard jazz forms such as AABA, Blues and Rhythm Changes.
Wes Montgomery Guitar Style
The guitar stylings, techniques, chord voicings, and tunes of this great jazz guitarist.
Jimmy Raney Guitar Style
This class focuses on the guitar stylings, techniques, and phrasing of this great jazz guitarist.
Solo Guitar
A class focusing on the elements of solo jazz guitar -- melody, comping, and bass lines -- and how to combine these to make music using the entire guitar.
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