CLASSES FOR NON-MUSICIANS
Jazz History | << Back to Catalog

Jazz History

History of Jazz
A class covering the evolution of jazz styles from Dixieland though Bebop to Modal and Fusion.

How to Listen to Jazz
How to listen to jazz ensembles from the smallest (solo instrument) to the largest (big band). Emphasis on each instrument's role in the ensemble.

Theory for the Non-Musician
A beginning study of the nuts and bolts of basic theory. We make this as easy and painless as possible!

History of Big Bands

Listen Up!
A 2-hour accelerated (3-week) course for musicians and non-musicians, covering the act of listening; how to listen into the music; what to listen for, how to do it, and who to listen to; and listening between the notes.

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 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.

The Evolution of Jazz Saxophone
This listening class will cover the jazz saxophone in history from the early big bands to the present players. Students will be exposed to many great saxophone players and styles.

History and Styles of the Great Jazz Pianists
A class for musicians and non-musicians covering the styles of the great jazz pianists of our time, such as Nat Cole, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Wynton Kelly, Red Garland, and more. A great listening and discussion class.

The Life & Music of Miles Davis
A course covering the life of Miles Davis from his first professional job with Ernest Randle's Ramblers in St. Louis to his final concert at Montreaux, including his triumphs of the 1950's with arranger Gil Evans. Listening will include music from all of the major periods in Miles's career.

The Life and Music of John Coltrane
A listening course covering the life of John Coltrane and the innovations he introduced. Listening will include music from the different periods and styles of Coltrane’s music.

The Great Blues Singers
A listening class covering the history, styles, technique, and repertoire of the great blues singers of our time.

The Ladies of Song
A listening class exploring in depth the music and lives of some of the great women vocalists of our time.

Comparative Listening-The Great Jazz Standards
A class for the musician or non-musician focusing on some of the most-played standards. The class will listen to and analyze different versions of the same tunes in order to understand the elements of different jazz styles.

Listening to Brazilian Music
A listening class for the non-musician and musician covering the styles, history, and great repertoire of Brazilian music.

Listening to Cuban Music
A class for the non-musician or musician who wants to know more about the music of Cuba and how Cuban rhythms have affected American music. Students will be exposed to instruments in a Cuban ensemble, how they are played, and how they come together to make Cuban music.

The Great Jazz Trumpeters
A listening class for the non-musician and musician covering the styles, history, and repertoire of the great jazz trumpeters from Louis Armstrong to the present.

The Great Trumpet Sylists and the Singers They Influenced
A listening class covering the common musicianship shared by instrumentalists and vocalists, emphasizing how trumpeters have influenced vocalists.

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