Upcoming Classes
Color Key:
- Instrumentalists
- Vocalists
- All Musicians and Enthusiasts
Session Dates: June 10 to 27
Monday 6 pm
- Rhythm Section Grooves for Instrumentalists
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Roger SpencerAn important class for rhythm section players, this course explains the different rhythmic grooves or styles that a instrumentalist should know how to play: slow swing, ballad, medium swing, fast swing, straight ballad, swing ballad, jazz waltz, bossa nova, samba, mambo, cha-cha, bolero, rhumba funk, straight 8ths, straight 16ths, etc. Students will learn to recognize and play all of these styles with a better understanding of what each instrument does within each groove. (Suggested prerequisites: Small Ensemble, Comping for Pianists and Guitarists, Jazz Drumset )
- Standard Repertoire for Instrumentalists
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Matt Endahl
Special topic: STANDARD REPERTOIRE TO KNOW AT JAM SESSIONSThis is a great class for players looking to start and develop their jazz repertoire by focusing on standards commonly played and called in performance situations. Additional focus will be given to standard forms, chord progressions, intros and endings, modulations, and performance practices found in a number of jazz standards.
For all instruments.
- The Voice Lab
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Margaret Rose
CLASS MEETS AT NEW LEIPERS FORK LOCATIONFocusing on natural voice and conversational phrasing, students will learn from diagnostic techniques to evaluate performance and correct common vocal and performance problems. Voice Lab can be repeated or used as a review.
- Vocal Literature: The Blues - Part 1
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Lori MechemStudy and perform different elements and styles of the blues with such songs as "Kansas City" and "Route 66." You will become familiar with the repertoire and learn how to get the right sound. At the end of the 12 weeks, you will perform with an instrumental ensemble.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Monday 8 pm
- Advanced Vocal Literature: The Women Composers of Tin Pan Alley
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Lori MechemHonor Women's History in Jazz by celebrating the compositions of Dorothy Fields, Billie Holiday, Ann Ronnel, Bernice Petkere, Betty Comden, Blossom Dearie, Helen Humes, and Mary Lou Williams. We'll expand the rich lineage of women writers by also exploring the work of more contemporary writers, such as Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell. At the end of the six weeks, you will perform with an instrumental trio.
Suggested Prerequisite: Five Great American Songbook literature classes and Chart Writing
- Comping for Pianists and Guitarists
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Matt EndahlBeing a good rhythm player is just as important as being a good soloist. An art form in its own right, rhythm comping behind a soloist is the most important job of a pianist and/or guitarist. By exploring patterns and rhythmic figures that are important when accompanying a soloist, students will learn to provide a rhythmic and harmonic bed for an ensemble.
Intermediate level suggested.
- Instrumental Master Class
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Roger Spencer
ADVANCED TUNES FOR INSTRUMENTALISTSThis class is designed to advance students toward a greater sense of artistry and depth in jazz performance. Special topics will depend on the instructor and session.
Tuesday 12 pm
- Advanced Vocal Literature: The Women Composers of Tin Pan Alley
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Lori MechemHonor Women's History in Jazz by celebrating the compositions of Dorothy Fields, Billie Holiday, Ann Ronnel, Bernice Petkere, Betty Comden, Blossom Dearie, Helen Humes, and Mary Lou Williams. We'll expand the rich lineage of women writers by also exploring the work of more contemporary writers, such as Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell. At the end of the six weeks, you will perform with an instrumental trio.
Suggested Prerequisite: Five Great American Songbook literature classes and Chart Writing
Tuesday 6 pm
- Improv Comedy for Musical Artists
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Carolyn GermanWant to learn to get "out of your own way"? Want to be more free with your musical exploration? This fast-paced and funny 3 week mini session will shine some light on ways to embrace spontaneity, stretch your creativity, and allow yourself to listen and respond in a more organic way. And what better way to do this than that creatively-dangerous artform: Improv Comedy. Through exercises and games that get to the root of improv skills, participants will laugh and learn at the same time, and come away a new approach to musical and creative choice-making.
- Introduction to Jazz Singing
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Joe FreelLearn to sing jazz standards. In this class, you'll learn correct melodies to jazz standards along with groove, jazz phrasing, and tone, while getting comfortable singing with an accompanist.
- Rhythm Changes
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Roland BarberWith a blend of patterns, ear training, analysis, and technique, this class introduces the musician to the standard 'I Got Rhythm' chord changes. Students will learn various ways to improvise over these changes.
Tuesday 8 pm
- Best of Blue Note Ensemble
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Roland BarberStudy and perform compositions from the Blue Note era of the 1950's and '60's. Students will study musical selections from Blue Note artists, including Wayne Shorter, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Hank Mobley, and Horace Silver.
For trumpet, tenor, trombone, and rhythm section.
Intermediate to Advanced level suggested.
Wednesday 6 pm
- Rhythm Section Grooves for Vocalists
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Lori MechemAn important class for vocalists, this course explains the different rhythmic grooves or styles that a vocalist can ask instrumentalists to play while performing a song: slow swing, medium swing, fast swing, straight ballad, swing ballad, jazz waltz, bossa nova, samba, funk, straight 8ths, straight 16ths, etc. Students will learn to recognize and request all of these styles with a better understanding of what each instrument does within each groove.
Suggested Prerequisites: Introduction to Jazz Singing, Chart Writing and Musicianship for Vocalists
- Rhythm Section Lab
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Jonathan WiresThis class will concentrate on how to play as a group. You will learn how to improve your sound, tighten your groove and define the pocket! For Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar, Vibes and Percussion.
- Vocal Technique
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Liz JohnsonJazz singing offers the opportunity to learn contemporary singing techniques in a healthy and fun way. This class will help keep the student's voice in great shape with vocal exercises designed to promote ease of singing and to set the natural voice free. Students will learn some vocal physiology and anatomy, expand their range, and explore conversational singing through jazz. Unlock the secrets of singing through playful exercises, a bit of voice science, and jazz. Students sing with jazz tracks, and must purchase Hal Leonard's Jazz Tracks for Singers (male or female), book of 15 tunes and CD. Available at www.jazzbooks.com or www.halleonard.com
Wednesday 8 pm
- Intros and Endings
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Lori MechemIn this class, students will learn and play the most famous standard intros and endings for jazz tunes. Students will also research and write their own intros and endings to share with the class. This is an essential course for the performing instrumentalist.
- Vocal Improvisation 1
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Liz JohnsonStudents will learn the basic concepts of improvisation with topics including rhythmic syllables and spoken scat, basic root motion and guide tones, stylistic approach, and use of melody for soloing. Students will also be introduced to basic chord types and their function. They will learn to recognize chord spellings and will begin to improvise over 12-bar Blues progressions.
Suggested prerequisite: Ear Training 1
Thursday 6 pm
- Chart Writing
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Liz Johnson
Thursday, June 20, 6-9pm, Tuition $50This class will cover basic theory and notation and apply these to writing simple chord charts.
- Master Class
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Dr. Steven Lewis
Thursday, June 20, 6-9pm. Celebrating Black Music Month, "21st Century Jazz." Listening/Appreciation Class, Tuition $50A class focused on special topics or skills, led by a master NJW vocal teacher. Topic will vary with the instructor.
- Music Business-Know Your Rights: Copyrights, Licensing, Royalties & More
Course Summary | Instructor(s): Chris Hugan
Thursday, June 13, 6-9pm, Tuition $50Attention musicians, songwriters/composers, producers, artist managers, and student artists: Learn about copyright protection for your musical works, as well as mechanical licenses, synchronization licenses, and digital licenses. Find out about ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and how they serve you. Consider the future of music publishers and record companies and getting paid for the use of your music. Learn how to organize your song catalogues, recordings, and agreements, and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. This class will include lecture, informational materials, and group exercises to learn how to manage your musical works and your rights.