Jazz Studies

Jazz study in the Eastman Community Music School is offered on all instruments and in voice at all levels and for all ages. The following courses and ensembles are intended to give middle school, high school, and adult instrumental and vocal students a thorough background in the history, theory, composition, and performance of jazz. Diplomas can be earned with a concentration in jazz studies, by completing a required curriculum (see Diploma Information or contact Eastman Community Music School office). The Community Music School also offers specialized private studio instruction for all instruments.

Back to course list for 2011-12

Jazz Theory I

Middle School & Adults; 4 units

Evan Dobbins, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

This full year course will introduce students to the student to basic theory + jazz applications/concepts: major and minor scales, intervals, triads, seventh chords, major scale modes, the blues scale, the blues, jazz rhythms, circle of fifths and modal tunes. Emphasis will be on applied theory and developing elementary jazz vocabulary through transcribing, scale arpeggio practice and solo analysis. 

Prior knowledge of theory not required.  Class Details

Tuition: $272 per semester;

$245 or less per semester with lessons.

 

Jazz Theory II

High School & Adults; 4 units

Doug Stone, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

A continuation of Jazz Theory I. Reinforcement of Major / Minor modes, blues scales, II-V-I in Major and Minor keys, improvisation concepts in dealing with standards and rhythm changes. More emphasis on ear training, composing solos on chord changes, learning II-V-I patterns and transposing to other keys, introduction to diminished and whole tone and scales. Class Details

Prerequisite: Jazz Theory I or permission of the instructor.

Tuition: $272 per semester;

$245 or less per semester with lessons.

 

Jazz Theory III

High School & Adults; 4 units

Mike Kaupa, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Reinforcement of skills gained in Jazz Theory I/II. In this course, a greater emphasis will be placed on transcription and analysis of more difficult songs in the jazz idiom: advanced methods of getting through rhythm changes, tunes with non-diatonic chord movement, Coltrane changes, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. In addition, further exploration of altered dominant, modes of the melodic minor and diminished applications.  Class Details

Prerequisite: Jazz Theory II or permission of the instructor.

Tuition: $272 per semester;

$245 or less per semester with lessons.

 

Jazz Theory Project

Half-hour private lesson; full year course.
Tuition: $513 per semester with instructor or $350 with intern

 

Jazz History

High School & Adults; 4 units

Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 12 noon.

Examines the gamut of jazz through the 20th century. This full-year course is open to new students in the fall only.

Tuition: $272 per semester;

$245 or less per semester with lessons.

 

Diploma Jazz Piano Class

High school & Adults; 3 units
Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.

Tuition: $204 per semester;

$186 or less per semester with lessons.

 

Jazz Composition and Arranging

High school & Adults; 4 units

Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Designed for high school and adult students who wish to learn the basics of composing and arranging jazz music. The class encourages writers of all backgrounds to discover and develop their individuality, whether arranging original music or jazz and pop standards. Emphasis will be placed on studying works of master composers and arrangers, encompassing influential small group charts and classic big band arrangements. Eight students (maximum) per class. Prerequisites: no prior theoretical knowledge required. Full year course.

Tuition: $272 per semester;

$245 or less per semester with lessons.

 

New Inventions and Etudes

Middle School, High School & Adults­; 4 units

Paul Hofmann, Instructor
Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Music lovers of all backgrounds can discover the joy of composition. Fundamentals of composition and theory are introduced in an integrated and logical way, with emphasis on unlocking the secrets of harmony. Ad-libbed student melodies are transcribed by the instructor; harmonies are added; and new compositions are the stimulating result. eight students (maximum) per class. Prerequisites: The ability to read music and to play a musical instrument; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn/create music! No prior theoretical knowledge required.

Tuition: $272 per semester;

$245 or less per semester with lessons.

Transcribing Music

See Music Theory

Beginning Improvising Classical Music

See Music Theory

Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra

High School; 3 units
Howard Potter, Director
Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.

Winners in the Essentially Ellington International High School Competition 2004, 2005, 2006 and winners in the first annual Charles Mingus Competition, 2009. A unique, high-level jazz program which consists of the extended areas top high school (and the occasional middle school student) jazz musicians who show great promise in this genre. This ensemble's primary focus is on developing the student's technique, improvisational skills and deepening their understanding of jazz. A secondary goal is to participate in the Essentially Ellington International Jazz Competition at Lincoln Center under the artistic direction of Wynton Marsalis. Audition required.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 15-minute audition. Students should plan on playing a movement or excerpt from a classical piece (such as part of a NYSSMA level 5 or 6 solo) as well as playing over a blues of the student’s choice. Drummers will be required to play swing and Latin at a variety of tempos as well as solos. Besides great improvisers, we seek STRONG CLASSICAL PERFORMERS with an interest in jazz as well! Rehearsals begin Saturday, September 10.  Ensemble Details

Tuition: $204 per semester;

Free! for students taking private lessons at ECMS

 

Eastman Junior Jazz

Grades 5-9; 3 units

Dina Alexander, Director
Mondays, 6-7 p.m.

This is an exciting large ensemble for students who are interested in learning more about jazz styles, improvisation, and ensemble musicianship. There are two primary focuses in the course: the development of aural skills in relation to individual improvisation and the exploration of standard jazz repertoire by ear; and the promotion of an excellent "big band," with music from traditional and contemporary jazz composers. Tuition includes a Junior Jazz Instrumental Class.  See below for times.

Tuition: $204 per semester; $186 or less with private lessons.

 

Junior Jazz Trumpet

Grades 5-9, 2 units

Teacher TBA

Mondays 5-6 p.m.

Tuition: $136 per semester; $125 or less with private lessons

 

Junior Jazz Trombone

Grades 5-9, 2 units

Teacher TBA

Mondays 5-6 p.m.

Tuition: $136 per semester; $125 or less with private lessons

 

Junior Jazz Saxophone

Grades 5-9, 2 units

Teacher TBA

Mondays 7-8 p.m.

Tuition: $136 per semester; $125 or less with private lessons

 

Junior Jazz Rhythm Section

piano, bass, guitar & drumset

Grades 5-9, 2 units

Teacher TBA

Mondays 7-8 p.m.

Tuition: $136 per semester; $125 or less with private lessons

 

Jazz Vocal and Ear Training

High School & Adult; 4 units

Dawn Thompson, Instructor

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

The vision for this class is to combine jazz vocal training and ear training together. The goal is to improve the facility and ease of singing jazz as well as develop and expand our ability to hear and understand music on a deeper level. The class will cover vocal exercises, intervals, triads, and basic harmony and melody both through singing and dictations. We will also enjoy expanding our repertoire of both Standards and Bebop Tunes with the focus on vocal improvisation through scales, modes, guide tones lines and bass lines.

Tuition: $272 per semester; $245 or less with private lessons

 

Jazz Trombone Ensemble

High School & Adult; 3 units

Evan Dobbins, Director
Saturdays at 9 a.m..

Permission of director required.  Call 563-7205 or email Evan_Dobbins@hotmail.com.

Tuition: $204 per semester; $186 or less with private lessons.

 

Jazz Saxology

Middle School, High School & Adult; 3 units

Doug Stone, Director
Mondays at 4:30 p.m. or

Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

This exciting ensemble is design for a saxophone section with rhythm section. The concept first formed in 1980 by Eastman saxophone professor, Ramon Ricker, as an offshoot of the professional group Supersax and offers the student a unique innovative way to explore modern jazz through a rich and diverse blend of repertoire and musicianship. The students will learn a variety of techniques such as blending, intonation, phrasing, colors, and improvisation to make them stronger playing in a saxophone section. Permission of director required, call the director at 474-3021 or DougStone1980@hotmail.com.  Ensemble Details

Tuition: $204 per semester; $186 or less with lessons.

 

Latin Jazz Performance Workshop

High School & Adult; 3 units

Freddy Colon, Director
Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

This ensemble, open to students in grade 9 and above, will rehearse and perform some of the most exciting rhythms of Latin jazz. From the fundamentals of Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms to the most innovative rhythms, the students will be able to explore and develop ideas and techniques of how to play with different claves and styles as son-montuno, cha-cha, zamba, mambo, etc. Tunes in the style of Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Irakere, etc will be listened to and analyzed. This ensemble will consist of 3 percussionist (conga, timbale, bongo) or (drums, conga, bongo), piano, bass and any brass and/or woodwind combinations. No audition required. Ensemble Details

Tuition: $204 per semester; $186 or less with lessons.

 

Jazz Performance Workshops (jazz combos)

High School & Adult; 3 units
Evan Dobbins, Paul Hofmann, Mikel Kaupa, Directors

Tuesdays at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.;

Saturdays at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.

Designed to develop improvisation skills in a small combo/class setting. Emphasis is placed upon aural skills, hearing chord progressions, developing melodies, motivic and rhythmic development, and playing on changes. Students will be grouped in small ensembles according to experience level. Participating students receive free admission to all ESM collegiate jazz concerts and to workshops and clinics with visiting guest artists. One hour weekly.

Tuition: $204 per semester; $186 or less with lessons.

 

Jazz Performance Workshops (jazz combos) - Advanced

High School & Adult; 3 units
Bob Sneider, Director

Mondays at 6 p.m.

Designed to develop improvisation skills in a small combo/class setting. Emphasis is placed upon aural skills, hearing chord progressions, developing melodies, motivic and rhythmic development, and playing on changes. Students will be grouped in small ensembles according to experience level. Participating students receive free admission to all ESM collegiate jazz concerts and to workshops and clinics with visiting guest artists. One hour weekly.

Tuition: $204 per semester; $186 or less with lessons.

 

Electronic Music

See Music Technology

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Last Updated: April 30, 2012