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 Center or contact the Eastman Community Music School office). The Community Music School also offers specialized private studio instruction for all instruments.
Jazz Theory I—Chords, Scales, Modal Forms, the Blues and Standard Chord Progressions
(formerly Jazz Theory 1 & 2)
Middle School & Adults; 4 units
Michael Kaupa, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.This full year course begins with the modes of the major scale and explores the techniques and forms of modal jazz. In the spring semester the course studies one of the mainstreams of jazz--the blues--as well as other common chord progressions. Early to late and major and minor blues will be studied.
Prerequisite: knowledge of most major scales, and good reading ability. Class Details
Tuition: $268 per semester;
$241 or less per semester with lessons.
Jazz Theory II—Rhythm Changes, BeBop, Coltrane and Beyond
(formerly Jazz Theory 3 & 4)
High School & Adults; 4 units
José Encarnación, Instructor
Saturdays at 11 a.m.This full year course begins with one of the most important chord progressions in jazz--rhythm changes and how it evolved through the years. Spring semester focuses on the challenging repertory of John Coltrane and others. Class Details
Prerequisite: Jazz Theory I or permission of the instructor.
Tuition: $268 per semester;
$241 or less per semester with lessons.
Jazz Theory Project
Half-hour private lesson; full year course.
Tuition: $480 per semester with instructor or $335 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 or spring semesters.
Tuition: $268 per semester;
$241 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: $201 per semester;$183 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: $268 per semester;$241 or less per semester with lessons.
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 30, 2009. 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 12. Ensemble Details
Tuition: $201 per semester;
Free! if you are taking 6 units, or lessons and 3 units.
Junior High School Jazz Ensemble
Middle School; 3 units
Mark Filsinger, Director
Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m.This is an exciting large ensemble for students in grades 7-9 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: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.
Jazz Youth Saxology
Middle School & High School; 3 units
José Encarnación, Director
Mondays at 4:30 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. no audition required. Ensemble Details
Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.
Jazz Performance Workshops (jazz combos)
High School & Adult; 3 units
Bob Sneider, Michael Kaupa, Christopher Teal, DirectorsMondays at 6:30 p.m.;
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: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.
Latin Jazz Performance Workshop
High School & Adult; 3 units
José Encarnación, 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: $201 per semester; $183 or less with lessons.
Jazz Mallet Performance Class
High School & Adult; 3 units
Howard Potter, Instructor
Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $201 per semester; $183 or less 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: $268 per semester;
$241 or less per semester with lessons.
Transcribing Music
Beginning Improvising Classical Music
See CLASSES & ENSEMBLES - Music Theory
Electronic Music
Last Updated: April 28, 2009