Jazzschool-Online Young Musicians Program NotesScheduling for all Young Musicians Program classes is TBD, based on student scheduling preferences submitted with the application form following class descriptions, at the bottom of this page. Classes begin the week of September 21st, 2020 and meet for 90 minutes once a week for 10 weeks, with a break for the week of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Jazzschool-Online Technical NotesAll Jazzschool-Online classes meet online via Zoom. Technical requirements include: computer, tablet or phone with a reliable internet connection. Computer (laptop or desktop) is preferred, but a tablet or phone is also possible, with somewhat limited functionality. Optional for improved sound quality: external microphone, either connected via USB or XLR cable to audio interface. For a budget USB mic option, we recommend the Samson Go, currently retailing for around $50 new. Additional technical requirements are listed for specific classes below.
10-WEEK FALL QUARTER / SEPTEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 6 / ALL CLASSES VIA ZOOM / ALL TIMES PACIFIC
PIANOPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Jazz Piano 1For relatively new students of jazz piano. Working from classic repertoire, students will learn some simple voicings, comping patterns and vocabulary. Colin Hogan, $395
Jazz Piano GreatsStudy the music of some of the most influential jazz pianists in history, learning some of the trademarks of their styles.Colin Hogan, $395
Solo Jazz PianoA class devoted to the study of solo jazz piano. Students will study classic examples and work on their own solo pieces.Colin Hogan, $395
GUITARPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Funk GuitarLearn to sit deep in the pocket as we explore classic guitar patterns from the music of James Brown, Prince, modern gospel and many more. Along the way we will tackle technical considerations and sprinkle in some theory, but job number one is to make it feel right rhythmically! Jon Monahan, $395
Gospel GuitarTo listen to modern players like Isaiah Sharkey and Jubu Smith is to hear most of what is possible on guitar, along with some things that might not be possible! Under the virtuosity is a firm foundation of classic soul, drawing on the styles of Ernie Isley, Curtis Mayfield, and lesser known church players. We’ll learn chord melodies to some classics from the genre, and explore songs from musicians who have felt its influence, including Prince, D’angelo, and PJ Morton.Jon Monahan, $395
Make It SingExamine highly musical ideas often overlooked on the guitar. We’ll take concepts like contrary motion, appoggiaturas, adapting stacked vocal harmonies and more, finding fresh-sounding but comfortable ways to play them. Heavy emphasis on chord melodies from Wes Montgomery, Baden Powell and other masters.Jon Monahan, $395
Solo GuitarFor a guitarist, learning to play solo is one of the best ways to learn tunes, work on your time, your feel, your comping, and your soloing all in one. We’ll learn to play solo arrangements by guitarists like Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall, explore ways to comp for ourselves while playing melodies, and we’ll create our own arrangements of jazz standards. Learning the fundamentals of solo guitar, guitarists will become more confident being in charge of the feel, harmony and melodies they play. Sam Klein-Markman, $395
BASSPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Electric Bass 101For relatively new students of the electric bass. Working from classic repertoire, students will learn some simple bass lines in different styles, ranging from jazz to bossa to funk.Scott Thompson, $395
Funk BassLearn to slap, pop and play the bass lines to some of the classic funk tunes – from James Brown to Parliament/Funkadelic and much more.Scott Thompson, $395
Brazilian BassDive deep into the waters of Brazil music, learning various styles ranging from bossas to sambas to choros to more modern styles.Scott Thompson, $395
DRUMSPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Jazz Drumming LanguageThe class explores different ways to hack into jazz comping, jazz drumming hand techniques, and jazz soloing. Alan Hall, $395
Linear Drumming in Jazz and FunkThe class examines various approaches to linear drumming as utilized in jazz and funk contexts. We’ll explore linear approaches to both grooving and soloing. Alan Hall, $395
A Drummer’s Perspective: Lead Sheets and Big Band ChartsThe class aims to equip students with the ability to interpret and musically execute both lead sheets and big band drum parts. Ability to read 8th note and 1/4 note rhythms is needed. Alan Hall, $395
Funk Drumming StylesFunk drumming has evolved from the early soul jazz styles through to the modern ‘Dilla” type grooves of today. In this class we will explore the key features of several varieties of funk drumming.Alan Hall, $395
Drumming for AllIn this class, open to non-drummers and beginning drummers, you’ll be introduced to basic drumming and rhythmic skills through the use of standard and alternative notation. The goal is to help you strengthen your own sense of rhythm while simultaneously learning some standard jazz, funk and Latin drum set grooves. Alan Hall, $395
Around the World on a Drum SetIn this class, we will examine the influence different musical styles have had on jazz, as well as the influence that jazz has had and continues to have on other styles of music. In addition to playing swing and straight-ahead jazz, we will play Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, blues, New Orleans, funk and rock grooves. We’ll work on coordination exercises that will help students become more fluid in all of these styles. An introduction to basic polyrhythms will also be included and we will work on reading skills. This class is designed to give drummers the confidence to play in almost any musical situation.David Rokeach, $395
Jazz Drum Soloing SkillsIf you’re unhappy with your soloing it’s probably due to one of several things: technique misfires, losing your flow, nervousness or losing the thread of an idea. In this class we’ll touch upon all these areas and learn ways to improve them and start along the path to becoming a solid, exciting and musical drum soloist. Alan Hall, $395
The Foundations of Jazz DrummingAn introduction to technique, key rhythms and musicality on the drum set. Lorca Hart, $395
THEORY AND IMPROVISATIONPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Theory and Improvisation for Young Musicians NotesPlacement in Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced Jazz Theory and Improvisation is based on an audition. Please submit a recording (audio or video) performing and improvising on a jazz standard or 12 bar blues of your choice to erik@cjc.edu. You may use a play along track for accompaniment. Please state the student’s name at the beginning of the recording. For those with no previous improvisation experience who would like to start with the beginning level course, no audition is required.
Beginning Jazz Theory and ImprovisationVarious Instructors, $395
Intermediate Jazz Theory and ImprovisationVarious Instructors, $395
Advanced Jazz Theory and ImprovisationVarious Instructors, $395
Applying Approach Notes to Chord Tones, Scales and SoloingLearn different approach note patterns, shapes, and rhythms while applying them to scales and chord changes. Basic knowledge of scales and chord tones is required.Raffi Garabedian, $395
Bebop Boot CampStudy and transcription of the bebop jazz language. We’ll learn, analyze and try to memorize the music of the masters. For advanced players only.Erik Jekabson, $395
Integrating Voice LeadingDevelop a thorough understanding of voice leading through a mixture of analysis, theory, and different patterns and improvisation techniques aimed at integrating these ideas onto our instruments and into our aural understanding. We will study a range of historical examples from Bach to Charlie Parker and Mark Turner, and will work to apply these ideas to our playing over common jazz repertoire that we will learn in class. Suitable for all instruments––decent to relatively strong foundation in technique and theory is recommended.Sam Priven, $395
Time and Developing Your BeatDevelop your time through a range of fun exercises meant to challenge you wherever you’re at. We will work with different variations of displaced metronome exercises, polyrhythms, odd meters, and much more. Suitable for all instruments and levels.Sam Priven, $395
TranscriptionIn this transcription class you will learn how to take a solo or song you like, put it on your instrument, and break it down in an analysis that will help you internalize harmonic, rhythmic and melodic concepts. Transcription is one of the best ways to practice ear training, technique, and absorb jazz vocabulary––an indispensable tool!Nora Stanley, $395
Learning Jazz By EarIn this class, we’ll work on connecting what we hear to our instruments, listening to melodies and harmonies and learning to play them without looking at a page. We will transcribe famous jazz solos, listen for the chord changes and melodies of jazz standards, and translate that to our own improvisation.Sam Klein-Markman, $395
COMPOSITION AND ARRANGINGPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
CompositionEver want to write music but didn’t know where to begin? In this composition class, we will look at examples of great compositions, examining what makes us love them. From our observations and assigned exercises you will then write compositions of your own to workshop together in class. Nora Stanley, $395
Jazz ArrangingIn this class, students learn the basics of jazz arranging. May use pencil and paper or music notation software if available. Erik Jekabson, $395
Advanced Jazz ArrangingStudents with experience in jazz arranging learn how to write in different styles and for multiple instruments. May use pencil and paper or music notation software if available. Erik Jekabson, $395
MUSIC, CULTURE AND HISTORYPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Music from Around the WorldExpand your musical horizons by learning about amazing styles from all over the world! Discover, listen to, analyze, and discuss important genres with an emphasis on defining characteristics, primary artists, history, influences and innovations. Group discussions will ensure that many perspectives will be present and encouraged. All musical levels are welcome.Colin Hogan, $395
The History of Jazz in Ten SongsThis course takes an historical, hands-on-playing, and listening-rich approach to analyzing the 10 songs that shaped the history of America’s indigenous art form, jazz. Each week the class will explore a different composition. Terrence Brewer, $395
COMPUTERS AND MUSICPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Intro to Sibelius Notation SoftwareLearn how to make lead sheets, clean and correct scores and parts, and midi demos. Students must purchase a copy of Sibelius notation software for class use.Erik Jekabson, $395
Collaborative Music ProductionWith modern technology, it’s never been easier to create music! In this class we will create music in a welcoming collaborative setting using DAWs (digital audio workstations). Popular methods and techniques from various genres will be discussed with examples from great artists, with a goal of creating original pieces together as a group. The only requirements are access to any DAW (even Garage Band on a phone!) and the ability to record audio and/or midi.Colin Hogan, $395
PRACTICE TECHNIQUESPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Practice Techniques For The Improvising High School MusicianHave you ever felt that you “need” to practice, but just can’t seem to “want” to practice? Or possibly even worse, you really do want to practice, but feel so completely overwhelmed by all the different things you need to work on, that you become paralyzed by not knowing where to start? Another classic example is to spend large amounts of time in the practice room, but with such an unfocused approach, that very little is actually achieved. You’re certainly not alone if any of these sound familiar. However, by learning to structure a practice session for oneself––one that covers all musical bases while multi-tasking; balances routine while constantly introducing new material; and one that allows for creative detours without getting lost––practice sessions can be a fun a relaxing bit of “me time.” Practice sessions help us improve our ears, tone, time, intonation, range, repertoire, vocabulary, and understanding of harmony, all while developing our own voice. In this class we will cover different techniques for developing personalized, efficient, and fun practice techniques.Darren Johnston, $395
Let’s Practice! – For Middle School MusiciansDid you know that practice time is actually not a chore, but can be super fun? It’s true! With some creativity––and by knowing what’s important to touch on––we can improve quickly, while finding ways to express ourselves and having a great time. Let’s practice together!Darren Johnston, $395
VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLESPlease indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form at the bottom of this page.
Jazzschool-Online Virtual Performance Ensemble NotesJazzschool-Online Virtual Performance Ensembles combine online class meetings, using Zoom, with collaborative web-based recording projects, using an online digital audio workstation (DAW) called Soundtrap. The ensembles do not play together in real-time, but rather build arrangements collectively through a process of overdubbing.
High School Funk EnsembleThe band will use web-based recording software to overdub their parts, collaborating to record classic funk repertoire of James Brown, Sly Stone and others. Vocalists and horns welcome! Technical requirements: wired headphones; equipment to record yourself into your computer (external USB mic and/or audio interface and/or MIDI/USB); a strong internet connection (wired is recommended). Ensemble placement consultation required: contact erik@cjc.edu for details. Jon Monahan, $395
Please indicate your class enrollment preferences on the application form below. Thank you for your interest in Jazzschool-Online Young Musicians Programs!
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