JAZZ STUDIES 2011/12

These are an essential part of our programme of learning at Jazz School UK, both as standalone activities and as complementary studies for Ensemble players. Put together your own college-quality course at a fraction of the price!

121 Lessons

Individual lessons are an important element in any player's development. They give you a chance to focus more directly on particular issues, be they technical, theoretical or conceptual, and to develop practice routines to take your jazz playing forward.

This works at all levels - from jazz beginners wanting some basic information to get started, perhaps with a view to trying some group playing - right up to aspiring professionals preparing for auditions at the country's elite conservatoires.

Nick Weldon offers individual lessons in jazz piano, double bass and theory, and also coaches all instrumentalists, including singers, in performance, composition, improvisation, repertoire and artistic development. Andra Sparks gives individual lessons in jazz singing and vocal technique.


If you require individual lessons on other instruments, it's worth getting in touch with Jazz School UK, as we can often recommend teachers in your area.

121 lessons are available on some Saturdays (dates below) and on weekdays and evenings by arrangement. For lesson costs, see the pricing section below. For application and enquiry forms, see the registration section.

 

Dates

2011 Oct 1 Nov 5 Dec 17

2012 February 4 March 31 April 28 June 30 July 14

 

Jazz Theory

Yes, we believe first and foremost in learning by playing, and in supporting this practical experience with intensive and focused listening to the songs and tunes in which jazz language has been formed, but a good understanding of the theory background of the music sure helps!

We cover the theory points needed for improvising during the monthly ensembles. But as these are practical sessions we don't have time either to explain the points in detail or to place them in an overall theory scheme. In the ensembles, after all, we are rightly more concerned with hearing and playing than with thinking…

What is jazz theory? Most books and teachers would have you believe that it's all about scale-chord relationships, enclosures, notes and keys - that jazz theory, in other words, is the same as jazz harmony. But jazz harmony, while being an important, fascinating and often bewildering part of jazz language, and one which we explore in detail in these theory sessions, is in fact only a small part of the jazz story. We also need to understand the rhythmic and cultural origins of the music, its historical development, the nature of its repertoire, and its relevance for improvising musicians in all countries in the here and now. All this is theory too!

We'll be looking at all these jazz matters on the dates below. We are running a morning group for theory basics, and an afternoon group for further explorations. Please contact Jazz School UK for advice on which of the two groups to join. For costs, see the pricing section below. For application and enquiry forms, see the registration section.

Dates

2011 October 29 November 26 2012 January 28 February 25 March 24 April 21 May 26 June 16

times

First Principles 10.30am-1pm Next Steps 2-4.30pm

 

Jazz Singing

These group sessions comprise lessons in vocal technique, repertoire and interpretation with Andra Sparks and lessons in jazz performance and improvisation with Nick Weldon. They are ideal for singers who want to develop both as singers and as jazz performers. We also welcome instrumentalists wanting to develop their singing skills!

 

Dates

2011 October 8 November 19 2012 January 7 February 11 March 10 April 14 May 12 June 9

time

2-4.30pm

For costs, see the pricing section below. For application and enquiry forms, see the registration section.

 

Masterclasses

Jazz School UK will be inviting some of your favourite players to share with you the secrets of their amazing playing, and to give you valuable insight into your own. You will have the chance to work closely with the visiting artists during the day and then hear them in action during their evening performance with the Shoefactory Players. Don't be shy - for players of all levels!

Dates

 

time

Masterclass 10.30am-4.30pm Evening 7-10pm

For pricing see below.

Pricing

121

Per hour £45(36) Per 90 mins £65(52) Per 2 hours £85(68)

Theory

Half Day £30 (24)

Jazz Singing

Half Day £30 (24)

Masterclasses

Full Day £75 (60) - add evening entrance for only £5 extra!

Prices in brackets show 20% reductions for members of the Shoefactory at Rushden. Annual membership is £36, and runs from September 1 to August 31.

Registration

new students Use the Online Enquiry Form to register interest, or get in touch by email or phone with any general questions or to check availability and suitability of places.

existing students Use the forms either on this page or in the event detail of the online calendar on the main page to register. We will then contact you with further details and to arrange payment.

Thank you!