Why Study This Course?
Ready to take your jazz performance to the next level? This Jazz Ensemble class is designed for advanced players like you. You’ll explore a wide range of jazz tunes and arrangements, building your performance skills and confidence. This course is perfect for experienced musicians looking to refine their ensemble playing and expand their repertoire.
You will:
Explore an ensemble repertoire guided by Dave Jones.
Develop your instrumental technique and ensemble skills.
Potentially perform in college lunchtime sessions, local venues, and college concerts.
This course covers:
Instrumental Technique
Develop technical control and dexterity on your chosen instrument
Focus on tone, articulation, and accuracy
Work on exercises to build strength and flexibility
Theory
Understand music notation, scales, keys, and chords
Explore rhythm, harmony, and form
Apply theoretical knowledge to practice and performance
Performance and Ensemble Skills
Gain confidence performing solo and with others
Develop listening and communication skills within a group
Learn rehearsal etiquette and stage presence
Improvisation
Experiment with creating music spontaneously
Explore scales, modes, and patterns for improvising
Build creative freedom and personal expression
Repertoire
Study and perform pieces from a range of musical styles
Analyse works to understand structure and interpretation
Expand your personal repertoire list
Developing Practice Routines and Strategies
Learn how to plan effective practice sessions
Set goals and track progress
You will:
Explore an ensemble repertoire guided by Dave Jones.
Develop your instrumental technique and ensemble skills.
Potentially perform in college lunchtime sessions, local venues, and college concerts.
Knowledge of jazz music theory to an intermediate level.
Level 1 literacy is an advantage.
Sight reading at an intermediate level is required.
There is no formal assessment. You'll set individual goals and reflect on your progress. Your tutor will assess your learning through your practical performance in class.
Please note that while most classes are classroom-based, the final session may be a cross-college jazz concert evening. This may not be on the same day and time as your regular class.