Jazz Workshop 1C

About this course

The course uses jazz standards to examine melody, musical structure and chord sequences, with learners playing tunes and applying analytical methods to improvisation. Topics include major-scale harmonisation, the cycle of fourths and fifths, modes, harmonic minor, pentatonic and blues scales, chromaticism and modulation. Learners also practise chord-scale theory and approaches to personal study, building a repertoire through work on standards, diatonic cycles and rhythm changes. The course is the third term of a three-term programme and requires tutor approval to join.

What you'll learn

• Play several jazz standards and improvise over chord sequences
• Apply major-scale modes, harmonic minor, pentatonic and blues scales in improvisation
• Use chord-scale theory and analytical methods to explore chord sequences, chromaticism and modulation
• Develop a repertoire of jazz tunes
• Use structured personal practice strategies

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Beginner but expects learners to have basic technical competence on their instrument, along with basic knowledge of music theory and notation. It is intended for players joining the third term of the programme, with tutor approval required. Regular practice, punctuality and active participation in the class are expected.

• Basic instrumental competence is expected
• Basic knowledge of music theory and notation is required
• Tutor approval is needed to join this third-term class

Before you go

• Bring a personal instrument; a piano is provided for pianists.
• Bring manuscript paper, a notebook and writing materials.