RJS Jazz – Short and Sharp

About this course

The course develops jazz playing through musicianship and practice, applying theory, and working with small and medium ensembles. Participants explore composition and arranging, rehearse together, and develop improvisation for ensemble performance. The course also considers ways of promoting playing within local and wider jazz contexts. Learning is not formally assessed, although participants can identify individual goals and reflect on their development. Performance opportunities may be available through college activities and links with local venues, with the final session potentially taking the form of a cross-college jazz concert or performance event.

What you'll learn

• Apply jazz theory, including scales and common chord progressions using four-note chord types.
• Compose and arrange music for small and medium ensembles.
• Rehearse and perform effectively within a jazz ensemble.
• Develop improvisation within an ensemble setting.
• Identify individual playing goals and reflect on development.

Is this course right for you?

Although labelled Beginner, the course is not intended for complete beginners. Participants should be able to read music sufficiently to work through jazz song charts and have a reasonable grasp of scales and common four-note chord progressions. The course involves ensemble rehearsal and performance.

• Not suitable for complete beginners.
• Requires enough music reading to work through jazz song charts.
• Includes collaborative rehearsal and performance in an ensemble setting.

Before you go

• The final session may be held as a cross-college jazz concert or performance event rather than a standard classroom session.