MONDAY | 6:00pm

• How to Listen to Jazz
  course summary | Instructor(s): Denis Solee
  Additional information: 3-week listening class - only $65! For musicians and non-musicians alike!
  
  How to listen to jazz ensembles from the smallest (solo instrument) to the largest (big band). Emphasis on each instrument's role in the ensemble.

• The ii-V-I Progression
  course summary | Instructor(s): Roger Spencer
  
  A class introducing the musician to the most important chord progression in jazz. This class is a blend of patterns, ear training, analysis and technique.

• Vocal Literature: The Music Of George and Ira Gershwin - A 12-Week Course
  course summary | Instructor(s): Lori Mechem
  Additional information: Second session of 12-week class
  
  The most popular songwriters of the "Golden Age" of Broadway were George and Ira Gershwin. Their songs have become the definitive example of the American Popular Songbook. In this 12-week class, students will study and perform over 24 famous Gershwin compositions focusing on phrasing, lyric content, stylistic considerations, arrangements and performance techniques. At the end of the 12 weeks, students will perform with a trio.

MONDAY | 8:00pm

• Advanced Vocal Literature: Bebop and Beyond
  Instructor(s): Lori Mechem

• Small Ensemble
  course summary | Instructor(s): Evan Cobb
  
  A class made up of a quartet or quintet. Materials covered include literature, intros, endings, styles, tempos and comping.

• Small Ensemble
  course summary | Instructor(s): Roger Spencer
  
  A class made up of a quartet or quintet. Materials covered include literature, intros, endings, styles, tempos and comping.

TUESDAY | 6:00pm

• Jazz Keyboard Voicings 1
  course summary | Instructor(s): Joe Davidian
  
  A beginning look at 4 note chords and their inversions, then moving to upper structures, such as 9, 11 and 13 chords and their alterations. Learn to play these in several positions. Emphasis on ii-V-I's and their inversions.

• The Art of Phrasing
  course summary | Instructor(s): Ron Browning
  Additional information: Class meets at 5:30 at instructor's home studio.
  
  Focuses on packing something special into every phrase. Learn to turn a stiff vocal line into something that is instantly memorable. Master slurs, slides, stressed notes and syncopation. Developing vocal licks appropriate for the style. Singers bring in their own arrangements for the class. For Advanced Vocalists.

• Top to Bottom Musicianship and Repertoire
  course summary | Instructor(s): Connye Florance
  
  Strengthen your vocal skills and repertoire; Discover and develop the VERY best in your vocal expression, range and repertoire. Learn and explore the basic "must know" list of tunes every singer should be prepared with, in addition to your favorites. Discover how to choose the best songs for your voice and style. Explore your tunes in a variety of styles and key signatures; creating arrangements; conveying the feel to the band; working with intros and endings; modulations; counting in and cutting off the band...how, when and why.

TUESDAY | 8:00pm

• Small Ensemble
  course summary | Instructor(s): Joe Davidian
  
  A class made up of a quartet or quintet. Materials covered include literature, intros, endings, styles, tempos and comping.

• The Next Level
  course summary | Instructor(s): Ron Browning
  Additional information: Class meets at instructor's home studio.
  
  Come up to the NEXT LEVEL of your performance by strengthening your biggest weakness as a performer. In this class, everyone will be on an independent path of discovery. For the professional singer, there are many rudiments of good singing that must be mastered! However, every performer usually has one area that prevents him or her from taking "the act" to a much bigger level. What is yours? Is it vocal technique, performance anxiety, getting a grip on style, your artist's persona and physical image, improving pitch and tone, "hot" phrasing, or getting your gig book together? Whatever it is-this class will help you focus on THAT!

• Tower of Power Ensemble
  course summary | Instructor(s): Chris West
  
  A class covering the repertoire and style of this famous funk band. Emphasis on precision and groove. The ensemble will perform some of Tower of Power's greatest hits. For tenor, trumpet, baritone sax and full rhythm section. Intermediate to Advanced level required.

WEDNESDAY | 6:00pm

• Developing the R&B Electric Edge to the Voice
  course summary | Instructor(s): Ron Browning
  Additional information: Class meets at 5:30pm at instructor's home studio.
  
  If you want to add a more soulful interpretation to your vocals, this is the class for you. Learn to combine the modes of overdrive, cry, and belt with a touch of blues and gospel to give new life to old tunes. Some understanding and demonstration of the mask voice is necessary. Prerequisite: Permission from the instructor.

• Introduction to Ensemble Playing
  course summary | Instructor(s): Roger Spencer
  
  A class open to all instrumentalists focusing on the beginning concepts of group playing such as feel, basic improvisation, blues, forms and listening. A great class for the beginning jazz player.

• The Basics of Voice
  course summary | Instructor(s): Liz Johnson
  
  Jazz singing offers the opportunity to learn contemporary singing techniques in a healthy and fun way. This class will explore the basics of vocal anatomy and physiology, different breathing techniques, and an array of simple mindfulness and vocal exercises that singers can use for a lifetime of beautiful, effortless singing. Students will be encouraged (but not required) to sing jazz standards as part of this class, and to share their vocal experiences. Discover the elegant mechanics of the voice and how to apply this knowledge to the art of singing. Students sing with jazz tracks, and must purchase Hal Leonard's Jazz Tracks for Singers (male or female), book of 15 tunes and CD. Order from www.sheetmusicplus.com.

• Vocal Literature: The Music Of George and Ira Gershwin - A 12-Week Course
  course summary | Instructor(s): Lori Mechem
  Additional information: second session of a 12-week class.
  
  The most popular songwriters of the "Golden Age" of Broadway were George and Ira Gershwin. Their songs have become the definitive example of the American Popular Songbook. In this 12-week class, students will study and perform over 24 famous Gershwin compositions focusing on phrasing, lyric content, stylistic considerations, arrangements and performance techniques. At the end of the 12 weeks, students will perform with a trio.

WEDNESDAY | 8:00pm

• Vocal Improvisation 1
  course summary | Instructor(s): Lori Mechem and Liz Johnson
  
  Students will learn the basic concepts of improvisation. Topics to be covered include rhythmic syllables and spoken scat, basic root motion and guide tones, stylistic approach, and use of melody for soloing. Students will also be introduced to basic chord types, their function, and recognition of chord spellings. They will begin to improvise over 12-bar Blues progressions. Intermediate level

THURSDAY | 6:00pm

• Chart Writing for Vocalists
  course summary | Instructor(s): Christina Watson
  Additional information: 3-week class (June 27, July 11, & 18). Only $100 tuition!
  
  A class covering basic theory, notation, and application to writing simple chord charts. Intros and Endings to tunes are also discussed.

• Guitar Comping I
  course summary | Instructor(s): Andy  Reiss
  Additional information: Please note, there will be no class on July 4. Discounted tuition of $165 for 5 classes.
  
  A 2 hour class covering many 'comping' concepts specifically geared for the beginning to intermediate guitarist. Drop 2, Drop 3, and pianistic voicings will be discussed as they pertain to standards and more specifically the ii/V/I progression. Harmonization techniques including Wes Montgomery block-chord style will be covered as well as Joe Pass walking bass line style of playing. Rhythmic devices as well as beginning tension and chord substitution will also be discussed. This class is an excellent way for the guitarist to get deeper inside his/her role of comping.

• Original Jazz Composition
  course summary | Instructor(s): Jamey Simmons
  Additional information: Please note, there will be no class on July 4. Discounted tuition of $165 for 5 classes.
  
  A class on original student compositions. This class will cover different forms and styles of jazz, including blues, minor blues, rhythm changes, modal tunes, and writing in the style of famous jazz composers. Notation will be discussed, along with helpful tools for sight reading. Intermediate to advanced level. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.