Jazz repertoire

What is the course about?

Experienced players can keep up practice in a mixed ensemble playing tunes you are familiar with. Each session will focus on 1 or 2 jazz standards. You will rehearse the "head", establish the rhythm section, and practise improvising. We aim to record the results towards the end of each session.

What will we cover?

- apply your existing harmonic knowledge to the set repertoire
- develop your soloing in terms of good structure, phrasing, playing in the groove and rhythmic independence
- the dynamics of working in a small ensemble.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- have played the tunes to the best of your ability
- have internalised aspects of the music
- improvise with confidence
- transfer knowledge, skills and understanding to other repertoire
- have made new musical alliances.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Players must be able and educated jazz people, ideally graduates of jazz harmony courses, with a working knowledge of how to rehearse in an ensemble with limited time available. You will be expected to be a competent reader.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Short plenary, instrumental warm up & tune up. The tutor will set practical exercises to explore rhythmic and harmonic matters and approaches to improvisation. Most of the time will be spent playing a tune as an ensemble.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All materials supplied. Please bring your instrument, and all accessories. Amplification, drum kit and pianos supplied.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Find the next repertoire course; the advanced jazz course MG603, Big Band, your own gigs and visits to jam sessions.