Conservatorium Open Academy

This course is designed for instrumentalists with no background in improvisation. It provides students with an opportunity to play in a small group and to learn elementary theoretical concepts, historical knowledge and basic skills in the art of jazz improvisation. Students will learn to: Put into practice theoretical knowledge of harmony and scales Train their ear and recognise chords and scales Perform technical exercises for improving improvisation skills Develop time and rhythmi... [More]

For instrumentalists who have completed Impro Basics Level 1, or who have some improvisation experience, this course provides an opportunity to continue developing elementary skills in ensemble playing, improvisation and standard jazz repertoire. Classes establish practical ensemble skills by: Putting improvisation ideas into practice Learning melodies and chord progressions without music, developing memory Creating ensemble arrangements On completion of the course, a student’s outc... [More]

Jazz Ensembles run on Tuesdays (starting May 1, 2012) and Thursdays (starting May 3, 2012), 6-8pm, tutored by Ron Philpott. Jazzgroup One runs on Wednesdays (starting May 2, 2012), 6-8pm, tutored in the Autumn term by Mike Rivett. Audition requirements for both courses A 15 minute audition to determine which ensemble suits you best. You should be prepared to play two jazz standards of your choice, to improvise over a blues head and to do some basic sight reading of a chart. Drummers... [More]