These classes are designed for students who wish to develop confident improvisation, aural and sight-reading skills. They provide an ensemble-based environment for the development of personal jazz skills, along with an understanding of the dynamics at work in a small performance group. Typically, there will be drums, electric bass, piano, horns (trumpet, alto, tenor) and guitar as the usual line-up. Other instruments are welcome (vibes, flute etc). 

During the term

Jazz Ensembles run during the week as follows:

Drummers will need to provide the following accessories

• 2 x cymbal sleeves
• 2 x cymbal felts
• 1 x hi-hat clutch
• 1 x hi-hat washer and felt
• your sticks and brushes

The rehearsal room will have

• drum kit
• cymbals
• amps
• piano

About the course

Combining improvisation with work on arrangements, students gain skills on their instruments as well as increasing confidence for performing with other instrumentalists. As those various skills develop, students will be able to recognise and produce aspects that make up good ensemble playing.

Students will benefit from and enjoy working with other players of similar abilities, learning from each other as well as from the tutor.

Gaining flight hours in ensemble performance ensures that students can approach other ensemble situations with more assurance and ability.

At the end of the Autumn and Spring terms the groups will have a chance to perform in the Conservatorium's Music Cafe for family and friends.

Course entry

Is by audition and requires a reasonable working knowledge of improvisation, rhythm, melody and harmony. 

Sight reading skills are an advantage but not compulsory.

PLEASE NOTE

Only vacant places will be auditioned. Current members are invited to reenrol and auditionees will be notified as soon as possible if their instrument does not have a vacant position. In such cases a refund will be issued.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Auditions will be no longer than 15 minutes.
• Candidates should prepare 2 jazz standards and a 12 Blues
• These will be performed in the audition with drum accompaniment (except for drummers)
• No backing tracks

Candidates are expected to count off the tempo for each of these and will perform

• 1 chorus melody
• 1 or 2 choruses of improvisation over the form and changes of each standard
• 3-4 choruses of improvisation on the 12 bar Blues
• a final melody chorus is not required

Drummers are expected to play

• Medium tempo swing with sticks
• Fast swing with sticks
• Bossa nova
• Mambo feel
• Medium swing with brushes
• Ballad with brushes

Note

• Each feel will be for around 8-16 bars depending on tempo
• Alternating 12 bars of time and solo over a 12 bar Blues for 4 choruses' total

WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THIS COURSE

Brendan is a wonderful teacher. He is patient and supportive but at the same time knows how to push the band so that they keep improving.

Andrew successfully inspires and encourages us to improve and enjoy the classes.

Because Michael plays a harmonizing instrument, he is able to encourage use of advanced concepts and scales.

Brendan is a wonderful tutor. With his clear guidance, I started to understand my role in the ensemble, and most importantly, I’ve learnt the joy of making music with other people.

Andrew is the King. All hail The King!

Really helped me with my small ensemble playing.

I've learnt a lot and become more confident in my playing.

The jazz ensemble is an amazing course with loads of opportunities to learn and grow as a jazz player. The tutor was amazing, and it was a personally life changing experience to learn from such great talent who was so humble and always made sure you are not lost as part of the ensemble, which can be the case for someone like me who was new to the whole ensemble experience. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in getting to learn more jazz and wants to play in an ensemble setting.