Explore the sonic landscape of Jazz. Learn in-depth about tunes from the Great American Songbook and the standard Jazz repertoire through ensemble workshops, listening sessions of classic recordings, and instructor demonstrations.
STANDARD: LEARNER, IMPROVER, CONFIDENT, SKILLFUL
Resident: £412 Non-Resident: £302 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/219
Booking for Members opens at 9am on Thursday 12th September 2024
Booking for Non-Members opens at 9am on Thursday 3rd October 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
Explore the music of Jazz through an insightful workshop focusing on the music of the Great American Songbook and classic Jazz standards. Students will have the opportunity to learn in-depth from course tutors Marco Marconi and Mark Wade. Marco Marconi is an award-wining pianist signed to 33 Jazz Records and Mark Wade is a five-time finalist for bassist of the year in the Downbeat Magaizne Readers Poll. Each tutor will share their unique perspective of this music with the students through ensemble workshops, listening sessions of classic recordings, and demonstrations by Marconi and Wade. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, this course will help increase your knowledge of these essential jazz composers and increase your ability to play this music with confidence. The course fee also includes a ticket to the tutor concert on the first evening of the course.
Tutor websites: Marco Marconi / Mark Wade
What will we cover?
This course will introduce students to some of the famous and less discovered songs of the American Songbook and standard Jazz repertoire and use these songs as a means to develop each student’s style and knowledge as a jazz improviser and accompanist.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
By the end of this course students will have a deeper understanding of selected jazz standards and have more confidence as a jazz improviser and ensemble player.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to students of all levels.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Students will play with one another in ensembles coached by the course tutors and will also have the opportunity to play directly with the tutors as well. In addition, there will be listening sessions of classic and modern recordings of this music to give students a wider perspective of how this music can be played. Students will also get a chance to hear the course tutors demonstrate examples of different ways to improvise over these songs.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Yes, it will be available on this website
Is there anything I need to bring?
Just bring your instrument.
What previous participants said about this course…
“The course was fun, relaxed and very friendly.”
“With Marconi and Mark we were in the very capable hands of two expert and experienced jazz musicians, both more than happy to share their vast playing opportunities and inspire to further advance what skills we already possessed.”
“Excellent: the tutors were enthusiastic and took a personal interest in us.”
“To have two such talented tutors, especially a double bassist was fantastic. The listening exercise made a worthwhile change from playing and is something I will continue to do.”
“An opportunity to improve your harmony and improvisation skills; to play with other musicians of varying standards both in formal and informal sessions and to socialise out of hours with course attendees and tutors.”
“Relaxing and stimulating environment, comfortable yet demanding on your skills.”