Experience playing jazz from various eras and styles together with other musicians in a relaxed, friendly and informal setting.
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/307
Members priority booking opens at 9am on Tuesday 17 June.
General booking opens at 9am on Friday 11 July.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
Please note: This course runs from 5.30pm on Monday 9 February and finishes after lunch Thursday 12 February 2026. In a change from our standard course timetable, afternoon sessions are scheduled.
What is the course about?
Whether it’s your first experience of playing jazz, or you are a regular player wishing to enhance your skills, the course has something for everyone. Sessions will include workshops, masterclasses and demonstrations together with some relaxed jam sessions, turning the whole experience into a veritable feast of jazz.
Tutor websites: Joy Ellis Adam Osmianski
What will we cover?
- Standard jazz forms and repertoire
- Improvising solos and accompaniments
- Chord structures and voicings
- Rhythmic interpretation of various jazz styles
- Chord symbols and other nomenclature
- Jazz vocabulary
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
- Identify common chord progressions and song forms
- Develop improvisatory language for soloing
- Choose appropriate chord voicings
- Recognize various styles/genres of jazz
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Improver, Confident, Skilful.
No prior jazz experience is necessary, but participants should already be comfortable playing the instrument they choose to play at Jazz Fest. Confidence with basic scales is helpful.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
- Practical work as a full group, smaller groups, and individual sessions with course leaders
- Participants will receive feedback from the tutors
- No specific preparation is necessary, but brushing up on scales and arpeggios is recommended.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, it will be provided by the tutors throughout the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Your instrument, a notebook and pencil, a folder for music.
String players - we strongly recommend you consider bringing amplification as the course regularly attracts over 20 musicians and several of the participants play brass instruments.
What previous participants said about this course…
“A great course to learn basic concepts of improvisation and to have a go. Got exercises to take away and practice.”
“Wide ranging course, good for all grades of musician, but not for beginners. Classically trained who have not done jazz can really benefit. Lots of theory, if you can cope with it!”
“Full on - better than expected. Good venue, relaxed, good food, civilised, relaxing and free onsite parking.”
“Good musical information and light introduction to the more complicated aspects of jazz.”