Learn basic concepts, terminology and strategies for jazz improvisation and develop a repertoire along the way. You will be introduced to the blues and diminished scales and the seven modes of a major scale, focusing on the mixolydian and dorian modes. We will dedicate time to ear training exercises and work on jazz standards as a group.
Ages: Adults
Instrument: All instruments, no singers
Prerequisites: Ability to play all major scales and arpeggios by memory
Class size: 2-8 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, Mondays, 12:15pm-1:15pm
Instructor: Max Miller-Loran
Tuition: $414 per quarter (12 weeks)
$276 for Summer Quarter (8 weeks)
Tuition is increased by 5% starting Winter Quarter.
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
This class is not being offered Fall Quarter.
Step into the world of Parisian Hot Jazz circa 1935 with this comprehensive course for beginning to intermediate students. Learn some of the most important repertoire in what has come to be called “Gypsy Jazz,” as your instructor guides you through the history and techniques that distinguish this genre. We will focus on the compositions and recordings of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, along with a brief survey of their most notable predecessors and successors. Topics include rhythmic, harmonic and melodic applications; improvising tips and tricks; and history and theory analysis.
Ages: Adults, older teens
Instruments: Violins/violas, clarinets, guitars, upright bass, accordion, mandolins, cellos, flutes
Prerequisites: String and woodwind players should read music and be able to play major scales in concert C, G, D, A, E, F, and Bb. Guitar players should be able to play major and minor bar chords with the root on A or E strings. Accordion players should be able to play major and minor chords. Bass players should be able to play the root and the 5th for major and minor chords.
Class size: 8-12 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Mondays, 6:45-8:15pm
Instructor: Scott Feichter
Tuition: $414 per quarter (12 weeks)
$276 for Summer Quarter (8 weeks)
Tuition is increased by 5% starting Winter Quarter.
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Video by Scott Feichter and Tony Naterra
Explore a standard jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting. The CMC Jazz Ensemble plays the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard and others with emphasis on how to communicate in an ensemble, improvise, and support each other on the bandstand. The class will also cover phrasing, groove and dynamics to make this music come alive. There will be a culminating performance at Community Music Center at the end of each quarter.
Ages: Older teens, adults
Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums)
Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz
Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, mastery of scales and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent.
Class size: 4-8 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, Tuesdays, Section I: 6:30-8:00pm, Section II: 8:15-9:45 pm
Instructor: Charlie Gurke
Tuition: $414 per quarter (12 weeks)
$276 for Summer Quarter (8 weeks)
Tuition is increased by 5% starting Winter Quarter.
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Call Mission District Branch registrar at (415) 647-6015.
Learn how to execute arrangements and improvise in a small jazz ensemble setting. Students will share improvisation concepts and learn how to improve and evaluate solos, group dynamics and sound. Players will be strongly encouraged to write original tunes and there will be various performance opportunities throughout the year.
Ages: Older teens, adults
Instruments: Trumpet, trombone, saxophones, clarinet and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums)
Musical Styles: Jazz standards, blues, Latin jazz, originals
Prerequisites: For intermediate to advanced students
Class size: 2-5 students
Location, Day and Time: Richmond District Branch, Thursdays, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Instructor: Max Miller-Loran
Tuition: $414 per quarter (12 weeks)
$276 for Summer Quarter (8 weeks)
Tuition is increased by 5% starting Winter Quarter.
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Call the Richmond District Branch registrar at (415) 221-4515.
If you’d like to be matched with other students in a small Jazz ensemble or receive coaching for an existing group, please fill out a Chamber Music Inquiry Form.
