Standard Jazz and Improvisation

“Bear is so knowledgeable and giving, he encourages us to grow musically…It has really been a blast!” - Recent Standard Jazz participant

Session 1: Tuesdays, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, [no class 11/24] 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 (12 classes)
Class Time: 8-9 pm
Tuition: $300
* A one-time $45 enrollment fee applies if you are new to MCMC

Session 2: Tuesdays, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, [no class 2/23], 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, [no class 4/20], 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18 (15 classes)
Class Time: 8-9 pm
Tuition: $375
* A one-time $45 enrollment fee applies if you are new to MCMC

Standard Jazz and Improv, led by trombonist Bear Irwin, is for those who are interested in learning and developing improvisation skills in the context of the great Jazz Standards of the American Songbook. In addition to learning the Music Theory needed to support composition and improvisation, class members will develop ensemble skills like blending tone, integrating rhythm, matching pitch, and balancing volume. Ultimately forming a Jazz Combo ensemble.

There are five incrementally progressive units in the curriculum with about 10 titles in each. Participants may be any age, although participants should be competent in playing the full standard range of their instruments and in using notation. Open to brass, winds, strings, piano, bass, drums / pitched percussion, guitar players, and more!

For questions, please contact Lara Mones, Program and Development Director at Lara@mcmcvt.org. Financial aid is available for classes, please view the information here. If you need to withdraw from a class, please be in touch with Lara@mcmcvt.org as soon as possible. Tuition will be refunded in full up until two weeks prior to the class start date, with a $50 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations once the class starts.