3 August 2012
Jazz Performer
The new jazz summer school will offer students the opportunity to rapidly gain experience playing in ensemble settings. The short course is designed by and supported throughout by internationally renowned teachers and performers.
This five-day intensive summer school aims to inspire jazz musicians who are currently studying at conservatoire level or considering studying at a conservatoire. It will also provide opportunities for experienced students, professionals or advanced amateurs to study and refine repertoire in preparation for gigs, auditions or for personal development.
During your time at jazz summer school you will benefit from input from the highest quality performers and teachers all of whom have significant professional reputations as both educators and recording artists.
The specialist focus on improvisation and ensemble experience will offer you a chance to gain intensive amounts of jazz ensemble playing practice whilst being offered professional guidance and support in the improvisation and techniques that are unique to jazz.
Your time at summer school will mainly be spent playing in groups comprised of other students on the short course. These new jazz ensembles will benefit from playing support throughout in small, interactive masterclass settings.
You will also work on jazz repertoire which will be presented at an end of course in an informal concert that will feature each jazz ensemble performing with course tutors listening in to provide you with advice and feedback.
A full courses outline can be found on our website.
Course leader
Tommy Smith
Artistic Director and Head of Jazz
Tommy Smith is a noted saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator.
Tommy is a keen nurturer of young talent and formed the Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2002 after forming the Scottish Na
Target group
The summer school is for you if you are age 17 or over but will favour those with some experience of group and ensemble playing in live settings and a reasonable understanding of jazz chords, scales, harmony and repertoire but also with a specific interest in developing new improvisation skills.
This course will primarily benefit those who can already improvise to some degree and play jazz with confidence but would like to take this development opportunity to perform to the next level.
Please see course outline for full details of student selection.
Course aim
This summer school will focus on the experience of ensemble and group performance whilst offering specific instrumental guidance on key elements of improvisation.
Upon completion of the summer school, you should have:
• gained a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of improvisation including jazz scales, harmony and rhythms
• learned how to improvise more creatively and fluently, utilizing concepts of thematic development and collective ensemble interplay
• learned how to practice more efficiently towards a goal of becoming a confident and fluent improviser
• become more familiar with specific jazz repertoire
• performed during an informal concert where the focus will be on ensemble playing and improvisation.
Fee info
GBP 450: 50% payment is required to book a place.