Jazz Workshop in Bucks County

I am a firm believer that playing music with others is an essential part of learning and experiencing the joy of music making. Unfortunately, finding other musicians to jam with can be difficult, if not downright impossible. This workshop takes that hassle out of the equation. We won’t simply be jamming — we will concentrate on learning how to listen, interact, and engage in a musical dialog playing jazz standards within a group setting. Original jazz compositions are encouraged, as well. Bring your own tunes and hear them interpreted by the group!

Who

Players can be anyone looking to play jazz — older “students” looking to get back to the instrument they played years ago; high school students; young professionals — really anyone who is willing to commit to showing up weekly, working on assigned tunes, and having fun! Please see Requirements below.

Yamaha digital piano, Harkke bass amp, Yamaha drums

The Studio

All musicians enrolled in this workshop should be currently working on their respective instruments outside of this workshop — either studying on their own or (preferably) with a teacher. Everyone will be required to demonstrate a basic understanding of rhythm and some harmony/theory, as well as the ability to read music. All instrumentalists except drummers are required to have a basic understanding of chord structure and chord scales. However, if you are new to this, you will be grouped with others at a similar level. The ability to read music is preferred. Informal “auditions” will be scheduled with the goal of placing you with others of similar ability.

• Drummers need to be able to play a Jazz swing groove; Bossa nova; Jazz waltz; and swing and ballad styles with brushes; and read basic music notation. An elementary understanding of harmony/theory is preferred, but not required.
• Bassists need to be able to “walk” through chord changes.
• Melodic players (wind and brass instruments): the ability to transpose is a big plus.
• Vocalists will be encouraged to bring their favorite jazz standards to the workshop. It would be ideal if they already know their key for a particular song; however, that is a skill this workshop can help them develop.

Groups are structured according to level of ability and experience. This is the place to start putting it all together with a group of like-minded musicians with jazz as our focal point. Again, if you are new to this, you will be grouped with others at a similar level.