Chances to learn about jazz on LCoM's short courses

Throughout the year, Leeds College of Music offers a wide range of short courses for musicians of all abilities - from those who want to build on their existing skills to those who are brand new to music. Between September and December this year, jazz lovers will have a number of options. The Leeds College of Music website has full details on each course, how to apply and the prerequisites.

Pop and Jazz Choir (from 19th September, £150) - led by Jenny Chamberlain Smith

Jenny will teach an eclectic repertoire, giving you the chance to explore different styles of harmony singing, including call and response, close harmony, a cappella, and different styles of backing vocals. Material will be taught using a combination of aural and written traditions. During the 30 week course there will be three informal performances.

Introduction to Jazz Piano (from 28th September, £120) - led by Bob Birch

Working in a small group, this practical course will introduce you to some of the key concepts in jazz piano and improvisation by exploring practical jazz theory. You will learn how to play from lead sheets and play a wide range of jazz and blues repertoire in a friendly and supportive environment. You will be introduced to chord symbols and voicings, extended harmony, walking bass lines and using scales to build confidence in approaching jazz improvisation.

Jazz Composition Weekend (12th November, £150) - led by Rob Mitchell

This weekend course will introduce you to the foundations of jazz composition and arranging. The course will explores techniques, devices and structures used in composing melody, harmony and rhythm in jazz, with a focus on writing lead sheet and small ensemble compositions. Part of the course will be theory based with the opportunity to input compositional ideas into Sibelius software with a view to your own compositions being performed and work shopped.

Jazz Improvisation Weekend (3rd Devember, £150) - led by Rob Mitchell

This weekend course is ideal for the inexperienced improviser wishing to gain more knowledge, experience and confidence in improvisation and jazz. Taught in an ensemble environment, you will study the development of improvisation, jazz phrasing, chord scale relationships, understanding II V I harmony, guide tones, jazz lines, rhythmic development, jazz blues, rhythm changes and altered chords. Although this course is suitable for all instrumentalists (including drums), there is a focus on melodic instruments. The workshop sessions will provide plenty of opportunities to perform in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Jazz Short Courses at LCoM

Leeds College of Music are gearing up to run some short courses focused on jazz in the coming months. These courses are open to anyone, with certain courses targeting beginner improvisers to those wishing to study jazz full-time. Full details can be found on the LCoM website but below are the brief outlines of the upcoming courses.

Jazz Brass Weekend - 25-26 April 2015

A fantastic opportunity for all brass players to gain valuable insight into improvisation, specific to brass technique. Covering aspects of blues, II-V-I progression, ear training, feel and instrumental technique; you will study with two of LCoM’s leading jazz tutors and brass specialists from our BA Jazz programme.  This two-day course is ideal for players who are perhaps intending to study music full-time or just building their confidence in general.  Working both with your tutors and a live rhythm section, you will learn how to improvise with increased fluency, whilst gaining knowledge of the repertoire and how your playing can best relate to it.  The weekend will conclude with an open rehearsal in front of an audience of friends and family.

To book, please visit www.lcm.ac.uk/courses/jazzbrass

Jazz Improvisation Weekend - 9-10 May 2015

Develop your confidence and creativity in this step by step guide to developing jazz language and improvisation.  You will study the development of improvisation, jazz phrasing, chord scale relationships, understanding II V I harmony, guide tones, jazz lines, rhythmic development, jazz blues, rhythm changes and altered chords.  This intensive course is ideal for both the inexperienced improviser wishing to gain more knowledge, experience and confidence in improvisation, and for the seasoned improviser who wishes to take their jazz improvisation language to the next level.

To book, please visit www.lcm.ac.uk/courses/jazzimprovisation