We offer Jazz Studies in Guitar, Piano, Keyboards, Bass, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Strings, Vibraphone, Drums and Vocals

JAZZ STUDIES PROGRAM OVERVIEW

— MORNING CLASSES {2025-26} —

Jazz Theory 1 (9:15 AM)

The study of harmony, melody and rhythm as it relates to modern jazz from 1940 through the present. Scales, Modes, Triads, 7th Chords, Modes, and Reading Syncopated Jazz Rhythms are covered. Students are required to listen to jazz recordings (from the 1920’s - 1960’s) for 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week and maintain a listening journal.

Jazz Performance 1 (10:10AM) 

The application of the information from Jazz Theory 1 is the content of this course. Blues and Level 1 & 2 Jazz Standards are used as material for implementing Scales, Modes, Triads, 7th Chords and Non/Modal Scales in jazz improvisation. Students are required to practice their instrument for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week and maintain a practice log.

— 1:25 PM CLASS {2025-26} —

Jazz Combo 3 Honors

Students must take Jazz Theory 1 and Jazz Performance 1 to be admitted to this class. 

The combos consist of 4-6 musicians working on Level 2 and 3 Jazz Standards. Learning to play the melody, chords and improvise on 2 songs per quarter is required. The class consists of 3 to 4 combos working in small rooms alone and working with the instructor in the large classroom. Listening to and emulating Jazz Greats is a major focus of this class, and transcription of material from recordings is introduced in the second semester.

Students are required to practice their instrument for a minimum of 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week and maintain a practice log.

— 2:20 PM CLASS {2025-26} —

Jazz Combo 4, 5 Honors

The combos in this class study advanced modern jazz, including fusion, jazz rock, and contemporary jazz vocals.

Students are required to practice their instrument for a minimum of 1 hour a day, 5 days a week and maintain a practice log.

The Fine Arts Center Miles Davis Ensemble members are selected from this class. They represent the school by playing engagements and concerts around the region.

  Jazz...

America's Classical Music.

Born in America,  

Enjoyed Worldwide.