Jazz Theory
Age 8-18
Jazz Theory is a sequential, multi-year series of classes covering a broad range of topics and concepts. Classes meet for one hour per week for six weeks each term (in tandem with a similarly organized six-week Jazz History class). These are required classes for the Young Artists Certificate in Jazz.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the following Jazz Theory Classes are offered:
Jazz Theory I: This fall term class introduces students to improvisation through a wide array of participatory activities. Students explore using different types of scales (major, natural minor, Dorian, Mixolydian, pentatonic/blues), playing over short harmonic progressions, and embellishing melodies with an assortment of rhythmic and melodic techniques. Activities include call and response exercises, group improvisation games, trading ideas, creating patterns, listening to great improvisers, and studying their solos, culminating in being able to improvise over classic jazz repertoire appropriate for newer improvisers.
Jazz Theory I class meets on Sundays, September 29; October 5, 12, 19 and 26; and November 2 from 11:30am – 12:30pm.
Jazz Theory II: (Completion of Jazz Theory I or the permission of the instructor is required to enroll in this class.) This spring term class builds on the skills from Jazz Theory I with more advanced concepts for improvisation. Students more deeply explore melodic embellishment ideas such as chromaticism, utilizing the underlying harmony, and creating rhythmic alterations through syncopation and displacement. The class explores Latin jazz and funk repertoire as well as swing and focuses on more abstract ideas such as the use of space, repetition, dynamics, and surprise. Students learn from a wide range of participatory activities and engagement with the language of some of the most important figures throughout jazz history.
Jazz Theory II class meets on Sundays, March 29; April 12 and 26; and May 3, 10, and 17 from 11:30am to 12:30pm