Beginning Instruments for Adults: Frets
This class will meet weekly on Thursdays running September 25th - December 4th. This class does not perform. (See also Beginning Instruments for Adults: Winds.)
Beginning Instruments for Adults: Frets is led by multi-instrumentalist and music educator Jesse Moneyhun, this yearlong course (fall, winter, spring) provides a fun, group-setting opportunity to learn a new instrument.
Students require NO previous experience to fully participate in learning. As with all Jazz Night School courses, this class will use a listen-first approach, adding theory when appropriate, and always rooted in jazz music. We will be improvising and playing songs before you know it!
This course DOES NOT require a new student skills assessment.
Learning Goals: Students will be able to play with a characteristic tone on their chosen instrument and will demonstrate healthy posture and playing habits. We will aim to learn three jazz tunes per quarter, utilizing groove and basic theory to improvise collectively and individually.
Advancement: Students who attend class and practice regularly may be ready to enter Jazz Night School beginning combos after one year of this Beginning Instruments study.
Course Content: This course will cover everything needed to get a solid foundation with a new instrument. How to hold and make a sound, and use good hand positioning on your instrument will be the first material covered. More notes, rhythms, and musical concepts will be introduced as the class progresses. Focus is on playing together and making music rather than reading music. Collaboration with the Beginning Winds class is likely. Expect to play a lot and learn with a like-minded group of adults who are all here to have fun and make music.
Homework: Homework is comprised of playing assignments based on the class studies and individual needs.
Instrument Selection: Please do not rent or buy an instrument prior to the first meeting of the class. You will have an opportunity to try out each of our offered instruments at our first class to be sure you are selecting your true match!
We know that students likely have strong feelings about what instrument they would like to learn. We will not attempt to change anyone’s mind, but we do ask that people attend our first rehearsal with an open mind because our "Meet Your Instrument" event will be a blast!
The Meet Your Instrument Event:Â
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Registered students will learn about each of our offered instruments (sax, clarinet, trumpet, trombone) and the expected monthly rental cost, and most importantly will PLAY each instrument.Â
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It is very common that students change their mind after physically playing the instruments… Sometimes our instrument chooses us!
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At the end of the event students will have an opportunity to rent an instrument from Ted Brown Music or to rent elsewhere in preparation for the first class with instruments. We strongly discourage purchasing an instrument, particularly from retailers that do not specialize in musical instruments.
This is a 10 week course meeting in person once a week for 90 minutes.
This course has no prerequisites. It is open to absolute beginners, both in music generally, and in the specific instrument you are learning.
Beginning, intermediate, or advanced
Jazz Night School is a vibrant and welcoming community-based nonprofit music education program that is home to hundreds of like-minded learners. Our school offers great opportunities to meet other dedicated jazz students and artists. Whatever your skill level, we have a place for you.
Schedule a skills assessment
We strongly encourage all new students to schedule a complimentary skills assessment so we can help you figure out the best place to start.
What is it like to learn with us?
As a student at Jazz Night School, you'll be part of a friendly, supportive community that shares a love and deep appreciation for jazz music in all its various forms. Your development as a musician is our primary educational goal. Whatever your skill level, our program can help you improve your musicianship and discover your own unique musical voice. For new students, we provide a complimentary introductory session that includes a skills assessment. This session gives you a chance to share your goals and interests and helps us point you to the most appropriate offerings. Each quarter we offer a wide variety of classes and workshops on improvisation, harmony, ear-training, and specialized topics. Our online classes feature lots of discussion and opportunity for questions and answers. There are no grades at Jazz Night School; rather, instructors give each student individual feedback on an ongoing basis. Everyone's effort is valued. When public health restrictions are relaxed, we will return to offering group ensemble opportunities that culminate in a short performance at a local nightclub. This is a fun-filled evening where friends and family come to applaud student efforts and cheer them on to new heights of musical expression!
We understand that most of our students have important life commitments such as work and family. There may be days that you have to deal with a sick child or a pressing work deadline and you aren't able to put in as much practice time as you would have liked. We get it. Our goal is to support your musical aspirations at whatever pace you are able to sustain at this time in your life.
Instructors
Jazz Night School instructors are some of the finest musicians and educators in Seattle’s vibrant jazz community. Some have learned their art through old school traditions and others have studied at premier institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Eastman, Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, and University of Miami.Â
All Jazz Night School policies must be adhered to for enrollment, policies can be found here.