Combo Level 1
This combo will meet weekly on Wednesdays running April 8th - June 10th with performances on June 11th, 12th, and 13th.
This beginning level jazz combo is led by composer, performer, bandleader, and recording artist Jessica Lurie. Jessica brings with her years of experience leading ensembles of all sizes in a variety of styles, a deep knowledge of the jazz tradition, and an approach to improvised music developed over years on the bandstand. Emphasis is placed on internalizing song forms like the 12-bar blues and short standards, improvising on simple chord changes, and locking rhythmically as an ensemble on various grooves and styles. Music is chosen by the instructor with input from students and is selected from common jam session tunes and jazz standards. See Songs and Goals for Beginning Combos
Homework: Recommended homework and practice schedule will vary from week to week. Instructor will provide weekly homework assignments and give feedback on student work throughout the quarter.Â
Students requirements: Regular attendance is critical for maximizing learning in online classes. Regular practice and study outside of class increases knowledge retention, builds skills faster, and promotes integration of skills into student performance.Â
This is a 10 week course meeting in person once a week for 90 minutes.
Prior assessment for, or previous enrollment in, a level 1 combo.
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.