Ray has a passion for a wide spectrum of different music and helped me expand my horizon. I enjoyed his positive and helpful approach, encouraging us to actively listen to each other and build on each other’s idea. Ray’s willingness to listen deeply to each of us and give constructive feedback, encouraging us to work on dynamics throughout the quarter, was super helpful. He nudged us towards taking chances and trying out new ideas, helping us make strides towards sounding cohesive and supporting each other as a combo.
Overall, being in Ray’s combo was great fun, and I really enjoyed myself. I have already signed up for another quarter with Ray.
Combo Level 2
Upright bassist Ray Clemens studied jazz at the Idyllwild Arts Academy in California and at the New School for Social Research in New York, honing his craft under the tutelage of masters like Marshall Hawkins, Buster Williams, and Peter Paulsen. An accomplished teacher in his own right, Ray has a wide range of instruction experience, in all age groups and ability levels, ranging from private instruction, to small ensemble and orchestra.
Homework: Homework is comprised of playing assignments based on the combo music and individual needs.
Student Requirements: Punctual attendance and desire to learn and improve. Students supply their instruments.
Important Note Regarding Combo Placement: Jazz Night School is dedicated to finding the best learning experience for everyone involved. Some of the criteria we consider in determining combo placements include: matching ability levels within groups, compatibility of individuals in the groups (students and instructors), allowing the highest number of students to participate, student availability, and date of registration. Despite our best efforts, there is always a chance that an individual may not be able to be placed in a combo.
This is a 10 week course meeting in person once a week for 90 minutes.
Skills assessment or previous enrollment in the same level combo is required.
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.
All Jazz Night School policies must be adhered to for enrollment, policies can be found here.