I have only kind words for Steve Kim. I love a teacher who is, in fact, a teacher, and Steve strikes a great balance between letting us figure it out, and leaning in with helpful hints and context.
Steve's teaching is warm, precise, and very rooted in jazz theory and history. He helped us with technique but also with "feel", and gave excellent coaching for individual and ensemble playing. He made his plans explicit to us ("today we are working on . . . next week we will . . ." and provided great materials in a timely manner. He even sent additional scales or listening over email when asked. I learned a lot, enjoyed getting to know and playing with my combo, and had a blast at the December performances. I'm really excited to come back
Combo Level 2
Veteran jazz educator and top Seattle bass player Steve Kim leads this level 2 combo bringing with him years of experience as a combo coach and bass guru. Steve likes to bring energy to his combos and pushes students while staying very welcoming and supportive. 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.
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.