• Founded in 1984

    Weekly ZOOM Classes
    in Harmony & Jazz Improvisation
    for All Levels

  • Founded in 1984

  • Weekly ZOOM Classes

    in Harmony & Jazz Improvisation for All Levels

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About the Jazz Workshops

Howard Rees apprenticed with Maestro Barry Harris from 1978 – 1984 in New York City. Upon returning to Toronto, he founded Howard Rees’ Jazz Workshops,  Canada’s Oldest Independent Jazz School. After 40 years of in-studio teaching, all  classes now take place on ZOOM. Focusing on the wisdom of Barry Harris, the Jazz Workshops have attracted more than 3,500 students from across Canada and around the world.

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Study Materials – Now Streaming!

Study directly with Maestro Barry Harris. Referred to as the “Bebop Bible” by another legendary pianist, Tommy Flanagan.

Each professionally produced volume in the series, is available in your choice of hard copy, (DVDs and a Workbook) and streaming options (packages come with a PDF Workbook). Annual subscriptions give the convenience of on-demand viewing.

Will be of interest to instrumentalists and vocalists from intermediate to professional level.

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We Are One Jazz Project

Founded by Howard Rees, the WAOJP strengthens community bonds by harnessing the beauty and power of jazz as a force for social change, through which to inspire young Canadians. Through direct interaction with master musicians, the project teaches young students the benefits of working in a large ensemble, building bonds and self-discovery. Our goal is to kindle a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and motivation for creative thinking and excellence in the lives of each participant.

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Jazz School Online

Howard Rees’ JSO features over 200 video lessons on jazz improvisation and harmony by subscription. JSO presents key components of Barry Harris’ method. The main concepts are surprisingly few and may be memorized with relative ease. The real work and joy of discovery however, comes from digging ever deeper into them.  The Barry Harris method is truly an Improvisational Approach to Studying Jazz.

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A Few Student Testimonials

I’ve been studying jazz improvisation for over twenty years at some of the most renowned institutions and with some of the most highly touted educators. However, it wasn’t until I began to work with Howard Rees at The Jazz Workshop that it all came together for me. My playing has improved exponentially since I started taking classes at The Jazz Workshop. The instruction is clear and systematic and the application of the exercises is practical and finds its way into your playing in no time.

I’ve attended the Jazz Workshop and the Barry Harris clinics in Toronto for several years now and I’m looking forward to attending for many more. The weekly sessions with Howard are the best context that I have found for improving my playing, as I am constantly challenged to address my weak points. Howard is a supportive and encouraging teacher who has mastered the art of constructive criticism. While the weekly sessions can be difficult, I thoroughly enjoy them. The Barry Harris approach to improvisation is the most logically complete methodology that I’m aware of.  Needless to say I’m a very happy customer as the whole package has greatly enriched my musical experiences

(On the Barry Harris Workshop Video Series): In my 20 years in sales at Canada’s largest musical instrument retailers, I’ve likely seen every instructional jazz video and workbook ever distributed. The Barry Harris Workshop Video series is really the only one I can recommend with a clear conscience.

As a student in Howard’s jazz workshops for many years – progressing from beginners to more advanced, I cannot think of a better class environment to learn to improve upon techniques of playing and singing improvised music.