Where do the Jazz Workshops take place?
Our studio is a spacious, renovated 2000 square foot space located in Leslieville, downtown Toronto.
I was wondering how one gets started in a Jazz Workshop Class?
Auditions are required for Jazz Workshop Classes, as there are ensembles at different levels. The audition process takes about an hour and is a combination lesson/audition. You will also receive basic theoretical information that the class works on.
Are there certain times throughout the year when one can join a Jazz Workshop Class?
No, you can join at any time during the year.
Is there a commitment involved?
Yes, new students can only be accepted if they are able to commit to a minimum 16 week term. After that, the classes are ongoing, and it’s common for people to continue – but that’s your choice.
I would like to know if the Jazz Workshops run on a semester-type basis or if they run year-round?
The Jazz Workshops are run on a year-round basis. There are weekly classes from Sept thru June. There is also a week-long summer intensive session.
What is the procedure for registration?
You can register either at your first lesson/audition, or when you attend your first class.
I am an amateur player with a fairly strong background in concert pieces but little experience with jazz. Are there any beginners in your classes?
Yes, in fact the beginner level Jazz Workshop Class is designed for people who either come from another musical background &/or haven’t had experience playing music with other people before. There are also Jazz Workshop Classes for people of intermediate and advanced abilities in jazz.
How is the typical improvisation workshop structured?
Through learning the harmonic movements of key jazz song forms and standards, you will gain a knowledge of the necessary scales involved in creating/sounding the harmony. As well, you will learn techniques that when applied to the scales, provide a very broad base to develop improvisational ideas of your own. A study of rhythm is also a key component.
Is it necessary to be a pianist or guitarist to attend the Harmony Class, or is this used as a means of learning theory?
You don’t have to be a pianist or guitarist to participate in the Harmony Class. It is highly recommended that other instrumentalists and singers attend Harmony Classes to learn more about theory and harmony. Some of the participants in the piano workshop include vocalist, sax players, trumpet players, bass players, etc.
Do I need to bring music with me?
It is not necessary to bring music with you. Tunes will be selected during the Jazz Workshop sessions.
I was wondering what musical equipment is available to use?
The studio comes complete with a six foot Kawai, Hammond B3 with Leslie speaker, drum set, upright bass, P.A. with mikes, several guitar amps and a stage with stage lighting.
Would it be possible to come to a Harmony Class without being very experienced on the instrument?
Yes, the Harmony Class is open to piano & guitar players at all levels of experience.
I’m an amateur musician. Are the Jazz Workshops open to people like me?
The Jazz Workshops attract full/part time musicians; amateur musicians with ‘day jobs’, retired people with time to ‘take the horn back out’ and graduates of college music programs. The common factor is a love of jazz and a desire to learn more thru hard work.
