Jazz/Contemporary Performance

The Conservatory offers credit-free Jazz Studies courses as well as private instruction to musicians who are interested in performing jazz for their own personal enjoyment, or who wish to enrich their existing musical and performance skills.

Individual Instruction
Credit-free private and group instruction in Jazz is available for voice, string, wind, brass and percussion players, and is available to interested students of all ages and skill levels.

Jazz Studies Combos

For jazz students and enthusiasts alike, Jazz Studies Combos provides the opportunity to develop the ensemble and improvisational skills necessary to perform in a jazz context.

Examples of course content include:

• 12 bar blues chorus form
• standard song repertoire; 32 bar chorus form
• sight reading
• basic theory to assist in developing improvisation techniques
• rhythm exercises
• transcribed solos, with analysis, as models for improvisation
• performing in various styles

Acceptance to Jazz Studies Combos is by consent of the instructor. Interested students must speak with Garry deBoeck prior to registering. Please call 403.246.6385.

Summer Jazz Workshop
Focusing on improvisation and performance skills, this intensive summer workshop is designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of jazz styles, practices and history. The workshop is geared to jazz students of piano, bass, guitar, drums, trombone, trumpet and saxophone, aged 13 and older. For information on this year's workshop, click here.

For further information on Jazz Studies, contact the Conservatory at 403.440.6821.