Gain confidence in your ability to improvise and perform in a jazz group and learn tunes from the jazz repertoire.

The course will introduce you to playing in a jazz band, or provide opportunity for you to improve your knowledge and skills.

We will work on a number of tunes over the 10-week course, modelling a real playing experience. We play together as a group, learning tunes and improvising.

As far as possible we will function as a jazz band would depending on the mix of instruments participating.

Within this context we will consider orthodox performance conventions, and allow you to try improvising (or improve this skill) in a supportive environment.

This is a practical course focussed on playing, but theory and improvisation techniques relevant to the tunes being played will feature.

Please note: Attenborough Arts Centre has two acoustic pianos we can use, but no other instruments or backline. You will need to bring your own instrument(s) each week.

Unfortunately we cannot include vocalists, unless you also play an instrument.

Your instrument (other than drums etc) needs to be capable of all 12 chromatic notes. eg not diatonic “Blues” harmonica.