Musical director Michael Garrick gained a Post-graduate Certificate of Education from London University, which may have something to do with it, though he himself is sceptical. "What we offer is an enthusiasm for sharing and learning with an open mind. Philosophy and ethics are NOT on the menu, but they tend to surface in the breaks! Your only qualifications need to be a real curiosity plus an ability to play or sing (in your own judgement) with reasonable facility," he says. Jazz, the music of the last and the new centuries, is the focus and for us it celebrates good-humoured human spirit, not birthdays or long faces!

Average ages: 16-75. 'Generation gaps' soon get submerged in the more important business of making music. The staff are here to illuminate and pass on our experience, skills and great love of jazz, the music that thrills us to the bone. To this end our famous jazz club (complete with grand piano, sound system, lighting, dance space, snacks and licensed bar) runs 7.30-10.30pm each evening. Time slots are freely available as are tutors to play or sing along with. ALL jazz styles are equally valid.

Value for money: Jazz Academy's SUMMER COURSE runs for six full days in total (XMAS SWING is three days long).

Opportunities for performing.

Courses to suit all musicians: Jazz Academy courses are designed to appeal to any musician who has an interest in jazz and a reasonable ability to play their chosen instrument or sing - in their own estimation.

Quality of tutors: Jazz Academy tutors are all experienced, professional musicians. Tutors are recognised performers and/or specialist teachers with wide experience of working with students of all abilities. You'll find that all tutors are friendly, approachable and willing to help you learn.

Wide range of styles covered: Jazz Academy courses are designed to appeal to the widest range of jazz interests, from the earliest pre-jazz and ragtime styles to the latest avant-garde and 'cutting-edge' of today's performers.

Early registration is advised. It is recommended that you visit the Jazz Academy web site to download the brochure & application form:

www.jazzacademy.co.uk

jazz@jazzacademy.co.uk

back to previous page

www.jazzacademy.co.uk

for full details of this year's courses.

SUMMER JAZZ

21st - 27th August 2005

XMAS SWING

27th - 30th December 2005
[provisional]

Daily Timetable: a typical day's timetable starts shortly after 9.00am and runs throughout 5 periods till 5.30pm. It includes:

- 9.15-10.40 - instrumental tutorials
- 11.00-12.00 - illustrated jazz history
- 12.00-1.15 - self-graded ensembles
- 1.15-2.15 - lunch
- 2.15-3.40 - self-graded improvisation groups
- 4.00-5.30 - options:-
playalong sessions with tutor rhythm sections
one-to-ones
harmony classes
composition
arranging
director's clinic
club rehearsals
vocal groups