Five students playing jazz instruments (guitar, bass, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone)

Jazz

Students enrolled in the Jazz Studies Department learn traditional jazz repertoire, develop improvisational skills, and the ability to perform as soloists and accompanists. A core concept of the curriculum is that keen aural perception is fundamental to mastering the subtleties of jazz and developing excellent musicianship.

In addition to individual instruction, students are strongly encouraged to participate in an ensemble, so that they may apply the skills learned in lessons and master classes to actual performance.

A two-week intensive jazz class is offered in the summer for older children and teenagers who want to continue or begin jazz studies while school is not in session.

Our Programs

We offer private lessons as well as group and ensemble classes.

July 10 – July 31, 2024 (4 weeks)
Wednesdays: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructors: Danny Janklow
Tuition: $200

August 20, 2024 – May 30, 2025
Fridays: 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Instructors: Danny Janklow
Tuition: $1,008

Students participate in jazz combos composed of rhythm sections (i.e. piano, guitar, drum set, and percussion) and various wind instruments. Students of all instruments may enroll. Literature for each group may be an assortment of standard jazz repertoire as well as arrangements and original compositions.

Age 12+. At least two years of previous instrumental study required.

Register here.

August 26 – November 16, 2024
Saturdays: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
or
Mondays: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition:$480

Students learn to play jazz and blues standards in an ensemble setting. Through guided listening, students learn about melody, arrangements, chords, scales, and jazz improvisation.

Please contact the office to enroll: music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626-683-3355.

August 26 – November 11, 2024
Mondays: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition:$480

The adult studies jazz theory class is for beginning to
Intermediate ability levels. This class will include ear training drills on music intervals, triads and 7th chords. Students will study from lesson topics from Shelly Berg’s Book “Essentials of Jazz Theory”, including various scales, chord patterns, and soloing exercises that can be directly
applied to jazz standards. Students will bring their instruments (pianos provided) and will be given weekly assignments to practice that are in line with their experience level and abilities.

Register here

June 17 – 28, 2024
Monday – Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Directors: Danny Janklow and Sam Hirsh

This two-week course develops foundations of jazz improvisation, theory, and history. Students enrolled in the workshop study with some of L.A.’s great jazz teachers, gain a comprehensive knowledge of jazz traditions, participate in daily master classes, learn to play pieces by jazz masters, and perform in an end-of-workshop concert.

Age 12+. All instruments welcome, no previous jazz experience required.

Visit the Fees page for more information about tuition and registration fees.