Read a conversation with Ken Schaphorst, Hankus Netsky, and David Zoffer of the faculty |
Jazz Studies
Faculty: Charlie Banacos, Piano | Jerry Bergonzi, Saxophone | Ran Blake, Piano, Contemporary Improvisation | Fred Buda, Drum Set | Frank Carlberg, Composition, Piano | Gary Chaffee, Drum Set | Anthony Coleman | Sa Davis, Hand Drumming | Dominique Eade, Voice, Vocal Ensemble | Robin Eubanks, Trombone | George Garzone, Saxophone | Jamey Haddad, Ensemble | Billy Hart, Drum Set, Percussion | Andre Hayward, Trombone | Jon Hazilla, Drum Set | Fred Hersch, Piano | Jerry Leake, African and Indian Percussion, Tabla | John Lockwood, Double Bass | Cecil McBee, Double Bass | John McNeil, Trumpet | Joe Morris, Guitar | Rakalam Bob Moses, Drum Set, Percussion | Hankus Netsky, Contemporary Improvisation | Bob Nieske, Ensemble | Danilo Pérez, Piano | Tim Ray, Piano | Dave Samuels, Vibraphone | Ken Schaphorst, Chair, Composition, Trumpet | Brad Shepik | Benjamin Schwendener, Lydian Chromatic Concept | Ben Sher, Ensemble | Eunmi Shim | Oscar Stagnaro, Bass Guitar, Latin Ensemble | Miguel Zenón, Saxophone | Norman M.E. Zocher, Guitar
Visiting Artist-in-Residence: Dave Holland
Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Emeritus: George Russell
Download PDF of complete NEC course descriptions
Download PDF of undergraduate program requirements
Download PDF of graduate program requirements
Download PDF of DMA requirements
NEC’s Jazz Studies faculty teach the art of jazz improvisation with an emphasis on individual creativity and group interaction in small ensemble performance.
Rather than learning a single "correct" way to play, you are encouraged to explore the myriad possibilities in jazz, to discover your own original voice, through a rigorous program of ear training, analysis, and historical study. Jazz is broadly defined at NEC and experimentation is encouraged. At the same time, it is essential that you master the jazz traditions of swing, melodic improvisation on tonal forms, and instrumental technique and expression in order to be a competent professional who can extend those traditions and function in a variety of musical settings.
As a Jazz Composition major, you work closely with a studio teacher in private lessons and have many opportunities to have your music read, performed, and recorded by large and small jazz composers’ ensembles.
Your experience as a jazz major at NEC will extend beyond the classroom with numerous opportunities to be part of the Boston jazz scene. Clubs like the Western Front and Lizard Lounge regularly host NEC jazz groups. Art galleries like Zeitgeist Gallery and Artist at Large Gallery double as open improvisational music spaces that often feature NEC faculty, alumni, and students.
Courses encompass two areas of study: Jazz Studies and Contemporary Improvisation. Jazz Studies focuses on African-American traditions; Contemporary Improvisation provides students with the opportunity to synthesize such diverse traditions as jazz, contemporary classical, and ethnic music through improvisation, performance, and composition, with an emphasis on developing aural traditions.
Courses include the following:
- Development of Long-Term Melodic Memory
— Ran Blake - Introduction to Jazz Improvisation and Ear Training
— Hankus Netsky - Development of Long-Term Harmonic Memory and Development of Personal Style
— Ran Blake, Hankus Netsky - Jazz Repertoire and Jazz Theory
— John McNeil - Development of Rhythmic Skills
— Michael Cain - Jazz Vocal Traditions
— Dominique Eade - Lydian Chromatic Concepts
— Ben Schwendener - Film Noir
— Ran Blake - Jazz Composition and Arranging , Topics in Jazz Theory and Analysis
— Ken Schaphorst - Jazz Styles: Free Jazz and the Avant-Garde
— Allan Chase - Jazz Composition for Performers
— Frank Carlberg - Jazz Ear Training
— George Garzone - Intervallic Improvisation, Melodic Rhythm and Graduate Improvisation Seminar
— Jerry Bergonzi
Some well-known NEC alumni in the jazz field:
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Regina Carter Marty Ehrlich
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