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NEC Summer School 2009:
Classes & Ensembles
Contemporary Improvisation and Jazz
- Blues Workshop
- Jazz Ensembles
- Jazz Ear Training
- Jazz Theory: Improvising and Composing
- Finale Notation Software and Chart Writing
Blues Workshop
David Zoffer
Schedule TBA (four meetings; auditions: Saturday, May 30)
In this performance-oriented class, students learn how to play Chicago and New Orleans blues from both a technical and an emotional perspective. Emphasis is placed on developing content (i.e., what to play), and on being able to deliver ideas with excitement and impact (i.e., how to play). Source material is drawn from such blues legends as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, James Booker, Magic Sam and many others. The use of the blues in jazz, funk and rock music is also explored. This is a class for the head and the heart; it emphasizes playing music with feeling.
Ensemble times will be scheduled at the convenience of the students and instructor following auditions. Course materials will be handed out before the class runs. All instruments and voice welcome. (Private lessons at NEC or elsewhere should be set aside to work on the pieces for this class to help prepare for the concert.) Auditions: Saturday, May 30, 2:00 p.m; call 617-585-1130 to reserve a time.
1 CE credit or Non-credit: $525
Jazz Ensembles
David Zoffer, coordinator
Schedule TBA (eight meetings; auditions: Saturday, May 30)
Jazz ensembles are formed at all levels for instrumentalists and vocalists. Emphasis is on exploring different jazz styles and improvisation techniques. Seven two-hour coaching sessions and a concluding concert will be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the participants and the coach. Auditions: Saturday, May 30, beginning at 2:00 p.m.; call 617-585-1130 to reserve a time.
1 CE credit or Non-credit: $525
Jazz Ear Training
Eyran Katsenelenbogen
June 8 –July 13 (eight meetings)
June 8 –29: M, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
July 2,6,9,13, ThM: 6:30-8:30 p.m
In this class, an aural counterpart to Jazz Theory, students learn the fundamental aural recognition skills of the jazz musical vocabulary. Emphasis is on interval and chord recognition, jazz rhythmical rudiments, strengthening aural identification of standard harmonic progressions, simple transcription, vocal and instrumental imitation and improvisation. The class includes singing, and playing if applicable. No previous vocal experience is required, and instrumentalists at all levels are welcome. This class is suitable for beginning and intermediate students and will also accommodate the needs of more advanced students. If possible, please bring a recording device to class. Note: For further information, please call the instructor at 617-267-2648. Placement interviews: Saturday, May 30 beginning at 2:00 p.m; call 617-585-1130 to reserve a time.
1 CE credit: $525
Non-credit: $375
Jazz Theory: Improvising and Composing
Rick McLaughlin
June 16-July 28 (eight meetings)
June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, Tu: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
July 27, M: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
July 28, Tu: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Learn to understand and create music from the perspective of various jazz traditions. Looking to understand jazz as a musical language? Perhaps you are a composer looking to find ways to make your music sound more complete? For jazz improvisers and composers, a mastery of theory can assist in making good ideas sound great. In this course, we will examine the analytical vocabulary and concepts used by jazz musicians by making music. Regular assignments will allow the student an opportunity to experiment, while demonstrating an understanding of jazz theory. Recordings of well-known jazz pieces will illustrate theory concepts, and class topics are tailored to the level of the participants.
Note: This class runs right before Finale Software Notation & Chart Writing, and can be taken as a complimentary pair of classes, which includes a $100 discount on the total tuition.
1 CE credit: $525
Non-credit: $375
Finale Notation Software and Chart Writing
David Zoffer, Chair, NEC Preparatory & Continuing Education Jazz Department
June 16-July 28 (8 meetings)
June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, Tu: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
July 27, M: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
July 28, Tu: 7:30-8:30PM
Always wanted to learn computer notation software? Tired of not knowing how to make clear looking printed music for rehearsals and performance? Sharing his years of professional notation experience in Jazz, Pop and Classical music, David Zoffer starts this class with basic instruction in Finale notation software and gives students the ability to make professional charts, based on the concept of developing empathy for the reader. In-class projects include: lead sheets (melodies and chords), two-line scores (enhanced lead sheets), rhythm section writing (drums, bass, guitar and keyboards), writing for vocals, changing keys, writing for horns, concert and transposed scores, part preparation, and through-composed (completely notated) scores. Also covered: using Finale to make audio files and as a tool for individual vocal or instrumental practice and composition. Finale software and MIDI keyboards are available for this course at the NEC keyboard lab, and NEC students can get a discounted price on buying a copy of Finale software if they so choose. Prerequisite: This class requires basic note reading skills (pitch identification on at least treble clef) and the ability to count rhythms in written music.
Note: This class runs right after Jazz Theory: Improvising and Composing and can be taken as a complimentary pair of classes with a $100 discount on total tuition.
1 CE credit: $525
Non-credit: $375