Areas of Study

The Vermont Jazz Center's Summer Workshop offers three study tracks:

• Instrumental Jazz
• Vocal Jazz
• Jazz Composition and Arranging

INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ

Open to musicians of all instruments. This track emphasizes improvisation and small-ensemble playing. Participants receive well-rounded training that includes three levels of jazz general theory and one jazz composition. Faculty coached jazz combos rehearse daily to prepare for a final concert and nightly jam sessions ensure lots of playing time. Each instrumentalist is matched with a mentor of the same or similar instrument (brass, woodwinds, piano, bass, guitar, violin) in small-sized master-classes that allow for personalized attention. Participants will learn:

• Jazz theory and its application to improvisation- daily theory classes are tailored to inform each student depending on their individual level.
• Application of Jazz Concepts onto their own instruments in Jazz Master-classes offered daily by mentors of their instrument.
• Performance Skills by participating in daily faculty-coached ensembles that put theory into practice.
• Aspects of the Jazz Life by participating in jam sessions, attending listening sessions and sharing experiences with other participants and Faculty who live on campus.

VOCAL JAZZ:

Sheila Jordon, Jay Clayton Co-directors
Guest instructor, Peter Eldridge

Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton work as a team to create a warm environment where singers explore what it means to be a professional jazz vocalist. Guest instructor Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices will also spend one full day emphasizing specific technical concerns. Peter will also be available for private instruction (for a fee).
Participants will learn:

• How to interpret jazz standards in an authentic style
• Transpose lead sheets
• Work with a rhythm section
• Develop their abilities in vocal improvisation

Other highlights for participants include a choice of jazz theory classes, jam sessions earmarked for singers and a final concert where each vocalist will sing with either an ensemble or a professional jazz trio. Together they will establish an environment where singers can explore and develop their own personal voices.

Instructor TBA

Student composers will be guided in both the nuts and bolts of composition and arranging and the “big picture” that is necessary for creating works of integrity and substance. This program will include specific classes in composition and arranging, giving participants an opportunity to hone their skills in a practical way.

Participants will also meet one on one with the instructor to examine their compositions and refine their skills in an individualized setting.

EVENING JAMS:

Jam sessions are an integral part of jazz education and the evolution of the jazz experience. Every evening there are instrumental and vocal jam sessions that give students and faculty the opportunity to play together in an informal setting. A feature of the VJC is that students and faculty come together and play music in a relaxed environment unfettered by class schedules.

LISTENING HOUR:

Each day, after lunch, a Faculty member will present a selection of his or her favorite CDs, or will play live for the members of the workshop. In this way, we again reinforce the legacy of jazz and pay tribute to its master performers.