JAZZ THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPING IMPROVISOR
Created and presented by Les Rose
This 16 week course brings an artistic sensibility to the study of music theory by making it immediately applicable to jazz improvisation.
Playing jazz comes with a unique set of challenges.
An improviser must make the same musical decisions as a composer but in a split second and as a complete performance. Likewise, teaching jazz has it’s challenges. There must be a balance between teaching the language of jazz in an academic manner and utilizing a “handed down” approach, the way most early legends of jazz learned. With his 40 years’ experience as a performer and educator Les Rose brings the best of both worlds, emphasizing mastery of scales, chords, and progressions while nurturing individual expression. This is the best “next” step for aspiring jazz players high school age and up, and for band directors who are looking for a comprehensive jazz curriculum for their students.
“Les Rose's novel approach to teaching jazz truly integrates theory and practice like no other. His profound knowledge of the genre and ability to teach students widely disparate in skill levels is impressive, and, more importantly, effective.” - Craig Fusaro
“Les is an enthusiastic and highly accomplished teacher of jazz music theory. I find his method unique in that he starts with simple concepts, and gradually builds upon and weaves each concept into an understandable, cohesive, and increasingly sophisticated pattern, then reinforces that pattern with hands-on examples from well known jazz standards. In addition, Les is a highly accomplished musician and supports each and every concept with auditory examples, which are both instructive and thoroughly enjoyable.”
