Jazz Studies
Ages 11 to Adult
Jazz is among the most conversational of musical idioms. It is our goal that each student finds and shares his or her own voice through the jazz experience.
Now as part of Columbia College Chicago, and with direct access to the renowned Columbia Music Department, Sherwood can offer Jazz Studies at the community level with appropriate classes for middle school aged children through adults.
Students ages 11 and older, who are interested in studying jazz, are strongly encouraged to enroll in both Individual Lessons and Jazz Combo. Please speak with a Program Coordinator at 312.369.3100 to learn more about instruction in jazz and to register for lessons. Jazz Studies is recommended for students who have accomplished at least two years of instruction on their instrument.
All classes listed are for an 18-week period
Jazz Studies include:
Individual Lessons
ages 6 and over
Sherwood’s diverse faculty are adept in many different styles of music and are able to customize your individual lessons to include Jazz study in the following instruments: Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Electric Guitar, Bass (electric and upright), Piano, Drum Set.
Jazz Improvisation
ages 11 to 13
Learn about the jazz feel and groove, by playing standard jazz repertoire in a fun and encouraging environment. The class is specifically designed to introduce middle school students to this special art form. Open to students who have played their instrument for at least two years and are currently taking individual lessons.
Jazz Combos
ages 13 and over
Jazz Combo is an excellent medium for those interested in studying this great American art form. Combos are formed based on similar playing ability and age. In order to audition for a jazz combo, students should have basic instrumental competency and must be taking individual instruction.
Electric Guitar Intensive Program
Individual Lessons in Electric Guitar
Covering scalar “Ninth Elements” for Major, Mixolydian, and Dorian Modes — three scales which comprise 60% of the harmonic basis of jazz
Chordal studies beginning with harmonized Major scale diatonic sevenths
Repertoire including the modal style of playing introduced by Miles Davis in the late 50s and sight-reading studies with works such as Bill Leavett’s “Melodic Rhythms.”
Guitar Techniques
Supplementing techniques started in Individual Lessons, the course is divided into three separate areas of study: linear techniques, fretboard harmony, and more sight-reading, taught in sequence in the same class time.
Guitar Ensembles
To learn jazz is to play it, and the jazz musician learns in ensemble. This is a unique opportunity for students to apply elements learned in Individual Lessons and Guitar Techniques to the group experience.
Jazz is among the most conversational of musical idioms. It is our goal that each student finds and shares his or her own voice through the jazz experience.
Now as part of Columbia College Chicago, and with direct access to the renowned Columbia Music Department, Sherwood can offer Jazz Studies at the community level with appropriate classes for middle school aged children through adults.
Students ages 11 and older, who are interested in studying jazz, are strongly encouraged to enroll in both Individual Lessons and Jazz Combo. Please speak with a Program Coordinator at 312.369.3100 to learn more about instruction in jazz and to register for lessons. Jazz Studies is recommended for students who have accomplished at least two years of instruction on their instrument.
All classes listed are for an 18-week period
Jazz Studies include:
Individual Lessons
Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Combos
Individual Lessons in Electric Guitar
Guitar Techniques
Guitar Ensembles
Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Combos
Individual Lessons in Electric Guitar
Guitar Techniques
Guitar Ensembles
Individual Lessons
ages 6 and over
Sherwood’s diverse faculty are adept in many different styles of music and are able to customize your individual lessons to include Jazz study in the following instruments: Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Electric Guitar, Bass (electric and upright), Piano, Drum Set.Individual Lessons
Day and Time By Appointment / click here for tuition
Register today!
Jazz Improvisation
ages 11 to 13
Learn about the jazz feel and groove, by playing standard jazz repertoire in a fun and encouraging environment. The class is specifically designed to introduce middle school students to this special art form. Open to students who have played their instrument for at least two years and are currently taking individual lessons.Jazz Improvisation
Wednesday / 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. / $250
Register today!
Jazz Combos
ages 13 and over
Jazz Combo is an excellent medium for those interested in studying this great American art form. Combos are formed based on similar playing ability and age. In order to audition for a jazz combo, students should have basic instrumental competency and must be taking individual instruction.Jazz Combo*Pre-Collegiate Certificate Ensemble
Day TBD / Time TBD / $375
Register today!
Electric Guitar Intensive Program
Individual Lessons in Electric Guitar
Covering scalar “Ninth Elements” for Major, Mixolydian, and Dorian Modes — three scales which comprise 60% of the harmonic basis of jazzChordal studies beginning with harmonized Major scale diatonic sevenths
Repertoire including the modal style of playing introduced by Miles Davis in the late 50s and sight-reading studies with works such as Bill Leavett’s “Melodic Rhythms.”
Register today!For more information, see Individual Lessons section here.
Guitar Techniques
Supplementing techniques started in Individual Lessons, the course is divided into three separate areas of study: linear techniques, fretboard harmony, and more sight-reading, taught in sequence in the same class time.Guitar Techniques Class
Day and Time TBD / $285
Register today!
Guitar Ensembles
To learn jazz is to play it, and the jazz musician learns in ensemble. This is a unique opportunity for students to apply elements learned in Individual Lessons and Guitar Techniques to the group experience.Guitar Ensemble
Day and Time TBD / $285
Register today!