ADULT EDUCATION
SUMMER 2023 OPEN NOW
NMJW offers classes for adults of all ages and skill levels. Our long-running classes offer adults a chance to revisit their passion for music in a supportive setting. With classes ranging from Big Band to Jazz Improvisation to voice studies and beyond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Since we run on limited hours in the office, we are asking everyone to please register online.
See our Instructor Bios Here
Any questions? Email [email protected]
PLEASE READ:
PLEASE READ:
The health and safety of our students and instructors is our primary concern, therefore all students and instructors will be required to show proof of vaccination. We will not be able to include students who have not been vaccinated due to the nature of creating music, often with singing and horn blowing, both of which could possibly put other students and instructors at risk. We appreciate your cooperation.
All participants must submit a photo/scan of their vaccination record to [email protected] at the time of registration for an Adult Ed class. Please include which class you are registering for when emailing your vaccination card.
COURSE OFFERINGS
SUMMER 2023
INTRO TO JAZZ GUITAR: HOW TO PLAY WHAT YOU HEAR -- LIVE ONLINE
Instructor: John Maestas
ONLINE via ZOOM
Mondays, 6 - 7:30 PM (MDT) UTC−06:00
6 weeks: June 19-July 24
$95/$80
One of the most fulfilling experiences for a musician is the act of creating something new and spontaneous in the moment. For many people, the idea of playing a "solo" or improvising something out of thin air is not only a mystery but also intimidating. This guitar course is designed to give you the musical and mental tools that are central to making quick decisions and help to demystify the improvisational process. The material in this course will be geared towards guitarists who have little or no experience playing Jazz or improvisation. Specifically, we will touch on chord/scale relationships, arpeggios, transcribing music by ear, weekly featured guitarist playlists, rhythm & exercises to build steady internal time, and tools on how to quickly decode harmony in motion.
BLUES SINGING (GET ON THE WAITLIST!)
Instructor: Zenobia Conkerite
NM Jazz Workshop, 5500 Lomas NE
Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 PM
6 Weeks: June 7-July 12
$130/$120
This class will touch on what it means to sing the Blues. While working on Blues standards, students will explore how their personal experiences can be integrated into singing this genre that comes from and touches the soul. The course culminates with a recital on the last day of class.
UKES UNITE! (GET ON THE WAITLIST!)
Instructor: John Bartlit
NM Jazz Workshop, 5500 Lomas NE
Mondays, 6:00-7:30 PM
6 Weeks: June 5-July 10
$95/$80
In this 6-week course, students will learn the essential skills for any up-and-coming ukulele jam enthusiast, such as basic strumming, chords, finger picking and tuning. Class may also include unexpected song creation, solos and a whole lotta fun! You may bring your own instrument or rent a ukulele from the Workshop for an additional $10.
LATIN JAZZ & IMPROVISATION (Class is full for summer)
Instructor: Rodolfo Gonzalez
New Mexico Jazz Workshop
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
10 Weeks: June 6-August 15 (no class on July 4)
$130/$120
This popular class gives a comprehensive firsthand understanding of the main ingredients of Latin Jazz rhythms and genres such as bossa nova, salsa and samba. Materials for the class range from compositions of traditional well-known Latin Jazz artists to lesser-known contemporary composers and musicians. A portion of class time is devoted to music theory and improvisation techniques. Intermediate level encouraged.
JAZZ BRAIN: BASICS & BEYOND
Instructor: Lewis Winn
NM Jazz Workshop, 5500 Lomas NE
Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 PM
6 weeks: June 8-July 13
$95/$80
In this six-week course we'll explore the fundamentals of melody and harmony for both soloists and accompanists, the diatonic basics as well as the more exotic non-diatonic elements beyond, to expand the improviser’s ability to freely converse using the language and slang of music. A better understanding of these fundamentals and plenty of practice time are essential for developing the ability to make the sounds you want to hear in real time.
Train your brain, improve your improv!
MIDDLE EASTERN RHYTHMS--LIVE ONLINE
Instructor: Yogev Shetrit
ONLINE via ZOOM
Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 AM (MDT) UTC−06:00
6 weeks: June 10-July 15
$95/$80
In this course, students will explore Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Andalusian rhythms (as well as their “claves”) and learn how they inspired and influenced many musicians from around the world. In addition, an easy way to play polyrhythms and rhythmic groups will be explained along with how it is possible to use these rhythms in a contemporary setting such as jazz. Exercises and practice suggestions will be given and can be played either on a drum kit or hand drum. For kit drummers, there will be tips on how to play traditional rhythms on a drum set.
REHARMONIZATION & ARRANGING STANDARDS
Instructor: Michael Anthony
New Mexico Jazz Workshop
Mondays, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
6 Weeks: July 17-August 21
$95/$80
In this course, we will look at jazz standards and ways to “level up their sound” through alternative turnarounds, interludes and chord voicings. Alternate harmonies and reharmonization can perk up and energize a melody, come explore ways to make your versions of the jazz standards really stand out! This class is open to all instruments and vocalists.
Real Book Jam
Saturdays: 10:30 am-noon and noon-1:30 pm (two sessions)
$5.00 drop-in fee
Jam Coordinator: Lisa Nichols
In person (at NMJW, 5500 Lomas Blvd. NE)
All participants must submit a photo/scan of their vaccination record to [email protected] by 4:00 pm the Thursday before the jam session.
