Lessons & Classes

Jazz Department Co-Coordinators
Ian Sims, ian.sims@jhu.edu
Blake Meister, blakejmeister@yahoo.com

Individual Instruction

Jazz Guitar

Jazz Bass

Jazz Piano

Individual instruction is available to children and adults of all experience levels—from beginners through the most advanced levels of study. Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis and are contingent upon teacher availability.

Students enrolled in individual instruction are required to have a practice instrument available.

Students will also have opportunities to participate in recitals, repertoire and master classes, and either of our music certificate programs. In addition, all Preparatory students receive one free admission (and a discount on one additional ticket) to most Peabody Institute concerts.

Tuition is based on a 16-week semester and must be paid in both fall and spring for each semester. We do not prorate tuition for late registration.

New Student? Request information or Register

Jazz Theory and Arranging (Ages 14 to Adult)

This course is offered in three years—one discipline each semester, depending upon enrollment. Emphasis will be placed on practical application, and pacing will be determined by class progress. Future semesters will cover arranging, harmonizing concepts, and composition.

Jazz Theory 1 focuses on the harmonic and formal aspects of the music. Beginning with an overview of the diatonic 7th chords and major modes, the course primarily deals with Roman numeral analysis and common harmonic motion and progressions in jazz, as well as standard forms. This will also include some basic ear-training and identification. The course also includes an introduction to voice leading in jazz, and an introduction to the "Bebop" vocabulary and its application.

Jazz Theory 2 begins with a continued focus on harmonic function, and the application of this knowledge. The course will address "chord-scales" and their application, and begin to analyze jazz improvised solos from the "Bebop" and "Hardbop" periods. The course will define and examine examples of "making the chord changes"—how this is accomplished through implications of melody content, and to understand the relationship between melodic content (solos) and the harmony. Rhythm vocabulary will also be addressed.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of traditional music theory and notation. Minimum of four students.

Fall (Theory 1) classes to begin September 8, 2012
Spring (Theory 2) classes to begin January 26, 2013 

New Student? Request information or Register