NEW ONLINE CLASS

MacPhail Catalog Description

Jazz Giants: Miles Davis
Tuition $225
Ages High School and Adults
Instructor: Kelly Rossum

Participate in MacPhail’s first global class and get access to teaching artists from across the country and eventually around the world. Discover the music and career of one of America’s Jazz Giants: Miles Davis, as guided by New York jazz trumpeter Kelly Rossum. Hear the history of jazz as we move through the sounds of Miles Davis’ long career. Weekly essays, including musical examples and resources guides, will be posted on the secure website, serving as a launching point for an interactive online class discussion. In addition to posting the weekly content, the instructor will be participating in the online forum by leading discussions and answering questions that the students may have. Student participation in the forum is recommended, although not
necessary.

Class begins February 1, 2010 with 10 weekly postings on Monday mornings.

One additional wrap-up week at the end of the semester for forum discussion

Extended Description by instructor Kelly Rossum

Miles Davis represents the true fundamentals of Jazz: Innovation and Improvisation. As one of America’s Jazz Giants, his career spanned nearly seven decades. Because of his longevity and his quest for musical evolution, his influence extended beyond jazz and into popular culture. The United States Congress recently passed a bill celebrating Miles Davis entitled: Honoring the 50th anniversary of the recording of the album “Kind of Blue” and reaffirming jazz as a national treasure.

When dealing with the music of Miles Davis, the most important question to ask is, “do YOU, the listener, like it today?” The significance of his music cannot be underestimated, yet your individual tastes will color your relationship with his artistry and evolution. Through and open mind, focused listening and stimulating discussion, the music of Miles Davis will guide your ear to new levels of jazz appreciation.

The Forum discussions are the primary focus of this online class. There is more research and scholarship available on Miles Davis now than ever before, but it’s your own opinions and perspectives that give the music meaning. I will be serving as a guide for the discussions while we explore his musical landscape.

This is not a college level course. It is designed for jazz aficionados and high school level jazz students. Some aspects will be covered in great detail, but for the most part we will not be dealing with jazz theory or harmony. One does not need to raise cows to enjoy the subtleties of cheese.

This series of essays and their accompanying discussions are designed to be a stepping off point for students to develop their own relationship with Miles Davis’ prolific career and musical achievements.

Please consider joining our online discussions and registering for “Jazz Giants: Miles Davis” through MacPhail Center for Music. [www.macphail.org 612-321-0100]

Sincerely,
Kelly Rossum

About Kelly Rossum

Kelly Rossum is a jazz trumpet player and composer currently residing in New York, New York U.S.A. He has released four albums as a leader and has appeared on over 40 recordings as a sideman. As an educator, Rossum founded and directed the jazz program at MacPhail Center for Music, one of the nation’s largest community music schools. Kelly was the jazz scholar chosen to head the nationally supported, “Looking At: Jazz, America’s Art Form” series at the Minneapolis Public Library. In addition to his regional lectures, Rossum has presented music master classes across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

For more information on Kelly Rossum please visit: www.KRossum.com