This ensemble introduces students to jazz in a small combo setting, building confidence through weekly rehearsals focused on core skills like improvisation, jazz phrasing, rhythm, and ensemble listening—no prior jazz experience required.
Participants will explore foundational jazz repertoire and styles while developing practical musicianship skills such as reading lead sheets, understanding song form, playing with a rhythm section, and learning the basics of improvisation. Faculty will guide students through the essential elements that make jazz unique, including swing feel, communication within the ensemble, and creative musical interaction.
Designed for adult instrumentalists and vocalists in a welcoming and supportive environment, this class is ideal for musicians who are curious about jazz, returning to music after time away, or looking to expand beyond solo practice and private lessons.
The session culminates in an informal performance where students can share what they’ve been working on with friends, family, and fellow music lovers.
Fridays 12:00-1:00pm, 12 weeks starting October 2.
About Individual Lessons at MacPhail
Our outstanding faculty is equipped to teach beginning through advanced music lessons. At all levels, the music lessons are student-centered to develop personalized musical and technical skills.
One of the major benefits of taking lessons at MacPhail is being part of a music community that provides the opportunity to participate in multiple MacPhail programs, master classes, workshops, and countless performance opportunities!
Finding the right music teacher and the right instrument can make all the difference in music education. We pay careful attention to skill levels, needs and goals to help you realize your full music potential and to foster a lifelong love of music.
How to Get Started
- Tell us about your musical interests, goals, and scheduling preferences by completing the Student Placement Form.
- When you’ve submitted the form, our placement team will find the ideal teacher for you, based on your requests.
- The placement team will reach out to you to introduce your teacher and arrange a regular time for your lessons.
Thank you for your interest in the Suzuki program at MacPhail Center for Music! To help us place your child with a teacher, please complete and submit the following placement form. Prior to registering, we invite you to attend a Suzuki program information session to learn briefly about the history of the Suzuki philosophy and approach to music education, our program details, and the next steps to enroll in our program.
