Each winter, HV CAMP offers a Master Class when ensembles are not in operation. The program runs over a few weeks, usually one night per week. Topics are usually selected based on desire from members of our ensembles, but anyone is welcome to register and attend our classes.
To sign up, click "Register" under "How To Join" and select the Winter Master Classes.
Our 2023 Master Classes will focus on JAZZ IMPROVISATION and will be run by Executive Director Jack Furlong. Five classes will be held on Monday evenings. The cost is $150 per person for the five week program.
The curriculum for this class looks like this:
Class 1 (January 9)
A comprehensive exam will be given to each participant. The exam asks students to demonstrate skills on scales (major/minor/modal/pentatonic/blues), chords, and tonality. These music theory subjects are imperative to a basic understanding of improvisation. Students must understand that they need to have a grasp of these concepts to benefit from the class.
Upon completion of the exam, the clinician will review each exam prior to the next class and provide each student with a report on the subjects the student must study prior to the next class. This sets a boundary that separates individual instruction from group instruction. It also creates a paper trail so that students cannot claim they did not learn from the classes; if we can prove they do not have the foundation needed to benefit from the class, we cannot be held accountable.
Class 2 (January 16)
The focus will be on answering the question, “What notes do I use when I improvise?” Through the examination of chords and scales and how they function within tonality, students will learn how to analyze tonality and tonal centers to help determine which scales should be used to help select notes during improvisation.
Further, notes that do not fall within these chords/scales/tonal centers will be discussed to show how they can also be properly used.
Class 3 (January 23)
The focus will be on answering the question, “Once I know what notes to use, how do I use those notes to create melody?” Through the examination of motivic development and styles used by great improvisers throughout the history of jazz, students will learn how to create melody and “make things up as they go.”
Further, subjects such as form and communication among musicians will be discussed to provide additional tricks of the trade.
Class 4 (January 30)
The focus will be on answering the question, “What do I need in my back pocket?” Students will focus on studying a 12-bar blues and “Rhythm Changes.” Students will also be encouraged to memorize one jazz standard and one ballad. Knowing these forms and tunes will allow a musician to succeed at a jam session.
Class 5 (February 6)
The culmination of the class will be a jam session. Musicians will be able to improvise with a rhythm section to experience jazz improvisation in a combo setting. Professional musicians may be hired to assist.
To sign up, click "Register" under "How To Join" and select the Winter Master Classes.
Our 2023 Master Classes will focus on JAZZ IMPROVISATION and will be run by Executive Director Jack Furlong. Five classes will be held on Monday evenings. The cost is $150 per person for the five week program.
The curriculum for this class looks like this:
Class 1 (January 9)
A comprehensive exam will be given to each participant. The exam asks students to demonstrate skills on scales (major/minor/modal/pentatonic/blues), chords, and tonality. These music theory subjects are imperative to a basic understanding of improvisation. Students must understand that they need to have a grasp of these concepts to benefit from the class.
Upon completion of the exam, the clinician will review each exam prior to the next class and provide each student with a report on the subjects the student must study prior to the next class. This sets a boundary that separates individual instruction from group instruction. It also creates a paper trail so that students cannot claim they did not learn from the classes; if we can prove they do not have the foundation needed to benefit from the class, we cannot be held accountable.
Class 2 (January 16)
The focus will be on answering the question, “What notes do I use when I improvise?” Through the examination of chords and scales and how they function within tonality, students will learn how to analyze tonality and tonal centers to help determine which scales should be used to help select notes during improvisation.
Further, notes that do not fall within these chords/scales/tonal centers will be discussed to show how they can also be properly used.
Class 3 (January 23)
The focus will be on answering the question, “Once I know what notes to use, how do I use those notes to create melody?” Through the examination of motivic development and styles used by great improvisers throughout the history of jazz, students will learn how to create melody and “make things up as they go.”
Further, subjects such as form and communication among musicians will be discussed to provide additional tricks of the trade.
Class 4 (January 30)
The focus will be on answering the question, “What do I need in my back pocket?” Students will focus on studying a 12-bar blues and “Rhythm Changes.” Students will also be encouraged to memorize one jazz standard and one ballad. Knowing these forms and tunes will allow a musician to succeed at a jam session.
Class 5 (February 6)
The culmination of the class will be a jam session. Musicians will be able to improvise with a rhythm section to experience jazz improvisation in a combo setting. Professional musicians may be hired to assist.
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PLEASE NOTE: The audio or video recording of any rehearsal or performance of any ensemble under the jurisdiction of the Hopewell Valley Community of Associated Music Projects is strictly prohibited.