Jazz Education in the East Bay by Jim Grantham

Our main goal is the propagation and support of live, creative, improvisational music. In the face of increasing conformity and commercial hype, we work to promote the sound of the individual spirit. We play, produce, teach and encourage all forms of jazz.

Group Classes

The Jazz Theory and Improvisation course is a series of five 12-week class/workshops. Each class meets for three hours on weeknights (usually Mon. or Wed.) from 7–10 PM. See our Calendar for current offerings. The first week of each class is a in-depth review of the previous class. All instruments and voice are welcome. Let us know if you would like Updates on future class dates.

Class	Description	Level
Jazz Theory I Modality and Tonality	Scales, Intervals, Chords, Diatonic modes, Chordscales, Voicings, Guide Tones, Functional Harmony, Progressions, Basic Melody, Blues	Beginning – Intermediate Recommended for most students.
Jazz Theory II Mainstream Harmony	Minor Key, Extended & Secondary dominants, Related II-V's, Modal Interchange, Sub-Dominant Minor, Sandard Tune Analysis, Melody Writing	Intermediate – Advanced
Jazz Theory III Advanced harmony	Tritone Substitution, Altered Dominant Scales, Diminished Function, Re-harmonization, Modulation, Line cliches, Inversions, Tunewriting	Intermediate – Advanced
Jazz Theory IV Jazz Styles	Chord substitution, Turnarounds, Behop Styles, Modal Styles, Nonfunctional Harmony, Pentatonic Styles, Contemporary Tunes	Advanced
Jazz Theory V Arranging*	Orchestration, Rhythm Sections, Horns & Melody, Backgrounds, 2–5 Part Horn Voicings, Harmonic Tensions, Reharmonization, Class performance	Open to students who have completed Jazz Theory II and advanced players.
* This course is offered when there are enough students to form a large ensemble to write for (4–6 horns plus rhythm section).

All classes offer intensive musicianship training and in-depth improvisational theory. These are not jam sessions. The classes are highly structured and include extensive ear training, theory and practical practice techniques. Advanced classes involve tunewriting and in-depth analysis of standards and jazz tunes.

Prices

$350 for one 12-week series, or
$40 per class*

*Students are given the option of commiting to the rest af the semester by paying a lump sum of $30 per remaining week.

Private Lessons

Theory, Musicianship, Improvisation (all inst.)
Technique of Saxophone & Flute

Private lessons allow a student to pick a convenient schedule, proceed at their own pace, get personal feedback on abilities and problems, work on personal projects and performance. Many students take the Jazz Theory classes for the information and eartraining and also take private lessons for performance abilities and personal coaching. Private lessons are usually every other week. ($100 for 1.5 hours or $125 for 2 hours)

Jazzmaster Workout Improvisation Method

All classes and private lessons are based on the Jazzmaster Workout improvisation practice method, which introduces topics in a logical fashion and provides the framework for much more intensive woodshedding after the classes are completed.

There is a required Theory book and Workbook (combined into one book entitled the Jazzmaster Cookbook) for the series. The Jazzmaster Workout CDs are optional but are highly recommended for those students who really want to advance their playing technique.

For strong, self motivated students, it is possible to acquire the Jazzmaster Workout Theory book, Workbook and CDs and work on your own. However, the classes are designed to ensure a complete and thorough assimilation of both the theoretical and practical concepts.