The American Jazz Museum is proud to present the Kansas City Jazz Academy. This program provides excellent jazz instruction for middle and high school students interested in improving their skills beyond what they’d normally receive in a traditional public/private school music program.
Get ready for the"Kansas City Jazz Academy Spring 2025 Semester"
Sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Missouri Arts Council
Highlights of the program include:
- Students will get to learn from various distinguished jazz artists and educators in the Kansas City Metropolitan area
- Students will be immersed in and get to build upon their jazz theory and jazz history knowledge and skills
- This setting of instruction will help students better prepare for All-State Auditions
Auditions:
In-person auditions will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2025 at 1 pm for instrumental students. For information about vocal auditions and interviews please email Lisa Henry at lisahenryjazz@gmail.com . Questions? Email Clarence Smith at csmith@kcjazz.org
This beginner-level combo is for students new to performing jazz. It focuses on basic ensemble playing, improvisation, and an introduction to jazz theory and history. Directed by Aaron Linscheid.
An intermediate-level combo for students with some experience in jazz. This class
emphasizes group performance, improvisation, and a deeper understanding of jazz theory and repertoire. Directed by MusicMan Thomas.
For students with intermediate to advanced jazz experience, this combo focuses on ensemble performance, improvisation, and exploring more complex jazz theory concepts. Directed by Matt Baldwin.
An advanced-level combo for experienced students. This class develops high-level skills in jazz performance, improvisation, and jazz theory, with a focus on more challenging repertoire. Directed by Stan Kessler and Charles Williams.
For middle and high school students interested in learning vocal jazz techniques, this class explores jazz history, improvisation, and vocal performance. Students will focus on building musical skills and understanding jazz as an art form. Directed by Lisa Henry. Maximum enrollment: 10 students.
Designed for beginning piano students, this class introduces the basics of jazz
improvisation, theory, and ear training. Students will learn foundational skills to develop their creativity and confidence at the keyboard. Directed by Roger Wilder.
1. Required Tune and Improvisation
- "Now's The Time" by Charlie Parker. Play head once, solo for two choruses, play head once and out. MM = 100 BPM or faster
2. Sight Reading
1. Required Tune and Improvisation
2. "Now's The Time" by Charlie Parker. Play the melody, then comp for one chorus, solo for two choruses, then end by playing the melody once. MM = 100 BPM or faster
3. Sightread
1. Prepared Piece: Now’s The Time (Parker). Comp one chorus, improvise for one chorus, or trade 4s over two choruses.
- Backing track to Now’s The Time. Drums are included, as well as an example of trading 4’s
2. Prepare the following grooves — Swing, Bossa Nova or Samba, Rock/Funk.
3. Rudiments – Be prepared to play any rudiments you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on a steady tempo and accuracy.
Click on link for rudiments: https://ae.vicfirth.com/education/40-essential-rudiments
4. Sightread
You may register and pay online, or if you prefer, register in the museum gift store, The Swing Shop, at the museum.
For more information about the academy, contact Clarence Smith, Manager of Kansas City Jazz Academy, at csmith@kcjazz.org.
