Welcome to the Jazzschool Adult Music Program
We offer classes and ensembles for adult musicians of all skill levels, with programs designed specifically for adult learners. Weekly ensembles and classes are offered each quarter in jazz, blues, Brazilian, funk, Latin, and other styles, with instruction from accomplished Bay Area musicians and educators.
Students can develop their skills through performance ensembles as well as classes in voice, theory, improvisation, musicianship, and instrumental study. Whether you’re learning something new, building on existing experience, or looking for opportunities to make music with others, there are options for a wide range of backgrounds and goals.
Throughout the year, we also offer short-term workshops, intensives, and camps. These standalone programs provide opportunities for focused study, exploration of specialized topics, and learning with guest artists and Jazzschool faculty. Workshops are offered both in person and online, depending on the program.
The Jazzschool Adult Music Program provides a supportive environment for musicians to study, play, and continue developing at every stage of their musical lives.
Sun. 8/23, 11 am–1:30 pm
ONLINE — Digging Deep: The Piano Artistry of Dr. John with Jennifer Jolly
This latest offering in Jennifer Jolly’s workshop series celebrates the deeply grooving piano artistry of Dr.
Sun. 8/23, 11 am–1 pm
The Sound of Choro: Rhythm, Improvisation, and Brazilian Identity with Ami Molinelli and Special Guests Roberta Valente and Alexandre Ribeiro
This workshop explores approaches to interpreting, developing, and creating Brazilian popular music styles including choro, maxixe, samba, and baião, using the rhythmic structure of choro as a foundation.
Sun. 9/20, 2–4 pm
Oz’s Jazz Warm-Ups: A Practice Method for Jazz Harmony and Odd Meters with Oz Ezzeldin
This workshop introduces a collection of original warm-ups developed by pianist, composer, and educator Oz Ezzeldin for practicing jazz harmony and odd meters in an integrated, musical way.
Thursdays 9/24–12/3, 6:30–8 pm; No class 11/26
Drop-In Improvisation Workshop (Full 10-part Series) with Ian Carey
An ongoing weekly class you can join anytime.
Thurs. 9/24, 6:30–8 pm
Drop-In Improvisation Workshop with Ian Carey (9/24 only)
An ongoing weekly class you can join anytime.
Sat. 9/26, 2–4 pm
The Art of Interactive Improvisation with Devin Gray
What are the other musicians in an ensemble playing, and how do their choices affect what you hear and play in response?
Sun. 9/27, 11:30 am–1:30 pm
Django Reinhardt-Style Jazz Guitar with Paul Mehling
Explore the technique, sound, and swing feel of Django Reinhardt–style jazz guitar.
Sun. 9/27, 2–4 pm
The Metronome is Your Friend with Paul Mehling
Paul Mehling returns with his popular workshop on creative approaches to practicing with the metronome.
Thurs. 10/1, 6:30–8 pm
Drop-In Improvisation Workshop with Ian Carey (10/1 only)
An ongoing weekly class you can join anytime.
Saturdays 10/3–11/21, 2–3:30 pm
Welcome to Jazz (Full 8-part Series)
This class is an introduction to “how jazz works” for anyone who wants to understand the history of the music, learn how musicians improvise together, and go deeper as a jazz listener and audience member.