Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm, 9/23–12/2; No class 11/25

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This course is designed to build the skills and confidence musicians need to identify, analyze, and respond intentionally to what they hear in real time. Through singing, visualization, and instrumental practice, students develop a stronger personal connection to key centers, note functions, and melodic and harmonic relationships.

Exercises using scales, arpeggios, patterns, bass lines, and melodies strengthen students’ understanding of theory, voice leading, technique, and fluency on their instrument. Many of these exercises can also be incorporated into an ongoing practice routine.

With an emphasis on jazz language and harmony, students analyze the melodies, forms, and chord progressions of jazz standards, as well as classic solos transcribed together in class. Each concept is introduced, heard, practiced, and applied in the context of improvisation.

This course provides strong preparation for participation in Jazzschool ensembles.

Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm
9/23–12/2
No class 11/25
Eli Maliwan, $450
(in-person)

Suggested Prerequisite

Ability to play major scales in all keys.

Recommended

Students are encouraged to have the iReal Pro app for play-along practice at home.

About Eli Maliwan

Eli Maliwan is a transgender Asian-American performing musician, composer, educator, and activist, born and raised in the Bay Area. He performs, records, and tours with multiple local projects, including his own, Saxreligious.

He studied music full time in lieu of traditional high school and received a Bachelor of Music from Portland State University, where he was deeply influenced by the mentorship of Darrell Grant. Eli continued his studies with a Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts.

Although his obsession with saxophone is 28 years strong, Eli is a multi-instrumentalist who also performs on flute, clarinet, EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument), piano, electric bass, and voice.

Eli has performed with Jimmy Heath, Steve Turre, James Moody, Slide Hampton, and Alphonso Johnson, and at festivals including Überjazz in Hamburg, SFJAZZ, San Jose Jazz Fest, Noise Pop Festival, BRIC Jazz Festival, Winter Jazzfest, Portland Jazz Festival, and the Waterfront Blues Festival. He also performed several dates with the Salami Rose Joe Louis Quartet opening for Flying Lotus on his 2019 national tour.