Fall 2026 (2 sections)
| Age | Adult |
| Event Type | Class |
| Department | Ensembles, Jazz |
| Day | Thu |
| Instructor | Susan Muscarella |
| Status | inperson event |
Develop your improvisation, phrasing, time feel, and ensemble skills through focused work on jazz standards and related repertoire. Designed for musicians with prior jazz experience, this ensemble emphasizes playing together, responding musically in real time, and developing greater fluency as both a soloist and ensemble member.
Participants will work on:
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Improvisation and melodic phrasing
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Reading and interpreting lead sheets
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Rhythmic feel and timekeeping
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Ensemble interaction and musical communication
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Repertoire development and interpretation
Sections
Section 1
Thursdays 11:45 am–1:15 pm
9/24–12/3
No class 11/26
Performance: 12/9
Section 2
Thursdays 1:30–3 pm
9/24–12/3
No class 11/26
Performance: 12/9
Susan Muscarella, $475
(in-person)
Prerequisite
Prior jazz ensemble experience, comfort reading melodies and chord changes from lead sheets, and the ability to maintain steady time and improvise over standard jazz repertoire.
Important Notes
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All ensembles culminate in a live, free performance.
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Please confirm you can attend the performance date before registering.
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A placement audition is required for new students.
How to Register
Please complete the online Ensemble Application Form below. Once we’ve received your application and, for new students, your audition recording, we’ll review your information and contact you to confirm placement. Once your placement is confirmed, we’ll send you a link to submit tuition payment. No payment is required until placement is confirmed.
Application form and audition guidelines:
Jazzschool Ensemble Application Form and Audition Guidelines
About Susan Muscarella
Susan Muscarella is a pianist, educator, and founding president emerita of the Jazzschool. A longtime leader in jazz education, she previously directed the UC Jazz Ensembles program and has performed at venues and festivals including NPR’s Piano Jazz and the Monterey Jazz Festival.
She is the recipient of numerous honors, including induction into the DownBeat Jazz Education Hall of Fame, and remains active as a teacher and author.