Wednesdays 6–7:30 pm, 9/23–12/2 (10 weeks); no class 11/25
| Age | Adult |
| Event Type | Class |
| Department | Piano and Keys |
| Day | Wed |
| Instructor | Marcelino Quiroz |
| Status | online event |
Have you ever wondered how artists like Erykah Badu, Robert Glasper, and Moonchild create their signature sound? This class explores the harmonic language of neo-soul and jazz-infused R&B, helping you develop the tools to hear, analyze, improvise, and compose in the style.
Through ear training, harmonic analysis, improvisation techniques, reharmonization strategies, and composition exercises, you’ll learn to craft your own chord progressions and songs. By the end of the term, you will have composed either a neo-soul chord progression or an original song.
Prerequisites
- Basic keyboard proficiency
- Knowledge of chord structures (triads and 7th chords)
Format
This class meets online in real time via Zoom.
About the Instructor
Marcelino Quiroz holds a B.M. in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music (’04), where he studied jazz piano with Joanne Brackeen. A versatile musician, he performs regularly on piano, synth, and Hammond B-3 in the Greater Cleveland area with the Bluewater Kings Band and others, spanning jazz, funk, neo-soul, R&B, and reggae. He is the musical director and bandleader for The Mars Express (neo-soul/cosmic gospel) and serves as principal film composer and audio editor for MRQ Productions. With 19 years of teaching experience, Marcelino specializes in music theory, harmony, and improvisation for students from beginner through advanced levels.
Student Testimonials
“Extremely well prepared and structured… Marcelino went out of his way to always look for tools that would display his playing better on screen.”
“The class went beyond what I was expecting. Really glad I took it.”
“This was the best music class I’ve ever taken… very well structured.”
“Marcelino is a wonderful teacher… he always made sure every student understood before moving on.”
“Best class ever! I’m looking forward to taking another class at CJC—or hopefully a Neo-Soul Piano Level 2 if it becomes available.”