Fall 2026 (3 sections)
| Age | Adult |
| Event Type | Class |
| Department | Ensembles, Piano and Keys |
| Day | Mon, Wed |
| Instructor | Ben Stolorow, Peter Horvath |
| Status | inperson event |
Develop your musicianship in the classic piano, bass, and drums format, with a focus on interaction, groove, improvisation, and repertoire. Each section is limited to four pianists and one drummer, with a professional upright bassist providing accompaniment. Pianists rotate throughout the class, giving each participant regular opportunities to work in the trio setting.
Participants will focus on:
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Trio interaction and musical communication
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Rhythmic feel, timekeeping, and groove
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Improvisation and accompaniment
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Repertoire development and interpretation
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Working effectively with a rhythm section
Open to intermediate and advanced musicians.
Prerequisite
Ability to confidently play and improvise over jazz standards.
Sections
Section 1
Mondays 6:30–8 pm
9/21–11/30
No class 11/23
Performance: 12/7
Peter Horvath, $495
(in-person)
Section 2
Mondays 8:15–9:45 pm
9/21–11/30
No class 11/23
Performance: 12/7
Peter Horvath, $495
(in-person)
Section 3
Wednesdays 4:30–6 pm
9/23–12/2
No class 11/25
Performance: 12/9
Ben Stolorow, $495
(in-person)
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 Peter Horvath
Hungarian-born pianist, keyboardist, and composer Peter Horvath has been a force in contemporary jazz since winning Hungary’s National Jazz Combo Competition at age 17. After studying at the Vienna Conservatory, he moved to the U.S. in 1983 to attend Berklee College of Music.
He has performed, recorded, and toured with jazz artists including Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, and Arturo Sandoval. Horvath’s album Absolute Reality features Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, and Lenny White, blending funk, Latin, and straight-ahead jazz.
He currently teaches at the California Jazz Conservatory, Saint Mary’s College of California, and Stanford Jazz Consortium.
About Ben Stolorow
Bay Area pianist and composer Ben Stolorow is known for his lyrical touch, introspective style, and deep connection to the jazz tradition. His albums I’ll Be Over Here (2008) and Almost There (2011) highlight his voice as both a performer and composer.
A UC Berkeley graduate and recipient of the Hertz Traveling Fellowship, Stolorow studied with Fred Hersch, Stanley Cowell, and others in New York before returning to the Bay Area. He has performed at major venues and festivals and collaborated with artists including Craig Handy, Akira Tana, and Kenny Washington.
His approach blends classical influences with the harmonic language of Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, and McCoy Tyner.