ABRSM has announced that it will be running a new four-day residential course to teach individuals all of the theoretical and practical elements involved with jazz.Named Developing Jazz Techniques, the course is designed to give music teachers an introduction to the genre. The course will be held in Bournville, Birmingham, from August 2nd to 5th and is suitable for teachers with some experience of jazz who would like to further develop their playing and understanding, the organisation said.
The course is open to any teachers using jazz in their lessons, those who enter students for ABRSM jazz exams, or ones who have previously attended the Let’s Teach Jazz course.
In addition to theoretical basics, the course provides an opportunity to work on playing skills and strengthen understanding of the background and principles of jazz music.
A particular focus is placed on rhythmic styles, modes and scales, interpreting chord symbols, improvisation and playing by ear and from notation. Participants will need to bring their instrument with them as the course involves a large amount of playing.
“Developing Jazz Techniques is the latest in a long line of ABRSM courses that specifically addresses teaching issues in the genre of jazz,” Richard Crozier, ABRSM’s director of professional development, told Mi-Pro. “Teachers who come on this course will expand their performing and teaching repertoire, develop new musicianship skills, and gain confidence in teaching jazz to their students.”
The Developing Jazz Techniques course will be delivered by Malcolm Edmonstone, senior professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and co-artistic director of jazz for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, and Jeffery Wilson, composer.