These are online music classes, taught using Zoom
Through video and audio recordings as well as demonstrations, trumpeter/pianist/composer Alan Matheson shines his spotlight on some of the most riveting topics from the world of jazz. Sign up for the classes that interest you most, or enroll in the full series of 6 for a 30% discount!
The Jazz Singers-Part One (1927-1956) | April 3, 2024 |
The first jazz musicians were singers, and jazz singers have been some of the leading figures in the jazz world. This class will present the pioneers of jazz singing along with stars of the Swing Era including Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Nat Cole. | |
The Jazz Singers-Part Two (1945-2019) | April 17, 2024 |
Our survey of the great jazz singers will continue with some of the leading figures of modern jazz (Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan) and will also explore the work of leading contemporary vocalists including Cassandra Wilson, Cecile McLoran-Salvant and Canada’s own Bria Skonberg. | |
The Art of Jazz Piano-Part One (from Ragtime to Swing) | May 1, 2024 |
The piano has been part of jazz history since the days of the great Scott Joplin and has been an important “voice” for many of jazz’ greatest composers. This class will follow the evolution of jazz piano from Scott Joplin’s rag, Jelly Roll Morton’s keyboard portraits of New Orleans to the innovations of Swing Era masters Art Tatum and Mary Lou Williams. | |
The Art of Jazz Piano-Part Two (from Be-Bop to today) | May 15, 2024 |
In this class, we will explore the playing and innovations of key modern jazz pianists (Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell), Canadians Oscar Peterson, Shannon Thue and Amanda Tosoff as well as contemporary masters such as McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and Geri Allen. | |
Mary Lou Williams-Composer, pianist, innovator | May 29, 2024 |
The composing, arranging and playing of this multi-faceted master musician will be celebrated in this class honouring the great Mary Lou Williams. From her first recordings in 1927 to the end of her career in the 1970s, Mary Lou Williams was forever growing and developing-remaining forever “contemporary”. | |
Jazz on Film | June 12, 2024 |
Many of jazz’ most important historic figures were preserved on film and for television. This class will present a wide range of talent from practically all styles from jazz from “Trad” to “Modern”. Among the musicians featured will be Louis Armstrong, Bill Evans, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and the legendary International Sweethearts of Rhythm. |