Jazz Ensemble I

This beginner-intermediate level ensemble introduces participants to the art of improvisation through the study and performance of blues and jazz. Starting with the basics (scales and chords), students learn how to approach a melody, distinguish its main notes from its less important ones and improvise on those, and how to move from one chord to the next by building up harmonic vocabulary. At least one year of instrumental study and basic music reading ability (Grade I theory or equivalent) are required; no previous experience in jazz is necessary, although it is helpful if participants are familiar with the jazz genre. All instruments are welcome.

Students concurrently enrolled for private or group lessons at the New School receive a 50% discount off the fee for these ensembles.

2011-2012 Schedule & Fees

Wednesdays 6.30 – 7.30 pm

Full Year: October 5, 2011 – June 27, 2012
First Term: October 5 – December 14, 2011
Second Term: January 11 – March 28, 2012
Third Term: April 18 – June 27, 2012

Tuition Fee (First Term – 10 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €160
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €80

Tuition Fee (Full Year – 32 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €450
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €225

Tuition Fee (Second Term – 12 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €190
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €95

Tuition Fee (Second & Third Terms – 22 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €327
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €164

Tuition Fee (Third Term – 10 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €160
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €80

Materials Fee (per term): €25*

*The Jazz Ensembles use a variety of unique materials produced exclusively for them by the Jazz Ensembles Music Director, David Mooney. These materials include downloadable (and printable) pdf files of concert charts, individual instrumental parts and mp3 files for 6-8 pieces per term for Jazz Ensemble I and 8-12 pieces per term for Jazz Ensemble II, as well as scale, arpeggio and improvisation exercises, all of which are available to students on an invitation-only Google Site.

(Payment plan options are also available – see Enrolment & Fees for details.)

Late Enrolment
Students wishing to join this ensemble may do so at any time. Tuition fees for late-enrolling students are pro-rated and depend on the starting week. Go to the appropriate week under Enrolment & Fees for more information.

Jazz Ensemble II

This intermediate-advanced level ensemble gives students with some jazz experience a chance to refine and improve their improvisational and harmonic skills. Participants learn more advanced improvisation techniques, including modes, progressions and harmonies, as well as transcribing and aural skills, through the study and performance of jazz standards such as 'Autumn Leaves', 'All the Things You Are' and 'All Blues'. They will also learn more about phrasing, dynamics, harmonic and melodic soloing, motivic development and solo breaks, explore alternative arrangements and different styles, and improve their communication within the group. The ensemble is open to students who have completed Jazz Ensemble I, and to other students by audition. All instruments are welcome.

2011-2012 Schedule  & Fees

Wednesdays 8 – 9 pm

Full Year: October 5, 2011 – June 27, 2012
First Term: October 5 – December 14, 2011
Second Term: January 11 – March 28, 2012
Third Term: April 18 – June 27, 2012

Tuition Fee (First Term – 10 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €160
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €80

Tuition Fee (Full Year – 32 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €450
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €225

Tuition Fee (Second Term – 12 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €190
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €95

Tuition Fee (Second & Third Terms – 22 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €327
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €164

Tuition Fee (Third Term – 10 weeks)
Ensemble alone: €160
Students also enrolled for private or group lessons: €80

Materials Fee (per term): €35*

*The Jazz Ensembles use a variety of unique materials produced exclusively for them by the Jazz Ensembles Music Director, David Mooney. These materials include downloadable (and printable) pdf files of concert charts, individual instrumental parts and mp3 files for 6-8 pieces per term for Jazz Ensemble I and 8-12 pieces per term for Jazz Ensemble II, as well as scale, arpeggio and improvisation exercises, all of which are available to students on an invitation-only Google Site.

(Payment plan options are also available – see Enrolment & Fees for details.)

Late Enrolment
Students wishing to join this ensemble may do so at any time. Tuition fees for late-enrolling students are pro-rated and depend on the starting week. Go to the appropriate week under Enrolment & Fees for more information.

David Mooney, Director

Dave hails from south Dublin, but his musical pursuits have led him far and wide. He holds a BMus degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with such world-renowned musicians and composers as John Lockwood and Joseph Smith. Dave also holds a diploma in Jazz Performance from the Guildhall School of Music in London. He has appeared, performed and recorded with a vast and varied array of artists, from Sarah Brightman and Jeff Ramsey (Al Jarreau Group) to Sarah Brindell, the Young European Strings and Stambandet (a Scandinavian Folk group). He was one of the founding members of the established New England jazz ensemble 3D4tet, and has recently returned from a successful tour of the Balkans, leading his own jazz quartet. Dave’s performances have included the National Concert Hall, and he was chosen to represent Ireland at the IASJ schools of jazz conference and concert in London. He has worked as a music educator both in the US and Ireland, where he now teaches jazz ensembles, bass, double bass and guitar at the New School.

Enrolment

Enrolment for this ensemble requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2011-2012 General Enrolment Form.)

Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

Back to top