Four Sessions • Eight Essential Songs

A four-session immersive masterclass exploring the timeless music of Duke Ellington through performance, harmonic analysis, improvisation, and repertoire study. Widely regarded as one of the foundational architects of the American songbook, Ellington’s compositions combine sophisticated harmony, lyrical melody, and elegant form, making them essential material for jazz musicians and improvisers. Across four sessions, students will take deep dives into eight classic Ellington compositions, examining harmonic movement, melodic interpretation, voice leading, phrasing, rhythmic feel, and improvisational possibilities. Each class combines listening, discussion, tune analysis, ensemble playing, and hands-on jamming to help students develop both musical understanding and practical performance skills.

Songs included: A Train, Satin Doll, Prelude To A Kiss, In A Sentimental Mood, Beginning To See The Light, It Don’t Mean A Thing, In A Mellow Tone & Sophisticated Lady.

*If you can’t make a live session, no problem. All sessions are made available for download right to your computer for lifetime access!

Four Sessions • Eight Essential Songs

Step into the rich harmonic world of Jerome Kern through an immersive four-session masterclass exploring eight of his most influential compositions. Combining deep musical analysis, guided listening, ensemble playing, improvisation workshops, and hands-on jam sessions, this course is designed for musicians who want to develop a deeper connection to the American songbook and strengthen their understanding of jazz harmony through repertoire. Students will explore the lyrical sophistication, elegant voice leading, and advanced harmonic movement that made Kern one of the foundational composers of modern popular music while learning practical approaches to interpretation, phrasing, and improvisation. Featuring classics including All the Things You Are, Yesterdays, The Way You Look Tonight, and Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, the masterclass offers a performance-centered approach to mastering timeless repertoire that continues to shape jazz musicians today.

*If you can’t make a live session, no problem. All sessions are made available for download right to your computer for lifetime access!

Playing Arpeggios Through Standards Chord Progressions is a four-session masterclass designed for improvisers who want to move beyond practicing isolated patterns and learn how to use arpeggios musically through real jazz harmony. Focusing on voice leading, melodic connection, harmonic clarity, and improvisation through standards, students will develop the ability to connect chord tones fluidly across progressions, create stronger melodic lines, and hear harmony more clearly in real time. Through hands-on playing, guided exercises, and application to classic repertoire including Autumn Leaves, All The Things You Are, and Blue Bossa, participants will build practical tools for navigating chord changes with greater confidence, sophistication, and musicality.

*If you can’t make a live session, no problem. All sessions are made available for download right to your computer for lifetime access!