Guildhall School of Music & Drama: Jazz

Music

Jazz

Saxophone • Trumpet • Trombone • Tuba • Piano • Guitar • Bass Guitar • Double Bass • Drums • Voice

(other instruments by negotiation)

Undergraduate

Principal Study Jazz students benefit from a broad range of music study with a specialist focus on jazz. Whilst working within the framework of the four year BMus programme, this unique course develops skills within a wide range of musical fields.

The balance of study will be determined by the student’s individual needs with support and advice from the Head of Jazz, Martin Hathaway, and the appropriate professors. Years 3 and 4 of the course allow students to follow a more specialised programme of study.

Within the BMus syllabus outlined above, students receive the following specialist training:

Principal Study one-to-one jazz tuition
Jazz musical awareness/improvisation workshops
Jazz small bands
Jazz repertoire class
Jazz aural class
Big Band
Jazz Singers
Jazz keyboard skills
Jazz arranging class
Jazz history class
Jazz performance platforms
Rhythm class
Vintage jazz workshops
Contemporary jazz workshops
Jazz masterclasses with visiting artists

Performance and communication skills are an essential part of the Jazz option. Individual artistic development is as important as the learning of the skills taught within the course.

Postgraduate

This is an intensive specialism for a group of 15-20 instrumentalists and singers who have already reached a high level of performance and are preparing to enter the field as professionals.

The course is designed to train the whole musician through an aural approach and a broad curriculum to give students a solid foundation in performance, harmony, rhythm, improvisation, composition, arranging and studio recording.

Course components include:

Guildhall Jazz Band – a large ensemble which performs regularly, tours and leads workshops. Five times winner of the BBC Radio 2 Big Band Competition with four albums recorded.
Guildhall Jazz Singers – a close-harmony vocal group with accompanying band
Small jazz groups – regular mixed groups led by course tutors and visiting performers
Improvisation – a comprehensive course emphasising fundamental techniques for improvisation and creative development
Harmony/ear training – a course in recognising, understanding and responding to harmony
Composition/arranging – a practical course in composition, arranging and orchestration for jazz ensembles
Jazz history and listening – a comprehensive study of the jazz tradition
Rhythm classes – a practical course developing time and rhythm skills
Studio and recording workshops – courses in recording/production techniques, sequencing and using computers

The course often hosts and performs with visiting artists.

Recent Department Highlights

Annual performances in the London Jazz Festival: 2010 included a Guildhall Jazz Band performance with Jacqui Dankworth (vocals); the Guildhall School Jazz Festival: 2011's Festival included performances by Guildhall jazz ensembles with Jim Hart, Michael Garrick, Eddie Provost and Stan Sulzmann
Masterclasses with John Scofield, Mark Turner, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra
Regular small band performances at the Vortex Jazz Club
Annual collaboration with the Duke Ellington Society UK

Alumni include

Natalie Williams (Jazz Voice 2001)
Stacey Kent (Jazz Voice 1991)
Jason Rebello (Jazz Piano 1989)
Cleveland Watkiss (Jazz Voice 1988)

“ You have access to some of the best musicians in London and all the knowledge they have about their profession. ”

Thanihan Jeyapalan
BMus Bassoon

“ I've had amazing masterclasses with great musicians such as Richard Goode and Paul Lewis. ”

Grace Yeo
MMus Piano

“ A world-class staff, whose dedication and passion inspire students to achieve their utmost potential. ”

Anna Anandarajah
BMus Vocal Studies

“ The performance opportunities available through Guildhall are second to none, and act as a springboard into the profession. ”

Edward Pick
Postgraduate Piano

“ The School’s reputation of providing world-class tuition and support for every student has proved to be true – I have been supported every step of the way. ”

Ben Gernon
BMus Tuba

“ I am thrilled with my teacher; every session confirms the decision to be here studying with him. ”

Charlie Mellor
MMus Opera Studies

“ It’s amazing to be learning from some of the leading figures in the contemporary music scene, teachers who constantly inspire and who truly wish you to succeed. ”

Sylvia Lim
BMus Composition

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