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Jazz Program
The jazz program provides a variety of opportunities to for musicians develop skills in the jazz idiom. Students with no previous experience in this style are welcome to explore what this music has to offer. Under the direction of Eric Dunan, the program’s faculty includes some of Australia’s leading professional jazz artists. Students in the jazz program will have the opportunity to learn improvisation and also to play the vast repertoire that falls under this genre, including Latin Jazz, Swing, Bebop, and Funk.
Students who find themselves particularly keen on the jazz styles have the opportunity to extend themselves and develop advanced skills that enable them to confidently audition for university jazz programs. Many former students of the Wollongong Conservatorium have completed University degrees in jazz studies and have gone on to become professional jazz artists all over the world.
There is no pre-set expectation for students who participate in the jazz program. If you are doing it to extend your experiences or to have some fun, you are absolutely welcome. There are opportunities for all musicians of any age on any instrument including voice.
Jazz Programs
All of these classes prepare students and afford them opportunities to perform. The Jazz Combos, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Orchestra have performed throughout the world and the jazz band regularly performs locally as well as other places in NSW. The improvisation class is low pressure…and for fun, but if you get the bug to join the other classes once you’ve gotten your feet wet, there are lots of opportunities.
Individual Music Lessons
We provide access to the finest musical instrument lessons in the Illawarra. Students interested in exploring tenets of Jazz, from beginner to experienced, have the opportunity to be taught one-on-one by expert musicians and teachers on a vast array of instruments.
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation Class is for everyone. Here’s your chance to learn simple jazz improvisation conepts and try them out in a supportive environment with other musicians. Here’s your starting place if you’ve had no or very little experience playing jazz.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is a chance for advanced primary age or early high school age students to learn to play in a big band with lots of horns and the classic big band sound from the 40’s as well as contemporary jazz styles.
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble is a chance to challenge yourself if you are playing at higher level and want to play with people who have been playing their instrument for several years. Generally people in this class are high school age, but sometimes we have keen adults in this class.
Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Orchestra is a chance to really push yourself. This group is by audition and there is no age limitations. If you play great and are keen for a challenge, this group may be for you.
Jazz Combos
Jazz Combos are your chance to explore the art of improvisation. Here you will play in a group ranging from 3-6 people and will have ample opportunity, under the guidance of your expert director, to develop as an improvising musician.
Jazz Vocal Combos
Also known as ‘The Hummingbirds’, this is WollCon’s premier vocal ensemble performing 3 & 4 part arrangements heavily weighted towards the jazz genre.
Contemporary/Jazz Group Keyboard Lessons
An ideal class for intermediate and advanced piano students who have an interest in jazz and/or other contemporary styles. Students will learn to read jazz charts, explore improvisation, and understand chord progressions.
Jazz Music Theory
Our Jazz theory lessons are a comprehensive course in jazz-based chord-scale theory suitable for jazz-playing students as well as students who play all forms of contemporary music.
