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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. 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.

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Individual Music Lessons
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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.

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Jazz Improv Program Details
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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.

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Jazz Band Program Details
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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.

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Jazz Ensemble Program Details
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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.

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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.

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Jazz Combo Program Details
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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.

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Jazz Vocal Combo Program Details
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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.

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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.

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Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.