TJI CLASSES

All classes at Tucson Jazz Institute give students the opportunity to work with the best young musicians in the Tucson area! Having your child surrounded by students of the same or greater levels of ability can inspire them and promote them to new performance heights. All classes focus on specific improvisation techniques and encourage students to become soloists. Classes are taught by accomplished professionals and are a fun way to meet new friends that love music!

Vocal Jazz Ensembles

If your student is looking to become a professional singer, recording artist, the lead singer of their own band, or just wants more confidence in front of the microphone, TJI’s Vocal Jazz Ensembles are a perfect addition to their vocal training. The techniques and coaching from our professional faculty will take the lessons the singer has learned from other choir directors or voice teachers, expand on them and apply it to being on stage as a soloist.

The Vocal Jazz Ensembles are recommended for students who are currently in their choir program at school and look to further their training as performers. Subjects of focus include forming a solid vocal technique, daily exercises for improving range, beginning/intermediate/advanced ear training and sight-singing using exciting and challenging repertoire, and plenty of performance opportunities for solos and groups. The ensembles are for ALL voice parts.

Tucson Symphonic Winds

Improvisation Class

The improvisation class is recommended for students having little to no experience with improvisation. Subjects of focus include learning basic jazz forms, understanding the theory and harmony that make up those forms, and using simple musical phrases to outline that harmony, forming a solid foundation for them as improvisers. The improvisation class is for ALL instruments except drums.

Jazz Combo

Soloing and improvisation comprise the most substantial part of jazz, and the Jazz Combo class primarily focuses on these two areas. TJI has numerous combos for varying levels of performance and improvising experience. All combos play blues, jazz standards, and other important jazz compositions taken from many eras of jazz history. Advanced students have the opportunity to present original compositions to their group for playing and/or performance. Playing in a combo will surely enhance a student's overall understanding and appreciation of jazz!

Jazz Big Band

TJI has multiple levels of Big Band classes to accommodate varying levels of experience. Classes expose students to numerous styles and emphasize proper phrasing, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, dynamics, and many other important elements necessary to make a band perform to it's full potential. Much focus is placed on listening and blending with others. The cooperation and teamwork learned in the big band setting will certainly last a lifetime. Big band also affords plenty of opportunity for soloists to use their improvisation skills. If you love or want to learn more about the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Thad Jones, and others, the big band class is for you.

Sound Recording and Music Tech Class

This class will cover the basics of sound reinforcement, sound systems, microphones, mixing consoles, the use of various sound effects, stereo and multi track recording and muusic production. Many aspects of the music industry will be presented. All styles of music will be considered for recording and production. Bands are also encouraged to take this class so that we can make a demo CD for class projects. Students will have the opportunity for "hands-on" experiences with concerts and recording sessions. Basics of electronics and physics of sound will be covered. A certificate will be given on the completion of the class. Non-musicians are welcome.