The Jazz Institute at the Conservatory of Music
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music has been offering jazz instruction since the mid-1960's and the newly created Jazz Institute continues this long and prestigious tradition.
What We Offer:
- Faculty members are premiere jazz performers as well as dedicated and accomplished educators
- Faculty have the expertise to work with jazz students of all backgrounds and experience levels
- We place an emphasis on understanding the bebop idiom and other historically important styles
- We offer straight ahead jazz combos as well as a Latin jazz band
- Gospel and contemporary/popular voice and piano
- Performance opportunities
- Master classes are regularly offered to students and have included Slide Hampton, Charles McPherson, Harry Connick Jr., Brian Lynch and Regina Carter
- Renowned jazz alumni include Brian Lynch, David Hazeltine, Lynne Arriale , Gerald Cannon, Dan Nimmer and Rick Germanson
- Recording opportunities of performances and ensembles
- Dorothea Music Library with over 50,000 CDs and LPs, DVD scores and books (including the Ron Cuzner collection of over 10,000 jazz CDs)
- Scholarships and financial aid available
- Free admission to all Conservatory produced performances and master classes
- Free use of practice rooms (based on availability)
- Summer Jazz camps
- Free Jazz Jam Sessions at the Conservatory are open to high school and adult musicians of all experience levels.
Faculty and Locations:
Mark Davis* - Dept. Chair | Piano | Prospect/Audubon Court
John Babbitt | Bass | Prospect/Audubon Court
David Bayles | Drums | Prospect
Jamie Breiwick | Trumpet | Prospect/Audubon Court
Maurice Cotton | Piano, Voice | Prospect
John Foshager | Piano | Prospect
Berkeley Fudge | Saxophone, Flute | Prospect
Aaron Gardner | Saxophone, Flute | Prospect/Audubon Court
Jeff Hamann | Bass | Prospect/Wilson/Audubon Court
Eric Jacobson | Trumpet | Prospect/Wilson/Audubon Courtt
Jim Paolo | Bass | Prospect
Lynn Roginske | Piano, Voice | Prospect/Audubon Court
Paul Silbergleit | Guitar | Prospect
Tuition Rates for Individual Instruction:
Range from $30-$32 for a thirty minute lesson; $45-$47.50 for a forty five minute lesson; or $60-$64 for a sixty minute lesson.
Path of Learning:
Individual Instruction
Enjoy learning jazz in a musical environment designed to meet the needs of students of various ages, levels and styles.
Group Classes
Group study allows students to learn guitar in a motivational, supportive, and fun setting.
Teens and Adults
- Individual Instruction
- Jazz Program and Jazz Institute
- Jazz Combos and Latin Jazz Band
- Introductory classes:
- Beginning Jazz Piano followed by Beginning Jazz Improvisation for Pianists
- Introduction to Jazz Guitar
- Jazz Improvisation Techniques
- Listening to Jazz
- Jazz Singers Workshop
- Jazz Rhythm Section Master Class
- Jazz Transcription
- Songwriting for Today’s Musicians
- Intro to Jazz Camp
- Annual High School Jazz Camp
Students are encouraged to participate in an ensemble or combo along with their individual instruction. Enjoy a special rate on your combo when combined with individual instruction. Combos also available to students who are not registered for individual instruction.
Current Classes:
Teen & Adults
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