Project Info
Project Description
About the Program
Creativity is at the heart of everything we believe in the jazz program. We encourage our students to develop their voice as artists and explore the deep tradition of Jazz, a truly American art form. Students must have experience on their instruments, but no prior experience in jazz is required. Small groups and theory classes are leveled by age and experience so that students are challenged at the appropriate level. This program is open to students from 6th grade to 12th grade. Limited financial aid is available to all students.
There are six main components to the BKCM Jazz Program:
Diverse Repertoire
Students will learn repertoire that includes classic jazz standards, contemporary works, original compositions and music from around the world that features improvisation.
Creative Improvisation
Students will gain skills as improvisers in a weekly improvisation workshop. Students learn techniques such as live conduction, cueing, call and response and rhythmic variation, which improves their ability to listen and improvise on the spot.
Small Group Work
Students will work collaboratively in a small group setting with professional jazz faculty. With an average student-teacher ratio of five to one, students receive personalized attention in an intimate group setting. Participation in the group provides many non-musical benefits, such as developing a sense of responsibility, learning to work together as a team, and feeling a sense of accomplishment in doing something well. Small groups are leveled by age and experience.
Jazz Theory
Students will increase their understanding of theory and harmony, that is specific to jazz and the repertoire they are learning in their ensemble. Weekly theory classes are leveled from beginner to advanced so that each student has a chance to grow at their own pace.
Weekly Performances
Students will gain confidence as performers in the weekly performance forum, where they regularly perform for their peers and faculty. Students are also featured throughout the year at private concerts, public recitals and community events at BKCM.
Masterclasses and Workshops
Throughout the year, students engage with guest jazz artists who present on special topics, including workshops with the recipients of the Jazz Leaders Fellowship grant program, which provides support for Black women and Black non-binary jazz musicians with resources to further develop their craft and pursue projects that advance their careers.
Daily Schedule
11:45am-12:15pm – Improvisation Workshop
12:15-12:45pm – Jazz Theory Class (leveled by age and experience)
12:45-2:00pm – Combo Rehearsal (leveled by age and experience)
2:00-2:45pm – Performance Forum / Masterclass
Interested in the BKCM Jazz Program? Click HERE to fill out an interest form.
Click here to learn about BKCM’s Amy Winehouse Jazz Explorers, an ensemble for 5th & 6th grade girls taught by accomplished women and non-binary jazz musicians.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To apply please contact kris.mandapat@bkcm.org and fill out the financial aid application.
Registration Info
Do you want to register for a class? Please call 718-622-3300 to speak to one of our registrars, who will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you might have.
For complete information on our registration process and policies please click here
