Die Jazzakademie

This course is aimed at jazz-loving piano-playing musicians, music teachers, music students, and advanced amateurs who have already had some exposure to jazz and have thus already gained some active, basic experience in jazz and would like to further expand on this in the course. The parallel jazz courses offer opportunities to try out and experience what has been learned together in a combo. The following jazz piano-specific topics will be covered: reading lead sheets / deciphering and implementing chord symbols / voicings for the right and left hand / off-beat phrasing, ternary and binary / the relationship between chords and scales / typical jazz improvisations / the piano as a solo and accompanying instrument / "correct" practice.

This course is aimed at advanced singers interested in jazz. Music students, ambitious pupils, and teachers interested in further training, as well as advanced amateurs. Each participant will be met at their own level; the course focuses on the joy of making music and on discovering, expanding, and experimenting with new ideas. The following typical jazz singing content will be covered: training of (jazz) hearing through practical exercises / simple vocal improvisations typical of jazz / dealing with lead sheet notation and changes / off-beat phrasing (ternary/binary) / interpretation of rehearsed standards / vocal stylistic devices / vocal practice (including how do I practice?) / interaction with fellow musicians in the combo (in the afternoons of the course) / dealing with the music, colleagues, and one's own perceptions during a rehearsal or performance. Participation in the jazz course requires singing experience, which can be demonstrated in advance by submitting a simple mp3 sample (a cell phone recording is sufficient, e.g., of a self-selected easy standard). Please contact us for this purpose: hoerprobe.jazzgesang(at)jazzakademie-nordsee.de

The saxophone/wind instrument workshop is aimed at anyone who wants to deepen their improvisation and jazz skills. Proficiency in the instrument and a basic knowledge of general music theory, as well as the ability to play simple jazz standards, are required. The goal of the workshop is, on the one hand, to use the tools learned to teach themselves jazz standards, improve their improvisational skills, overcome their fear of key and time signatures, and develop a fundamentally better overall understanding of musical context. On the other hand, participants will learn exercises to improve breathing, tone production, and technique.

A course for double or electric bass players, from ambitious beginners to long-time professionals. Whether classical musicians who want to get a taste of jazz and popular music or experienced jazz bassists who have reached their limits - specific learning goals are developed according to individual talents and inclinations, and strategies are presented to optimally overcome technical and musical obstacles. Other bass-specific topics include: How can rhythmic, harmonic or physical weaknesses be recognized and playfully addressed without stress? Stylistically, the aim is to broaden horizons and highlight important similarities and differences in bass accompaniment across a wide variety of styles. Ensemble playing develops the skills of listening, accompanying and improvising in a practical and fun way.

This course is aimed at advanced drummers who want to explore or deepen their understanding of jazz. Preparation for playing, or playing in a band/combo, plays an important role, along with learning and recognizing new styles. The focus of the instrumental instruction is on jazz-specific grooves, rhythmic concepts, and comping. Other drum-specific topics include snare drum technique, brushwork, chart reading, and improvisation. Where possible, each participant will be given the opportunity to optimally develop their instrumental skills. Ensemble playing involves working on pieces together, with the emphasis on listening to and reacting to one another.