A great start for any budding Jazz musician, this course takes you from using one note to make your own “question and answer” improvisation, to using scales to create more complex melodies and rhythms.
You can view the first section of the course for free.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed to be used in two ways, for schools and for students:
- Whole-class music making using any melodic instrument to explore learning by ear, and improvisation. Schools in Cornwall having free “First Access” courses will also have MusicEL access for 1 year for free.
- For any students, young or old, who want to learn how to improvise and get creative with music-making. Even if you’re never done it before, Andy and James will take you through it step by step, building confidence, and giving some inspiration.
What does the course cover?
By the end of the course, you’ll have had lots of practise at:
- learning by ear (copying rhythms and short simple tunes)
- improvising using call and response
So you should be confident in improvising using the pentatonic scale.
What do you need to do this course?
All you’ll need is a melodic instrument (any kind will do), and be able to find 5 notes. You can do this course on your own, but it will be much more fun if you can find a friend to play with! Improvisation is all about having musical conversations.
As this course is about developing the skills of learning by ear and improvisation, it won’t show you how to find those 5 notes on your own instrument. So you’ll need to work with your teacher (or tutorials) to learn the notes.
About your teachers
Andy Bilham is a hugely experienced musician, and co-leads Cornwall Music Service Trust and MusicEL’s jazz programme. Alongside work in theatre and the music industry, he also has a wealth of teaching experience.
He has been percussion and keyboard instrumental lead for music services in Hertfordshire and Cornwall. He also runs Cornwall’s youth jazz orchestra, and samba groups for people of all ages.
James Robinson is a teacher at all levels from beginner to conservatoire, James also co-leads Cornwall Music Service Trust and MusicEL’s jazz programme. He’s performed with English Chamber Orchestra, English National Ballet, London Concert Orchestra, Moscow City Ballet, and many more.
His career also includes West End theatre and many TV shows. James has “been there and done it” all, and can help you do the same! Here’s James leading Cornwall Youth Jazz Orchestra:
Course Instructor
