Junior Jazz
at the Royal Academy of Music on Saturdays
for entry in September 2011
A jazz musicianship course for
talented young musicians aged 13-18
The course
The course places young musicians into small ensembles where most of
their learning and performing is done. Work is largely practical, focusing on
improvisation, study of harmonic and rhythmic elements and playing in a variety
of styles. The importance of the ‘ear/instrument relationship’ in jazz performance
is strongly emphasised and listening across genres is encouraged throughout
the course. The course also includes the arrangement of standard jazz tunes for
ensembles. An appreciation of the key events and musicians who have shaped
the development of jazz in the past is given due emphasis.
We welcome applications from the following:
Piano, bass, drums/percussion, guitar, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, flute
(singers and other instrumentalists should contact us before applying).
The Junior Jazz course also provides the invaluable opportunity to meet and make
music with like-minded young players. Although the course cannot guarantee
subsequent entrance to the undergraduate Jazz course at the Academy, an aim
of the provision is to prepare students thoroughly for further specialist study at
Higher Education level and graduates of the Junior Jazz course have had an almost
100% success rate of gaining entry to one of the UK Conservatoire jazz courses.
There are close links with the Senior Academy Jazz Department (director Nick
Smart) and senior students regularly work with the Junior Jazz course.
Fees for the academic year 2011/12 will be £420 per term (£1,260 pa), and there
will be a modest percentage increase for 2012/13.
A limited amount of bursary assistance is available for students who can
demonstrate financial need.
The course is nominally a two-year programme and places on the Junior Jazz
course are offered subject to continuing satisfactory progress and commitment.
The student’s best interests are the priority and they will be placed in the most
appropriate ensemble accordingly. A full term of notice in writing is required for
withdrawal from the course or a term’s fees are payable in lieu of notice.
There are three terms of eleven teaching weeks, following the normal pattern of
school terms, with a half-term Saturday break in the middle of each term.