From the drawing board to the actualization and development of our entire school structure, the student has always been at the center or our thought process. We envisioned a teaching system flexible enough to combine the traditional way of sharing jazz insight (playing with more experienced musicians while getting feedback and advice) with a contemporary academic approach to jazz education.
We believe to have found the right formula, and we are proud to offer thorough, compelling and exciting lessons like no other in New York City!
So, who are NY Ensemble Classes’ Jazz Students?
Classical musicians, experienced players with backgrounds in other music styles, jazz novices, experienced cats looking to get to the next level… if you play a musical instrument, love jazz, and want to dig deeper into this remarkable style of music, you are our target student!
We welcome all instruments, including saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, drums, percussion, vibraphone, flute, clarinet, oboe, horn, tuba, and strings.
Students and Curriculum
The core principle of NY Ensemble Classes’ philosophy is that students should receive music instruction specific to their needs. Our instructors lead (and often play with) the ensembles, paying close attention to what is happening in the music, and presenting the students with relevant information and tools to further their musical growth.
Our performance-based curriculum is designed around our students' unique traits, and it evolves with them. It is an organic process that takes place while the ensemble plays and builds a repertoire.
Different instruments present different challenges in terms of technique and role in the music. For this reason, in order for our process to work properly, we make sure to form ensembles with students of similar proficiency levels and goals.
Ensemble Placement
There are many factors that influence how we match students. Some of these factors are their experience with playing jazz, how much they have played with other people before, what is their technical proficiency level, and what are their musical goals. There are no placement auditions; it is with our enrollment process (starting from the contact form) that we look into all those parameters. Occasionally - if needed - we ask applicants to send us simple audio recordings of their playing.
We have enough experience to make our placement choices with confidence. Sometimes adjustments are needed, students may fall behind or learn more quickly than their peers. It’s a dynamic system, and individuals can be moved to other ensembles, if that is in their best interest.
It is important to note that in order to benefit from ensemble classes, students need to have prior experience on their instrument. Our courses are not intended for true beginners. We are happy to provide referrals for private lessons to applicants who are not yet ready to take ensemble classes.
We are committed to providing the highest standard of music education, and for this reason we never forget that playing music should be fun! Contact us and let’s play some jazz!
For more information about our classes please visit our Concept page or read our FAQs.
Networking
NY Ensemble Classes is a great place to meet like-minded musicians. It is not uncommon for our students to get together outside of the classroom and play.
Instructors Renato Diz and Paolo Lattanzi with students on a "school trip" to the Village Vanguard - August '14