Jazz

Jazz

Introduction

Jazz education in Scotland takes a major leap forward with the introduction of the country's first ever full time conservatoire level jazz course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Tommy Smith, who will teach the saxophone students personally, said: " This is an exciting development and a tremendous boost for the scene. For many years Scotland has lagged behind almost every country in Europe in not having a full-time jazz course and yet we've produced dozens of talented players who have been forced to go America and England to study. Now instead of looking elsewhere, they can receive top level tuition here on their doorstep."

Commenting on the new programme, Principal John Wallace said: " To have Tommy Smith, one of the all-time greats, heading up jazz at the RSAMD, fulfils a long term dream for me - and makes Glasgow, Unesco City of Music, even more the place for musical heroes to grow."

Course Details:

Courses are available at undergraduate (B.Mus) and 0ostgraduate (PGDipMus and M.Mus) levels.

The courses will begin with the 2009/10 session and as well as taking individual lessons with specialist jazz tutors (see ‘staff'), students will take a wide range of creative and contextual studies such as Jazz Ear Training, Jazz Chord Scales, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Ensembles, Music Business, Jazz History, Jazz Harmony, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Piano, Notation, Jazz Composition, Personal Development & Creative Production Skills.