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When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Paul Westwood
  • Course Code W24JPMG01B
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

For reasonably experienced bass players (double bass or bass guitar) who wish to develop their jazz improvisation skills to a higher level.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Play a wider range of advanced scales, chord symbols, chord sequences and phrases
  • Gain good timekeeping abilities and play in tempo
  • Play both jazz bass lines and melodic solos
  • Explore jazz rhythm and harmony using traditional and contemporary methods
  • Play a wide range of jazz standards
  • Perform with greater confidence and skill, in general
  • Apply new skills and knowledge that enable progression to the next level.

Class format and activities

Classes will be held online and are continuous over three terms. Students may sign up each term or for the whole year. Please be aware that catch-up lessons will be available online if you enrol in terms 2 & 3. Handouts are provided each lesson to accompany classwork. Additional handouts are provided that reference music elements such as theory, harmony, rhythm, phrasing, and technique. Students are encouraged to perform each exercise with the tutor, who accompanies on guitar, piano or with backing tracks. Play-along backing tracks are provided for practise and personal development outside of the classroom. There is an option for recordings of students’ performances if they choose. To ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, feedback, advice, and Q&A sessions are conducted in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

A reasonable command of your instrument and a basic understanding of chord symbols and harmony, some degree of ability in improvising, some reading skills.

What you need to know before you enrol

Regular practice between lessons is essential for ongoing progress.

What you need

Your instrument and a pen or pencil. An amplifier for bass guitar. As this is an online course, you will need access to a personal computer/laptop/ipad with working internal microphone and camera, and decent internet wi-fi connection. You will also need to have basic IT skills in order to access both the online platforms for live sessions and course material. Ahead of the first session, you will receive information about the exact format and length of the live part of the course, together with guidance on how to access the relevant platforms. During the first session, you will receive guidance from your tutor about how to access the online course material, such as recordings and sheet music.

What you can do next

Jazz Bazz C (Term 3). Students may wish to continue this course for a further year to develop their abilities or might to consider joining one of Morley’s Jazz theory classes and Jazz History classes to consolidate their learning. Alternatively, learners should consider one of our ensembles. Ask your tutor for advice or contact the Music Department.