Class Offerings at the Open Music Collective, at the Cotton Mill, Brattleboro, VT www.openmusiccollective.org

Harmonic Analysis As Applied To Jazz Tunes - Kate Parsons

This class will focus on developing your ability to recognize common chord progressions found in the jazz idiom. You will learn the function of chords in different contexts and explore scale possibilities for improvisation. Emphasis will be on aural recognition and developing your ability to "hear the changes."By concentrating first on the bass and melody lines, you can learn to identify key centers and modulations.

Learning to hear the sounds of chords and their relationship within a harmonic phrase will not only expand your ability to improvise, but it will also aide you in memorization and transposition. Prior knowledge of key signatures and chord construction useful

Fridays 3pm cost $150

Guitar Ensemble - Draa Hobbs

This class will focus on jazz and modern classical repertoire for up to five guitars. Jazz arrangements written by such notable jazz guitarists as Peter Leitch will focus on group performance as well as improvisation. A rhythm section will be added for live performance. For classical guitar literature our focus will be on listening and dynamics within the context of ensemble arrangements by Hindemith, Bartok, Ravel, and contemporary literature written by Andrew York for the L.A. Guitar Quartet. A basic knowledge of the guitar and the notes on the neck, as well as some ability to read music will be necessary.

Scheduled for Participants

Jazz Ensemble - Jamie MacDonald

Hands on class where you will learn about jazz and its different genres, sometimes talking about the history of certain composers/players or listening to classic recordings. Material chosen for the specific class. All Levels and instruments, ensembles grouped with like abilities.

Scheduled for Participants

Jazz Vocal Repertoire Class -Jamie MacDonald

Work with a rhythm section on bebop lines, great standards and tunes while also listening to and studying great singers of our time. Some experience preferred.

Monday 5pm

Americana Hot House Group – Phil Bloch

This class is geared towards string instruments - violins, guitars, bass, mandolins, and banjos with repertoire chosen from Hot House Swing and Americana standards with focus on learning tunes and improvising. "In a typical class we'll do a little bit of listening and talking and a whole lot of picking and singing".

Wednesdays 7:00 pm

Open Ensemble – Vernon David

This class is designed for musicians of all levels and disciplines interested in exploring ensemble playing in various genres from classical to contemporary. All instruments are most welcome. The opportunity to play music outside of the tradition of your instrument is encouraged. Players will be grouped with like abilities in mixed ensembles. Emphasis will be on expanding your musical concepts and learning from each other. In addition to working with arrangements, improvisation and composition will be encouraged.

Scheduled for Participants

Beginning String Quartet - Phil Bloch

Work in a small ensemble on quartet repertoire for 10 weeks with coaching by Phil Bloch, music and ensembles grouped by ability of students, all ages.


Cost of Ensembles $250 for adults, $200 for students - 10 classes and a concert