The Thelonious Monk Jazz ensemble

When & Where

16 April 2024 - 2 July 2024 ( 16.5 hours, 11 weeks )
Evening, Tuesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Sara Dhillon
Course Code W23JPMA09A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Learn to play the music of the extraordinary, idiosyncratic jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, who after Duke Ellington is probably the second most recorded jazz composer. You will gain greater insight as to why his music sounds the way it does, look at some of the key harmonic and rhythmic devices he used to construct his solos. Please note the piano and drum chairs have been filled.

Learning Outcomes

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

- Learn a selection of Thelonious Monk compositions with guidance and coaching from the tutor including an analysis of his solos to gain greater depth and understanding when playing his music
- Gain an overview of the jazz style from which Monk emerged including biographical information and influences on the artist so you have a better understanding of the pianist and his composition
- Transcribe and analyse some Monk solos from his more well-known repertoire and try to incorporate some of his approaches into your own playing.
- Understand key innovations of this artist

Cost

Full fee

£140

Concession fee

£105

Class format and activities

You will be playing through various well-known Monk compositions each week, working on your sight-reading, rhythmic and approaches to improvisation with direct coaching from the tutor.

Entry requirements

It is recommended that you are at ABRSM Grade V/VI level or above and you will need commensurate sight-reading skills. Some experience of transcribing Jazz solos will be helpful though not necessarily a pre-requisite.