Beginning Jazz Improvisation
Date
February 9-May 1, 2026
Online
Asynchronous
Course Code
MECA: 7106A | MMEd: 576B
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2
Tuition
$1194
Course Description
This course is designed for music performers and educators who want to learn how to improvise and teach improvisation in the classroom. Through carefully selected jazz repertoire, participants will learn the basic mechanics of improvisation and the essential music theory elements needed to improvise and teach improvisation including modal improvisation, the blues, ii-V-I progressions, and simplifying chord progressions. Participants will practice and perform jazz improvisation concepts on the instrument of their choice. No previous experience with improvisation is required.
This course is a 100% asynchronous course with no required meeting days/times.
*This course is available at two levels:
- MMEd Program Students: If you’re enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook, register for the 500-level course.
- MECA Continuing Education Students: If you’re not in the MMEd program but wish to earn graduate credit, register for the 7000-level course.
The difference in credits earned and tuition costs reflects the varying tuition rates between the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you’re unsure which section is right for you, feel free to reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
Instructor
Michael Fein earned a Bachelor of Music Education with a Jazz Concentration from Rutgers University where he studied saxophone with Ralph Bowen and clarinet with Anthony Pasquale. He performed with the Rutgers Big Band, Jazz Combos, Wind Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, and Salsa Band. Michael also earned a Masters of Jazz Saxophone Performance from Rowan University where he studied with baritone saxophone legend, Denis DiBlasio.
Michael’s resume includes performances with Ralph Peterson, Stanley Cowell, Scott Whitfield, Ralph Bowen, Denis DiBlasio, local original rock groups (Fathead and Barbuda), Arden Theater Company, and lead alto work with the great Ray Charles.
Michael currently teaches music technology electives and the Jazz Lab Band at Haverford High School. The Haverford music program has doubled in size since the hiring of Michael and the creation of digital audio music electives. He also serves as an adjunct jazz saxophone instructor at Swarthmore University.
Michael has published articles and lesson plans with Music Education Technology Magazine and Sound Tree. He has also presented numerous sessions at music and technology conferences including the 2005 National Education Computing Conference in Philadelphia, Music Player Live Ultimate Music Summit in New York, and the 2005 PMEA Conference in Valley Forge.