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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

Beginning Jazz Improvisation

Date

February 2-May 10, 2025

Online

Course Code

7105A

Credits

3

Tuition

$1146

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.

Beginning Jazz Improvisation

Instructor

Michael Fein

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.

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3140 South Federal Street
Chicago, IL 60616-3731
(312) 225-6288

The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

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