Introduction to Jazz Piano
Date
September 16-December 6, 2024
Course Code
8544C / 510*
Credits
3 / 2*
Tuition
$1146
Course Description
This course is ideal for jazz educators, beginning jazz pianists, and non-pianists who have basic musical skills to explore the piano from a jazz perspective. You’ll learn the basic concepts of jazz piano, including playing 7th chords, understanding modes and scale/chord relationships. You’ll also learn how to apply these concepts to repertoire, beginning improv, and understanding the different basic rhythms of jazz music. Through lessons, listening, and videos the student will begin to see the relationship of jazz chords to scales and modes needed for improvisation. Through assigned study materials the student will learn about the basics of jazz harmony at the piano. See syllabus for further details.
* This course is offered at two course levels. Students enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook are eligible to enroll for the 500 course number. Students not enrolled in the MMEd program who wish to earn graduate credit as a MECA Continuing Education student should register for the four digit course number. The difference in credits earned and tuition cost is attributed to the difference in tuition rates for the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you are unsure which section is best for you, please contact us directly at [email protected].
Instructor
Steve Million
In 1988, Steve Million was a semifinalist in the internationally renowned Thelonious Monk Piano Competition; that same year, the Missouri native moved to Chicago and never looked back. The music of Monk continued to play an important role in his career. In the 90s he formed a two-keyboard band called Monk’s Dream with Mike Kocour and Robert Shy; in the 2000s created the humor-filled band Thelonious Moog with Joe “Guido” Welsh; and is now part of a piano duo with esteemed pianist Jeremy Kahn called Double Monk that performs the music of Monk with their arrangements and sometimes with the modern dancer Ariane Dolan. Around 2004 Million began a rewarding career teaching privately at the respected Merit School of Music, where he is now Jazz Chair, runs classes in jazz piano, jazz ensembles, and improvisation. In addition to playing his regular nightly gig at the popular downtown restaurant Catch 35. Million has recorded three CDs for Palmetto Records: Million to One (1995), Thanks A Million (1997), and Truth Is (1999) featuring such artists as trumpet great Randy Brecker, saxists Chris Potter and Dick Oatts, and legendary bassist Michael Moore. He has also released a trio album, Poetic Necessities (BluJazz, 2002), and a solo album, Remembering The Way Home (Origin, 2008).