Course Schedule:

Week 1: Fundamentals of Jazz Improv

Week 2: Jazz Influences and Inspirations

Week 3: The Origin of Jazz Riffs

Week 4: Applied Techniques (slides, bends, sounds, rhythm, syncopation, etc.)

Week 5: Swinging the Melody.

Week 6: Putting It All Together

Week 7: Live Zoom Concert Featuring Syreeta Thompson

About Syreeta Thompson

Join New York’s “TRUMPET LADY,” Syreeta Thompson for an exploration of Jazz Improvisation and techniques. One of the greatest trumpet players in music today, she is a Grammy award Winner and a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and she holds a Masters Degree from NYU in Film Scoring, Jazz Composition and Arranging.

Thompson’s “Winner" and “Evolution of a Winner” both debuted #1 in both jazz and gospel charts, and stayed there for thirteen consecutive weeks. She is currently preparing for the release of her fifth solo album entitled "Taking It Back," coming in Fall 2021.

In addition to preparing for a new music release, Syreeta currently serves as a committee member/Gala chair for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Young Patrons. Among Thompson’s other projects, she remains focused on paying it forward to the next generation of female musicians. Her documentary “Blow Yo Horn; Making Music In a Man’s World” (currently in production) profiles female musicians, music producers, instrumentalists and songwriters who have yet to have commercial success.

Syreeta says, "Jazz has all of the other elements that other music has. Melody, that's the tune of the song that you're most likely to remember. It has harmony, the notes that makes the sound fuller. But what sets jazz apart is a cool thing called improvisation. This means making it up on the spot. During our Jazz Improvisation class you will learn the key/basic elements of what it takes to become a great jazz soloist. We will analyze the fundamentals of jazz, which is the blues. During this time, we will actively engage in intense listening sessions of jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, and Art Blakey. I've performed with Dianne Reeves, Wynton Marsalis, Terrance Blanchard and also have studied jazz composition and arranging with the late GREAT Frank Foster of the Count Basie Orchestra. I look forward to seeing you in class!"