Jazz and Popular Studies Program
About the Course
The Jazz Studies program is based on the African American jazz idiom as a language for learning but embraces a wide selection of musical styles which includes jazz, world music, Brazilian, Indian, free, electronic, popular, Latin and blues to name but a few styles. The philosophy of the course is to offer a strong technical and musical foundation that allows the student to develop a personal ‘voice’ which is a result of their broad musical education and an awareness of their social and cultural being. Academically, there is a focus to learn research skills in performance, musicology and ethnomusicology, which can equate to further study in the postgraduate area.
Within the music undergraduate degree, students are also offered classes in ear training, improvisation materials, theory, instrument specific workshops, keyboard skills, Indian rhythms, Brazilian music (Choro–Samba), composition, performance workshop, stage band, world music ensemble and small ensembles. The course also provides students with the opportunity to enroll in ‘American Music and Popular Culture’, training in Latin percussion instruments and gamelan. These classes form part of the general performance course, which are in conjunction with units in musicology, ethnomusicology and composition subjects. Performance is an important part of the course and so ensembles perform regularly at Bennetts Lane, Paris Cat Jazz Club, Federation Square and BMW Edge. From 2007–2009 the Stage Band, World Music Orchestra and small ensembles performed concerts at Federation Square as part of Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Each year guest artists (listed below) and artists in residence are invited to the School. Some include Brazilian guitar genius Yamandu Costa, composer Carlos Galvao, Mauricio Carrilho, George Garzone (USA), Debasis Chakroborty (India), Kate Ceberano and John Hoffman, James Black and Don Burrows.
In 2007, the students from the jazz course were give an opportunity to study at the Monash Centre in Prato (Italy -near Florence) for 3 weeks. Plans for 2009 are well underway for this biannual event where every student will get an opportunity to study and perform in Italy.
A variety of Scholarships, Prizes and awards are available to Jazz and Popular students.
View audition and application information.
The main ensembles are:
- Small Ensembles
- Stage Band
- World Music Orchestra
- There are chamber groups that focus on Brazilian music (MPB, Choro and Samba) and World music.
Sound Series 2008 Jazz and World Music CD
Available NOW through Jazzhead. A recording of Monash University School of Music Conservatorium Jazz and World Music Ensembles.
Jazz and Popular Studies Staff
- Robert Burke, Senior Lecturer, Coordinator of Jazz/Popular Studies
- Dr Tony Gould, Lecturer
Sessional Staff
The program offers weekly master classes in designated instruments, concert practice and individual lessons with some of the leading performers/teachers in Australia. They include:
Bass
- Sam Anning
- Frank DiSario *
- Steve Hadley
- James Kempster *
- Ben Robertson *
- Jonathan Zion
- Simon Starr
Drums/Percussion
- Dave Beck
- Allan Browne
- Tony Floyd
Flute
- Tony Hicks
Guitar
Piano
- Tony Gould
- Sam Keevers *
- Jex Saarelaht
- Steve Sedergreen
Saxophone
- Robert Burke
- Tony Buchannan *
- Ian Whitehurst
- Julien Wilson
- Tim Wilson
Sitar
- Gudaz Khalil *
Tabla
Trombone
- Jordan Murray
- Adrian Sherriff *
- Shannon Burchill *
Trumpet
- Eugene Ball
- Greg Spence
- Scott Tinkler
- Paul Williamson
Voice
- Emma Gilmartin
- Michelle Nicole
- Gian Slater
- Julie O'Hara *
* Available Staff
Artists in Residence
As part of the jazz studies there are workshops given by Australian and overseas artist(s). These include:
2009
John Taylor (UK), Claire Bowditch, John Hoffman, Mirko Geurrini (Italy), Stefano Zenni (Italy), Stefano Bollani (Italy), Diana Torto (Italy), Linda May-Han Oh, Tommy Crane (USA) and George Garzone (USA)
Pre-2009
Jazz Artists — George Garzone (2008), John Hoffman (2008), Dave Liebman, Mark Murphy, Jim Black, Greg Osby (Feb 2006), Mirko Geurrini,Glauco Venier, Massimo Morganti, Diana Torto, Stefano Zenni, Andrea Melani, Don Burrows, James Morrison.
Popular Music — James Black, Kate Ceberano
Brazilian Music — Yamandu Costa, Carlos Galvao, Lula Galvao, Mauricio Carrilho (2008)
World Music — Umberto Sangiovanni and the Daunia Orchestra
Indian Music — Debasis Chakroborty (2008)