Youth jazz combos
Structured jazz band learning for kids and teens — beginners to advanced.
In jazz the small group or “jazz combo” is where musicians learn the language of the music. Students play together in a band of around five to eight musicians (typically a mix of horns, piano or guitar, bass, and drums), developing improvisation, listening, and ensemble skills in a supportive, focused environment. These groups rehearse weekly with experienced jazz educators and perform regularly at concerts and events.
Junior and introductory groups are suitable for students who haven’t played in a jazz ensemble or improvised before. Intermediate and advanced groups extend and challenge more experienced jazz students.
Little Jazzers, for our youngest students, uses fun musical and movement activities to help children develop fundamental rhythm and melodic skills in a group.
Rehearsals for the older combos include learning repertoire alongside structured coaching in jazz improvisation and performance. These are more than informal jam sessions: they are part of an organised educational program designed to develop jazz knowledge, technique, listening skills, and musical independence.
The JWA jazz combos can be a transformative experience, giving students new musical insights and building confidence and musical control. It doesn’t matter who you are or your experience level when you start at JWA. We take every student seriously and work to help them reach their potential.
What are the benefits of playing in a jazz combo?
Just as kids who do swimming squad or little athletics always seem to win the races at school, young musicians who play in combos tend to become musical leaders, the most confident and capable players. They benefit from a strong sense of achievement but also, importantly, find music to be even more enriching and enjoyable. The experience of playing in a jazz combo is quite different from normal school band and, for many students, more musically rewarding.
- Develop advanced jazz improvisation skills and become a fluent soloist
- Gain self-confidence: in playing music and more generally, as a life skill
- Develop initiative & leadership
- Build strong teamwork and ensemble awareness
- Significantly improve instrumental technique
- Stand out in school music programs and other ensembles
- Develop a deep understanding of jazz theory, history and styles
- Achieve sophisticated, practical aural skills and awareness
- Enjoy making music together with like-minded young musicians
Combos provide our students with an opportunity to apply the work and theory from private lessons.
What are ‘jazz combos’?
A jazz combo is a small band of up to ten musicians. It is really a flexible “combination” of instruments. Think Miles Davis Quintet (click for video), Sandy Evans Trio, Charlie Parker, or Bireli Lagrene Quartet. Most ‘real world’ jazz bands are combos. They are not the same thing as ‘big band’ (aka jazz orchestra, stage band). Those are like orchestras or concert bands but playing jazzy-sounding music and the emphasis is overwhelmingly on reading music, not improvising or interacting creatively. Jazz combo is a different beast altogether and opens the door to real jazz playing, deep musical skill, and rich understanding.
Places are usually limited to eight people per band. Jazz combos can involve any “combination” of instruments, there are no set parts. All combos are by audition/assessment to ensure students are placed in the right group for them.
For all combos the fee is $850/ semester (17 sessions plus concert).
JWA Jazz Combo schedules
We have many groups for every level and age group. We assign students to the best group for them. Most combos for young people rehearse on Saturday, with some during the week. We also have a full program of jazz combos for adults. Contact us for more information. Once we know a new student’s current level, usually through a short in-person consultation or video recording, we’ll recommend the best group options for them. We also do our best to ensure students are with others of a similar age, so the social dynamic of each group works well for everyone.
| Day | Age | Jazz improvisation experience |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday: | kids & young teens | New to jazz |
| Wednesday: | teens | Advanced jazz |
| Thursday: | teens | Intermediate–advanced jazz |
| Friday: | teens | Intermediate jazz |
| Saturday: | kids & young teens | Developing jazz skills |
| Saturday: | young teens | New to jazz |
| Saturday: | teens | Developing–intermediate jazz |
| Saturday: | teens | Intermediate jazz |
| Saturday: | teens | Intermediate–advanced jazz |
| Saturday: | teens | Advanced jazz |
| All combos require competent instrumental ability. Students who are still building basic skills should begin with private lessons. | ||
The youth jazz combos are led by JWA principal Dr Saul Richardson, Jack Stoneham, Michelle Shih, and Sam Leong. We also have occasional special guest tutors. Contact us now to enrol.