It’s Never Too Late to Play Jazz!
By Reginald Bowens, Marketing Assistant for Summer@Eastman
This summer, we are thrilled to launch a new program: Jazz Improvisation for Classical Pianists, which will be taught by Dr. Dariusz Terefenko, Professor of Jazz Studies and Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Terefenko’s understanding of the two musical universes–jazz and classical–makes him the ideal person to lead the institute. In addition to daily offerings of masterclasses, lectures, and lessons covering a slew of topics such as: jazz lead-sheet realization, jazz improvisation, stylistic accompaniment, jazz repertory, group interaction, jazz piano history, etc., participants will have a lot of opportunities to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice. Daily jam sessions led by Dr. Terefenko (featuring Eastman students) will be one of the chief attractions for the attendees of the institute.
Dr. Dariusz Terefenko
It has always been Dr. Terefenko’s dream to offer this kind of program at the Eastman School of Music! He is excited to share his passion for improvised music and work with any keyboard player (college students, professional musicians, public/private teachers, organists, etc.) with at least an intermediate level of proficiency at the piano.
Before coming to the institute, candidates should pick a handful of pieces to work on with Dr. Terefenko during their time at Eastman. In addition to choosing selections from a myriad of standard tunes (“Summertime,” “Willow Weep for Me,” “Autumn Leaves,” etc.), jazz instrumentals (“Blue Bossa,” “Donna Lee,” “Doxy,” etc.), or Brazilian classics (“The Girl from Ipanema,” “Black Orpheus,” “How Insensitive,” etc.), one may also consider selections from a more diverse repertory of popular, commercial, folk, gospel, world, religious, and/or classical music (if you want to give them a classic a jazz treatment!), etc. The sky’s the limit as far as one’s musical choices and preferences are concerned. The institute will begin with a recital featuring Dr. Terefenko and Friends, and end with a recital featuring participants of the institute.
Given Dr. Terefenko’s recent publications: Jazz Theory: From Basic to Advanced Study, Jazz Voicings For Piano: The Complete Linear Approach, and Teoria Jazzu (a book published in Polish), the attendees will receive plenty of useful materials to continue their musical adventure in improvised music.
There is no formal audition to join the program; however, applicants should email Dr. Terefenko no later than May 15, 2024, with the following materials: (1) a personal statement, (2) a list of goals and expectations from the institute, (3) a recording sample.
If you have any questions, concerns, or queries regarding Jazz Improvisation for Classical Pianists feel free to contact Dr. Dariusz Terefenko at dterefenko@esm.rochester.edu
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Jazz Improvisation for Classical Pianists runs July 15-19, 2024. Applications are due by May 15, 2024, details above. Visit the course web page for more information.