Join Roger Cagnon’s All-Star Jazz Band and you will appreciate the high standard of musicianship Rivers has to offer.

Jazz is American music. By being willing to have discipline and respect for the jazz idiom, students become better listeners and performers of music.

The ability to improvise is a plus but not a necessity to become a member. Students build their improvising skills and confidence through this ensemble.

Instrumentation
• 4 Trumpets
• 4 Trombones (1 bass)
• 5 Saxophones (2 alto, 2 tenor, 1 baritone)
• Rhythm Section: piano, bass, drums, guitar

Auditions
Call The Rivers Music School to schedule an audition.

Tuition
$625 ($525 with private lessons)

American Fiddle Styles Ensemble for intermediate/advanced violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano and bass. Other instrumentalists by audition. This ensemble introduces students to a wide range of American fiddle styles including bluegrass, cajun, old-time, Latin, Cuban, Mexican, blues, Irish, Klezmer, Western swing and jazz. Using recordings as well as written material, students will learn about the characteristics of different styles and how each tradition used improvisation. Student arrange and perform their own versions of tunes drawn from these traditions. .



Tuition:

For groups of four or more
45 minutes = $650*
60 minutes = $750*

For groups of three
45 minutes = $675*
60 minutes = $775*

For groups of two
45 minutes = $900*
60 minutes = $1,300*

* Tuition for these classes will be reduced by $100 for students studying privately at The Rivers Music School.

This group is designed for violin, viola and cello players of all ages who want to learn how to improvise in the jazz idiom and who are playing at Suzuki level three or above. Groups will be organized by age and playing levels. Students do not need any previous improvisation experience. An audition with the instructor is required.

Day/Time: Mondays 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Tuition:

For groups of four or more
45 minutes = $650*
60 minutes = $750*

For groups of three
45 minutes = $675*
60 minutes = $775*

For groups of two
45 minutes = $900*
60 minutes = $1,300*

* Tuition for these classes will be reduced by $100 for students studying privately at The Rivers Music School.

Improvisation for Beginners is practical course for instrumentalists aged 12 and up who have little experience with improvisation. This course will focus on the most common building blocks of improvisation as in jazz. Students will personalize improvisation as a form of "instant composing" as a tool to better express oneself in written music. Free improvisation forms, ear training, musical games and ensemble playing will be emphasized. There are class exercises as well as small group assignments. The course culminates with a concert. Those studying classical music are especially welcome.

Ages 12 and up, must be able to play instrument past beginner level.

Day/Time: Mondays 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.

Tuition: $650

Small combos of four to seven students learn ensemble phrasing, communication and group improvisation. Students are placed according to previous experience and instrumental ability.

Tuition:

For groups of four or more
45 minutes = $650*
60 minutes = $750*

For groups of three
45 minutes = $675*
60 minutes = $775*

For groups of two
45 minutes = $900*
60 minutes = $1,300*

* Tuition for these classes will be reduced by $100 for students studying privately at The Rivers Music School.

This class introduced string players to jazz improvisation by learning and performing jazz string quartet by established groups such as the Turtle Island String Quartet, RESQ, Soweto String Quartet and others. Participants will learn and develop improvisational back-up and solo skills, as well as play jazz in a small ensemble setting. The class will provide a historical overview of jazz string ensembles, using recordings and published materials.

Tuition:
45 minutes = $650*
60 minutes = $750*

* Tuition for these classes will be reduced by $100 for students studying privately at The Rivers Music School.

Jazz Theory I will review the topics of basic music theory including notation, scales, key signatures, and basic harmony. Students will be introduced to new topics as they relate to jazz improvisation and try analysis such as chord scales, guide tones, diatonic chord functions, borrowed chords from minor, and secondary and extended dominants. Basic arranging ideas will be studied and important rhythmic concepts such as swing will be introduced.

Tuition: $830 ($730 with private lessons)

Jazz Theory II is a continuation of Jazz Theory I where topics introduced in the first year be expanded. Students will analyze the compositions of jazz masters such as Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington, Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane, and will write their own compositions based ion the examples studied in class. This class will further introduce students to many of the great jazz improvisers through the analysis and performance of solo transcriptions.

Tuition: $830 ($730 with private lessons)

The ensemble focuses primarily on klezmer music's tradition as dance music. Students learn about the rhythmic inner workings of a klezmer dance band as well as having an opportunity to play the melodies. Material is drawn from the great American klezmer bands of the early and mid-twentieth century. Students will be encouraged, but not required to learn music by ear. The ensemble is open to all instruments - strings, woodwinds, brass & percussion, and musicians of all ages..

Tuition:

For groups of four or more
45 minutes = $650*
60 minutes = $750*

For groups of three
45 minutes = $675*
60 minutes = $775*

For groups of two
45 minutes = $900*
60 minutes = $1,300*

* Tuition for these classes will be reduced by $100 for students studying privately at The Rivers Music School.