Swing University Winter 2020 Schedule

Jelly Roll Morton and New Orleans Jazz

Taught by Terry Waldo

4 nights:  February 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2020
6:30-8:30 pm
Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC)
$140

Come explore the life and music of one of Jazz’s most iconic and memorable innovators: the pianist, composer, raconteur, and self-styled “inventor of Jazz” Jelly Roll Morton. Learn about Jelly Roll’s life and music, as well as the world of New Orleans music in which he grew up, in this four-week class taught by the master pianist and scholar Terry Waldo.


The Life and Music of Duke Ellington

Taught by Loren Schoenberg

6 nights:  February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 3, and 17, 2020.
6:30-8:30 pm
Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC)
$186

America’s greatest composer, its most visionary bandleader, and one of its most enduring stars, Duke Ellington was truly, as he might put it, beyond category. Join scholar, saxophonist, and bandleader Loren Schoenberg as he guides you through the extraordinary life and music of one of jazz’s most towering figures.


The Past and Present of South African Jazz

Taught by Seton Hawkins

6 nights: February 5, 12, 19, March 4, 11, and 25, 2020
6:30-8:30 pm

PLEASE NOTE THE MARCH 4 CLASS TAKES PLACE AT JOHN JAY COLLEGE. EMAIL SWINGU@JAZZ.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS

Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC)
$186

Maybe you know Hugh Masekela’s or Miriam Makeba’s music? Maybe you’ve heard the Graceland album? But have you ever wondered about the history of South Africa’s Jazz scene? In this six-week class, we’ll guide you through one of the world’s most vibrant, diverse, and incredible Jazz cultures, as we explore the past and present of South African Jazz.


Jazz 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Jazz

Taught by Seton Hawkins

8 nights:  February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2020
6:30-8:30 pm

PLEASE NOTE THE MARCH 4 CLASS TAKES PLACE AT JOHN JAY COLLEGE. EMAIL SWINGU@JAZZ.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS

Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC)
$250

Do you love jazz and want to learn more about it? Join us for one of today’s best introductions to our nation’s greatest art form! In Jazz 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Jazz, we’ll help you develop your ears to hear the many details and intricacies that make this music so endlessly fascinating and guide you through the history and development of the styles. Instructor and Swing University curator Seton Hawkins will provide your introduction to jazz; no musical knowledge is required.


The Birth and Rise of Jazz

Taught by Loren Schoenberg

4 nights: March 2, 16, 23, and 30, 2020
6:30-8:30 pm
Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC)
$140

The story of Jazz’s origins to the pinnacle of its popularity in the Swing Era is one of the most exciting in music’s history. And to understand it is to understand the story of America’s development in the last century. Join Loren Schoenberg as we trace Jazz’s roots to its stardom.


The Life and Music of Wayne Shorter

Taught by Ted Nash

2 nights:  March 18 and 20, 2020
6:30-8:30 pm
Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC)
$80

One of Jazz’s true living legends, saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter has made indelible contributions to multiple styles of Jazz. In fact, it’s hard to imagine what the past 50 years of Jazz would have sounded like without his contributions! During this two-night class, JLCO saxophonist Ted Nash walks you through what has made Wayne Shorter so extraordinary.