The next DJW groups session begins the week of July 27, 2026 it will include an Improv class, and vocal & instrumental combos.
High School and college students as well as adult are welcome to register. Spots are limited.
Groups meet for 2 hours weekly for 6 weeks.
** New students to the DJW should fill out the registration form. We try to work with students scheduling needs while making sure you are in an appropriate level class/combo.
Course Descriptions
Combos
Groups are led by a “coach” and work on a handful of jazz standards (swing, bebop, latin rhythms, ballads, ¾ ) exploring melodies, improvising over chord progressions, learning common intro’s and ending’s, “trading with drums” and other facets of small group jazz. Groups are generally comprised of horns, piano and/or guitar, bass and drums. We have a number of combos running each round from beginner level to advanced. The DJW will consult with new registrants on finding the appropriate level combo. We offer morning, afternoon and evening groups Monday thru Thursday. Fee: $350 this session will run for 6 weeks.
Groups are led by a “coach” and work on a handful of jazz standards (swing, bebop, latin rhythms, ballads, ¾ ) exploring melodies, improvising over chord progressions, learning common intro’s and ending’s, “trading with drums” and other facets of small group jazz. Groups are generally comprised of horns, piano and/or guitar, bass and drums. We have a number of combos running each round from beginner level to advanced. The DJW will consult with new registrants on finding the appropriate level combo. We offer morning, afternoon and evening groups Monday thru Thursday. Fee: $350 this session will run for 6 weeks.
Jazz Improvisation Workshop: Creating in the Moment
Step into the creative process with our new Jazz Improvisation Workshop, inspired by the methods of master jazz educators. Each session is a fresh collaboration, built around a classic American Songbook standard or an essential jazz original. Together, we’ll explore ways to craft compelling solos and supportive comping, developing your personal voice while connecting with the group. Along the way, you’ll deepen your jazz vocabulary, expand your improvisational concepts, and strengthen your grasp of the theory behind the tune of the day. Whether you’re a soloist, accompanist, or both, you’ll leave each class with new tools, ideas, and inspiration to bring to your playing. Baron Tymas will coach this class. It will run 6 weeks for 60 minutes each week. Thursday, 6 - 7 PM. Fee: $180
Step into the creative process with our new Jazz Improvisation Workshop, inspired by the methods of master jazz educators. Each session is a fresh collaboration, built around a classic American Songbook standard or an essential jazz original. Together, we’ll explore ways to craft compelling solos and supportive comping, developing your personal voice while connecting with the group. Along the way, you’ll deepen your jazz vocabulary, expand your improvisational concepts, and strengthen your grasp of the theory behind the tune of the day. Whether you’re a soloist, accompanist, or both, you’ll leave each class with new tools, ideas, and inspiration to bring to your playing. Baron Tymas will coach this class. It will run 6 weeks for 60 minutes each week. Thursday, 6 - 7 PM. Fee: $180
Vocal Classes:
1. Jazz Vocal Performance Workshop w/Angela Bingham
Skill level: this class is for singers who have some experience singing jazz standards who want to increase their skills in performance. The first two sessions will include vocal instruction, with the remaining 4 sessions dedicated to putting performance into practice with a full band.
Workshop topics: warm up exercises, working with a band, phrasing (swing, bossa nova, bebop, etc.), improvising exercises, how to effectively learn tunes, lyrics and storytelling, listening, getting your "book" together / learning your keys, brainstorming concepts for your own arrangements, finding YOUR voice.
This class is limited to 4 students to allow adequate time for participants to work with the band. Time: Wednesdays 6-8 pm. Fee: $350
2. Beyond Tin Pan Alley: Modern Standards for Jazz Singers
This class is for intermediate level to advanced jazz singers who are already comfortable in the combo format. We will focus on modern “real book” repertoire pre-selected by Angela Bingham. Modern jazz composers including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Bob Dorough, Miles Davis, Dave Frishberg, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Blossom Dearie, Henry Mancini, Michel LeGrand and their contemporaries. Vocalese and added lyrics may also be used.
Class format:
1. Singers will be provided with lead sheets with lyrics for 20 songs, from which they will choose 1 per week. A variety of styles from bossa, blues, swing and ballads will be included.
2. In class: we will listen to the original recording of the tune chosen.
3. The singer will then be given 10-15 minutes to perform individually in their key of choice, accompanied by a trio (piano, bass and drums).
4. Singer receives group feedback on phrasing, key choice, interpretation.
The purpose of the class is to develop singers “ears” and to familiarize them with common jazz jam session repertoire, etiquette, stock arrangements and choosing appropriate keys. Class meets on Thursday evenings, 6-8 pm for 6 weeks beginning Thursdays, Fee: $350
1. Jazz Vocal Performance Workshop w/Angela Bingham
Skill level: this class is for singers who have some experience singing jazz standards who want to increase their skills in performance. The first two sessions will include vocal instruction, with the remaining 4 sessions dedicated to putting performance into practice with a full band.
Workshop topics: warm up exercises, working with a band, phrasing (swing, bossa nova, bebop, etc.), improvising exercises, how to effectively learn tunes, lyrics and storytelling, listening, getting your "book" together / learning your keys, brainstorming concepts for your own arrangements, finding YOUR voice.
This class is limited to 4 students to allow adequate time for participants to work with the band. Time: Wednesdays 6-8 pm. Fee: $350
2. Beyond Tin Pan Alley: Modern Standards for Jazz Singers
This class is for intermediate level to advanced jazz singers who are already comfortable in the combo format. We will focus on modern “real book” repertoire pre-selected by Angela Bingham. Modern jazz composers including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Bob Dorough, Miles Davis, Dave Frishberg, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Blossom Dearie, Henry Mancini, Michel LeGrand and their contemporaries. Vocalese and added lyrics may also be used.
Class format:
1. Singers will be provided with lead sheets with lyrics for 20 songs, from which they will choose 1 per week. A variety of styles from bossa, blues, swing and ballads will be included.
2. In class: we will listen to the original recording of the tune chosen.
3. The singer will then be given 10-15 minutes to perform individually in their key of choice, accompanied by a trio (piano, bass and drums).
4. Singer receives group feedback on phrasing, key choice, interpretation.
The purpose of the class is to develop singers “ears” and to familiarize them with common jazz jam session repertoire, etiquette, stock arrangements and choosing appropriate keys. Class meets on Thursday evenings, 6-8 pm for 6 weeks beginning Thursdays, Fee: $350