Photo by Michelle Smith-Lewis.
Learn more about the instructors.
The Rock Project: Jazz and Rock
July 29 — August 2, 2013 ,- M
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Kerry Hall 114, 710 East Roy St, Seattle, WA
The price of this class is $395.00.
- Ages
12 – 17 - Housing
Available - Scholarships
Available
Course Description
The Rock Project affords middle and high school students, ages 12-17, who have played guitar, bass, drums and/or keyboards for six months or longer an opportunity to go beyond the basics and learn how to write songs that incorporate elements of blues, jazz and rock styles. The Rock Project instructors will teach fundamental skills and encourage creative, cooperative exploration through discussions, lessons, and ensemble projects. The workshop culminates with a Friday evening concert featuring performances by participants for supportive family and friends.
Who should enroll?
Middle and high school students, ages 12-17, who have played guitar, bass, drums and/or keyboards for six months or longer.
Daily Schedule
Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm with a break for lunch, and a concluding performance scheduled for Friday in PONCHO Concert Hall on the Cornish campus.
10:00 am – Listening and Ear Training
10:45 am – Music Theory and Rhythm Activities
11:30 am – Songwriting in Small Groups
12:30 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Art/Writing Projects and Historic Listening
2:30 pm – Group Lessons and Jam Time
3:30 pm – Big Ensemble Projects
Audition Requirements
None. Open for enrollment to students, ages 12-17, without any audition.
Matt Hitchman
Contact Matt
- Email summermusic@cornish.edu
Matt Hitchman
Instructor
Matt Hitchman is in his fourth year teaching guitar and music theory. As a current resident of New York City, Matt is earning his Masters at Hunter College. He grew up playing in bands in the Olympia music scene and continues to perform in Brooklyn, NY. He has a passion for punk and hardcore music and enjoys synthesizing them with concepts typically found in jazz and classical music. As a member of the Seattle jazz guitar group, Autumn Left, he has played a wide array of events in the Seattle area.
In 2010, he received his B.A. at Seattle University, where he studied Music Theory, Ear Training, Guitar, and Music History within Seattle University's Bachelor's of Music program. He became the guitarist in the Seattle University Jazz Band directed by Clarence Acox. Matt has been working as a teacher for three years and enjoys his work with students, helping them learn difficult concepts in creative and engaging ways. This will be his third year as a co-teacher of The Rock Project.
Susan Palmer
Contact Susan
- Email summermusic@cornish.edu
Susan Palmer
Instructor
Susan Palmer is the author of The Guitar Lesson Companion and currently teaches guitar at Seattle University. She has led jazz, blues and rock groups throughout her career, and has spent the past ten years teaching adults and kids how to play the guitar. Many of her students are now actively performing throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In 2006, Palmer published her unique guitar instruction method in The Guitar Lesson Companion and in accompanying online video lessons. Subsequently, teachers and students in over ten different countries, including at the Berklee School of Music, have adopted her book. Palmer is currently completing volume two in her guitar method series. Palmer studied with Dan Balmer, Paul Chasman, John Stowell, Dan Heck and Brian Nova. She studied music at Gonzaga University, and graduated with honors from Seattle University.
