THE JULIAN JOSEPH JAZZ ACADEMY
for 11-25 years
talented instrumentalists and vocalists, working with top jazz musicians
JJJA is a weekly Academy under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph. Applications are taken all year round from young people aged 11-25.
What does JJJA offer?
JJJA offers talented young instrumentalists and vocalists an amazing opportunity to work with some of the world’s top jazz musicians to develop their creative talents and performance skills, through exploring the American roots of Jazz.
JJJA operates an Essentials course for students who demonstrate during audition that they have the potential to succeed at JJJA, but need additional nurturing before they are ready for the full Seniors programme.
Entry to JJJA is by audition, which can be arranged through video submission throughout the academic year.
“The quality of teaching at JJJA helps push your musicianship to the next level, and my performance, listening skills, practice techniques and language have all improved enormously. ”
The JJJA Programme
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Helps students develop a vocabulary for soloing, and an insight into telling a musical story. They will learn focus and interaction with a rhythm section, how to construct their playing from the best elements of style and learn how to become sensitive to what those best elements are.
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Develops the skills of how to work as a group and understand the leadership and the discipline of playing in ensembles. Students will explore combined soloing, when to play and when to stay out of the way of fellow players, how to work together to create a group sound while listening sensitively to others and take part in the democracy of the bandstand.
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Helps students understand the foundations of The Blues as an American artform and introduces repertoire from the major periods of jazz; pre-swing, swing, bebop, cool, hard bop, contemporary, funk and fusion. Explores seminal figures like Armstrong, Ellington, Monk, Mingus, Ornette, Coltrane, Shorter and others. Through this practical approach, students will learn and workshop major pieces from the jazz canon and be encouraged to further release their creative potential through the music.
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Learning how to use the voice helps to enhance musical and improvisational skills and reveals a new form of emotional expression. Students will use their voices to assist in learning and understanding melody, developing harmonic awareness, expression and musicianship.
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Develops a fine-tuned understanding of rhythm in Jazz with a focus upon Swing and Pulse, highlighting the importance of ensemble cohesion and communicating ideas. Everyone will strive to achieve Ellington’s mantra – “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”
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Offers an exciting array of opportunities to work with international jazz artists in masterclasses and workshops. Performance venues include the Vortex, 606 Club, The Southbank Centre, Wigmore Hall, Pizza in the Park and Embassy Gardens. Holiday courses are also offered.
Artists
Under the guidance of Julian Joseph who regularly leads sessions, the JJJA artistic team includes: Trevor Watkis, and Byron Wallen and a range of outstanding celebrity guests including Jean Touissant, Cleveland Watkiss, Steve Williamson, Peter King, Bobby Wellins, Mark Hodgson, Patrick Clahar, Mark Mondesir, Danilo Perez, Courtney Pine, Soweto Kinch, Branford and Wynton Marsalis.
Timetable
SATURDAYS
JJJA Essentials: 12:00 – 14:15
JJJA Seniors: 14:30 – 17:30
Please note that these times are for main programme elements only and include breaks. Instrumental lessons may be scheduled outside these hours. All times are advisory only, and are subject to change.
“My daughter had a great experience learning from the wonderful teachers and meeting other young musicians - we’d highly recommend JJJA to any young musician.”
“I’m now a full-time jazz student at Trinity Laban largely as a result of the encouragement and inspiration of JJJA – the guys are amazing! ”
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