Our jazz combo courses offer a fun and engaging learning experience, designed for mature students and adult musicians. These are semester-based instructional group courses, not drop-in classes. Students register per semester, with payment due at the end of each month.
The combos are open to all instrumentalists who are at minimum advanced beginners. Prerequisites include basic instrument skills in reading, improvisation, and standard jazz repertoire. AMS provides guitar and bass amplifiers, pianos, drum kits, and music stands.
A variety of musical concepts will be taught to help each musician improve their individual playing and soloing, as well as to develop a cohesive ensemble sound.
Combos meet on Fridays
11:30 -12:30 am Jazz Guitar Ensemble
Join an immersive, playing-focused combo designed to expand your harmonic toolkit, sharpen your rhythm section skills, and build confidence in your improv.
This group will work through standards with lots of playing time in addition to skill building tips. Designed for advanced beginners and intermediate jazz guitarists looking for an opportunity to play.
1:00 - 2:00 pm Beginner Improv Jazz Combo
Set your fears aside and give it a go. This fun and supportive class teaches you how to approach jazz improvisation with confidence. Designed for musicians who are comfortable on their instrument and ready to begin their jazz journey. You'll learn foundational approaches to soloing, playing by ear, and navigating jazz harmony.
2:30-3:30 pm Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Jazz Combo
Grow your skills in a friendly, encouraging environment! Together, we will learn new tunes, explore music theory, and develop your ear.
What You Need to Know First:
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Knowledge of major/minor scales and triads in at least 4 keys
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Basic ability to read music and chord charts
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Instrument-specific additional expectations:
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Guitars & Piano: basic comping
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Bass: walking lines
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Drums: 4-beat jazz swing pattern (hi-hat on 2 & 4)
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Audition / Self-Assessment: If you aren't sure whether this level is right for you, Garry is happy to review a short video of your playing. Record yourself playing a melody and taking a solo—ideally over a blues (like Blue Monk or Sonnymoon for Two) or a jazz standard with a backing track.
Semester #1, eleven weeks:
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Oct 2 - Dec 18, 2026
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Dec 19 - Jan 3, winter break (no class)
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Jan 8 & 15, 2026
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Jan 17: Sunday Jazz Combo Concert (not-mandatory)
Semester #2, nineteen weeks:
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Jan 22 - March 12
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March 19 March Break (no class)
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March 28 Easter Friday (no class)
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April 09 - June 11
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June 13: Sunday Jazz Combo Concert
Fee: $35 per class paid in full at the end of each month.
Payment: students are emailed an invoice at the end of each month, payable on line with credit card or e-transfer.
Group Class Policy:
Please note - there are no refunds, credits, or pro-rated payments offered for missed group classes. https://www.alcornmusicstudios.ca/prices-policies
If you would like more information or are interested in joining please email alcornmusic@gmail.com
Please Note: This is a “less Scent” class we ask all participants to avoid wearing perfume, body spray or cologne