From Nervous to Groovy
Have you ever wanted to play jazz music but felt intimidated by the complexity and sophistication of the genre? I know I did. That’s why I decided to enrol in the 2024 Australian Jazz School in Ballarat, a five-day intensive course that promised to teach me the essence of jazz and how to jam with similar musicians.
I was a bit nervous at first, as I had never played or jammed jazz music before. I was a drummer with some basic skills, but I had no idea how to improvise or swing. But as soon as I arrived at the Federation Uni Camp Street campus, where the course was held, I felt a surge of excitement. I was surrounded by a diverse group of musicians, all eager to learn and play jazz.
The thump of instrument cases echoed through the air around the small entrance hallway as we started to file into registration and the course introductions. We were welcomed by the friendly staff and the amazing tutors, five of whom were all professional jazz musicians in their field with years of experience and a deep respect for music’s history and a passion for rhythm.
The coordinator explained the structure of the course, which consisted of four daily sessions with different tutors, each teaching us a new song arrangement and giving us feedback. At the end of each day, we would perform the songs we learned at the Jazz Club, with a final concert open to the public on the final day. I couldn’t wait to get started!
Learning from the Masters
Let me start by saying the tutors were incredible and had endless patience to the eager beginners. They were not only great musicians, but also great teachers. They taught us the history, theory, and practice of jazz, using examples from the jazz legends and their own personal stories.
They showed us how to listen, how to communicate, and how to express ourselves through jazz. They also challenged us to step out of our comfort zones and try new things. They were supportive, encouraging, and fun. They made us feel like we were part of a jazz family. Each session was different, but they all had one thing in common: they made us swing. They taught us how to groove, how to syncopate, how to accent, and how to improvise. They taught us how to play jazz.
Playing at the Jazz Club
The Jazz Club was the highlight of the course for me. I was giddy on live performance and red wine (I needed to relax!!!!) as each night had something special to deliver. Ultimately it was a chance to showcase what we learned and to enjoy the music we created, in a safe and welcoming environment. Mistakes were made, but applause greeted them as if the jazz gods nodded in agreement, but they were part of the journey and a common shared experience. It was also a chance to mingle with the other participants, the tutors, and on the last night the audience. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and different groups delivered special moments during the week, as the tutors played cool jazz for an extended set each night and show us mere mortals how what jazz looked like from their perspective. The best jazz quartet in the the whole of Australia, playing live each night!!!! It dawned on me that this was special and a drive to learn more flourishing within me.
The Jazz Club was held at a local venue, which had a cozy stage, a nice sound system, and a well-stocked bar downstairs. The Jazz Club was a blast. We played a couple of songs each night, each with a different band and a different tutor (including some jamming options directly from each band). We played a variety of jazz styles, from swing to blues to bossa nova. We played with confidence, energy, and joy.
We played like jazz musicians.
Conclusion
The Australian Jazz School was an unforgettable experience. It was more than just a course; it was a journey. It was a journey of learning, playing, and growing as a musician and as a person. It was a journey of meeting new friends, new mentors, and new inspirations. It was a journey of discovering jazz and discovering myself. I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this course, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves music and wants to learn jazz. It will change your life, as it changed mine. From newbies to experienced players, you will listen to music very differently.
Thank you, Australian Jazz School, for teaching me how to swing!
By Simon Mansell – 2024 Drum Student
