Jazz Workshop with Brant Jester: Elements of Solo Piano

-This workshop teaches concepts dealing with scales and modes and how they are used in improvisation. Chord / Scale theory will be explored through major scale harmony and minor scale harmony. Diminished scale harmony and whole tone harmony will also be explored in addition to pentatonic and blues scales.

-Various harmonic passages will be explored in which these scales and modes may be applied.

-All examples and excerpts are provided in a handout for easy reference during the workshop and for later study after the session.

About the Workshop Series

Piano Workshop with Brant Jester is a series of 2-hour stand-alone, fun and easy, group piano classes in the style and genre of jazz and aimed for the pianist of any skill level. Students should be able to read and play easy piano sheet music as a prerequisite.

Each student is assigned their own piano for class. Brant's style is balanced between presenting workshop concepts to the group and coaching students of varied experience at their individual pianos. Written materials and coursework is provided to practice at home.

Workshop classes are held every third Tuesday at Upcycle Piano Craft, 3945 Main Street, Midtown Kansas City from 7 to 9 pm. Students select and enroll in each class a-la-carte.

Classes Schedule and Cost

7-9 pm, every third Tuesday of the month. Cost is $75 per class. Reservation is required on Eventbrite. Participants should arrive by 6:45. Free parking is available.

• January 16th, Introduction to Jazz Harmony (the 2-5-1 Chord Progression)
• February 20th, Playing the Blues
• March 19th, Interpreting Lead Sheets
• April 16th, Exploring Modes (Major and Melodic Minor)
• May 21st, Introduction to Jazz Voicings
• June 18th, Comping and Common Forms in Jazz
• July 16, Elements of Solo Piano
• August 20, Introduction to Bebop and Chromaticism
• September 17, Reharmonization and Composing
• October 15, Concepts of Rhythm and Ear Training
• November 19, Analysis of Jazz Piano History, Listening, and Recordings

You may choose to take any class a la carte. Each class of the series stands alone without prerequisites.

About Brant

Brant is a composer, arranger, master jazz pianist and masterful teacher. He holds a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University and a masters degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City in music performance.

Brant is the former pianist of the Missouri Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) and remains as a resident composer and arranger for the Springfield Chamber Chorus. He currently serves as a board member for the UMKC Jazz Friends. Brant enjoys arranging and writing for jazz ensembles and choral music.

Brant has performed with artists such as Carl Allen Bobby Watson, Julian Coryell, Bob Bowman, Rick DiMuzio, Zaid Nasser, Peter Schlamb, Randy Hamm, Bram Wijnands and comedian Todd Glass. He enjoys playing both classical and jazz music.

Host or Publisher Upcycle Piano Craft