The internationally-acclaimed Jazz Music Institute (JMI) of Brisbane will open its doors to prospective students on Saturday July 9th; providing an opportunity to chat with staff and students over a BBQ lunch, participate in jam sessions, and experience being part of the JMI community.
Bassist and CEO of JMI, Nick Quigley, appreciates that the study of jazz has appeal beyond the genre itself. “Musicians recognise that jazz musicians are some of the most versatile in the world. Studying jazz you learn more about harmony and can apply that understanding to other genres of music. I think when musicians start wanting to write more sophisticated music, no matter whether that’s in a metal band or rock band or whether it’s pop music,
they recognise that their musical idols have often studied jazz or been inspired by jazz.”
JMI has received endorsements from significant jazz figures, including trumpeter Wynton Marsalis who has performed with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins and Sarah Vaughn, and founded one of New York’s finest jazz education facilities Jazz at Lincoln Centre. Marsalis commends JMI for developing “one of the first jazz curriculums that addresses the entire fundamental range of jazz styles… a template that should be followed by schools who are serious about the study and performance of jazz music”.
Approximately 80% of the course utilizes your instrument, performance opportunities are abundant and students receive private hourly lessons. The faculty are some of Australia’s jazz luminaries, including bass stalwart Brendan Clarke and multi-award winning guitarist Ben Hauptmann who are flown interstate to teach one-on-one lessons, ensembles and classes. In addition, students receive clinics that have featured world-class musicians such as James Morrison, Dale Barlow, Aaron Goldberg, Vince Gardner and Reggie Thomas.
As the only Australian music school with an on-campus jazz club, ‘JMI LIVE’, students engage directly with the industry of local, interstate and international acts and even play with these musicians in open jam sessions, allowing students to put into practice what they have been working on. “The jam session is the quintessential jazz experience. It’s probably the most beneficial activity a student can involve themselves in outside of practice and gigs,” explains JMI CEO, Quigley. Ben Hauptmann, one of Australia’s preferred guitarists and JMI faculty member adds, JMI LIVE “enables students to perform in a setting closer to what they will experience after finishing their degree”. Performances and jam sessions take place twice weekly.
A family-run institution, JMI provides a tight-knit, supportive community and genuinely care about the development of every student. “It’s not like big universities where you’re just another student number,” says CEO, Quigley, “it’s a really caring and fostering environment where we facilitate as much growth in each person as possible”. Guitarist and graduate Travis Jenkins recalls “I witnessed incredible growth from musicians [at JMI] and it’s thrilling to see these same people getting gigs, hosting jam sessions, teaching, playing at festivals, and just being so proactive within the music community”.
Jazz Music Institute Open Day
Saturday July 9th @ 11am-2pm
10 Exhibition Street, Bowen Hills