One of Australia’s top jazz schools, Jazz Music Institute (JMI) in Brisbane, has opened auditions for intake into its 2017 accredited music courses.
[From the Media release]
JMI’s Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance is a 3-year full time music course endorsed by some of the biggest international jazz artists. This performance-based course allows students to spend the majority of their contact hours playing their instrument. Each student receives individual one-on-one lessons on their major instrument (voice, guitar, bass, drums, piano, brass or woodwind) supplemented by a variety of music classes that focus on aural skills, jazz theory, improvisation, jazz history and small group ensembles.
“Due to [JMI’s] small size, every student is known by each and every faculty member and receives continuous personal mentorship – which is not possible at a large institution”, says John Riley, Internationally acclaimed drummer, publisher, educator and lecturer at Manhattan School of Music (NY). “The JMI classroom and performance space ‘incubator’ reminds me of my days on Woody Herman’s band, traveling every day on the bus, surrounded by great, more experienced musicians, seriously listening, discussing and playing music night and day. JMI is that kind of growth environment and it shows in the competency of your graduates”.
JMI students are given many performing opportunities throughout the course, at varying venues, events and festivals, gaining invaluable practical experience as a musician. Students also have the chance to participate in jam sessions and networking opportunities with industry professionals from Australia and abroad.
“JMI works closely with both the international and national jazz communities”, says Dave Sanders, JMI drum tutor. “Its teachers are not only respected educators but are high profile performers who bring ‘real world’ experience. The degree course offers a level of practicality not seen in other institutions, in a creative and inclusive learning environment. Students gain a holistic music education that focuses not only on their development on their chosen instrument but also arranging, technology and music business, to serve each student well into their career in the creative industries. Jazz teaches versatility and musicality which are key to a long and successful music career. The language of jazz is ever-present in all contemporary music styles and the skills required to play it will serve the musician regardless of the styles they choose to specialise in”.
JMI AUDITIONS OPEN NOW TO MID-JANUARY
Auditions are available now until mid-January. JMI are offering FREE pre-audition interviews for all prospective students to speak with faculty members, ask questions regarding the course and receive audition tips. To arrange a free pre-audition interview, email play@jazz.qld.edu.au or call (07) 3216 1110. Music lessons with staff can be arranged prior to auditions. Plus, if you are unable to complete some of the audition requirements, you may be offered lessons with staff, informal classes, or short courses after your audition to be deemed eligible for entry into the course.
See www.jazz.qld.edu.au for info on courses, auditions, endorsements, faculty, the JMI Live jazz venue, and more.