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Jazz and Global Music

Jazz and Global Music provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of contemporary styles, from jazz to rock and world music to pop. Jazz and Global Music inspires students to look at collaboration through multiple lenses in order to develop their own identity within a musically diverse community.

Jazz and Global Music is a dynamic community of musicians coming together to explore their craft. Keeping our ensembles small and student-centered, students will gain musical experience within a supportive space that encourages them to push beyond their comfort zones. 

To begin private lessons please e-mail our Private Lesson Coordinator at hcdlesson@hartford.edu. To audition for a Jazz and Global Music ensemble, please visit our Ensemble Audition page.

For more questions, please contact Rich Goldstein, Jazz and Global Music Coordinator at rgoldstei@hartford.edu.

Jazz and Global Music

Gonzalo Cortes
HCD Traditional Flute Faculty; Jazz Studies
HCD Music

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Ken Fischer
Piano; Jazz Studies
HCD Music

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Richard Goldstein
Jazz and Global Music Coordinator; Jazz Guitar
HCD Music

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Jordan Jacobson
Trombone; Jazz Studies; Winds/Brass Chamber Music Coordinator
HCD Music

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Joseph McCarthy
Percussion; Jazz Studies
HCD Music

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John Charles Thomas
Trumpet; Jazz Studies
HCD Music

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The Ensembles

Percussion

Our funk band is designed for advanced players who want to go deep into this exciting jazz-based style. Repertoire from 50’s Hard Bop to contemporary funk masters allows for tight ensemble playing and plenty of room for improvising. Mastering the challenges of this music will help you build your technique, develop your ear and give you a strong sense of groove.  

This class is open to strong jazz and funk students who play trumpet, trombone, all saxes, guitar, keyboard, bass and drums. Grades 9-12, classes meet for an hour each work, starting in early September. 

Clarinet

The Hartt Jazz Combo is designed for students looking for a chamber-sized ensemble to develop their playing in the jazz style; improvising, and increasing their knowledge of classic jazz tunes. From Blues to Be Bop, the Jazz Combo is a training ground for future jazz players, working in the great tradition.  

Students will develop their collaborative skills in this smaller ensemble, and have the opportunity to explore improvisation at length. The language and history of jazz will be part of the process, as we study the legends and explore this essential art form. Students should be able to read music and have an understanding of the jazz style to be part of this ensemble. Find out how far your jazz playing can go in a combo setting that lets you be heard. If you want to sing jazz and get the chance to front a jazz band, we are looking for you, too!

The class is open to vocalists and students who play trumpet, trombone, French horn, all saxes, clarinet, flute, guitar, piano, bass or drums. Grades 7-12, classes meet for an hour each work, starting in early September. 

Hartt’s Rock Band is designed to offer students a collaborative environment in which they can develop their individual musicianship, study classic Rock literature, and be part of a band. Each student will receive training and coaching in these areas, while working with fellow students to create their own versions of the music. Students are expected to read some music, but more time will be devoted to developing a musical ear and creating a unified band sound.  

The class is open to vocalists and students who play electric guitar, keyboard, bass guitar or drums. Grades 7-12, classes meet for an hour each work, starting in early September. 

Together, we can ensure the gift of an unparalleled performing arts education is available to all.