Who is this class for? — Our jazz composition class is created for adults high school age and beyond with a foundational knowledge of music theory who are looking to create their own music.

Course Description — Immerse yourself in the versatile world of lead sheet style composition. Together we will explore both traditional and contemporary techniques of theme creation and development, along with empowering insights into harmonic language that breathes life into your melodies. From blues to multi-sectional, we’ll traverse the vast landscape of musical forms, offering a comprehensive understanding of music structure and its impact on melodic storytelling. Throughout the course, your compositional palette will expand, amplifying your unique, creative voice. The course will culminate in an end-of-semester live performance of student arrangements and compositions.

Educator Bio — As an engaging jazz pianist, composer, and music educator, Carmen Sandim combines harmonically sophisticated post-bop with traditions from her native Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Sandim studied music at Boston’s Berklee College of Music and the University of Colorado. Sandim first gained attention in the 2000s after moving to Boulder, Colorado. Her debut album, 2011’s “Brand New”, features cornetist Ron Miles. In 2016, she won a grant from Pathways to Jazz to record her sophomore album, “Play-Doh”, released in 2019 via Ropeadope Records. Carmen’s latest project “Mini Brazilian Beasts”, released in 2022 on Octave Records, features jazz luminaries Ron Miles and Gilad Hekselman. Carmen currently lives in Denver and teaches at the Metropolitan State University of Denver and University of Colorado Denver.

When & Where —This course will have 8 sessions Saturdays Sept 21 – November 16, 2024, with no class Oct 19.
Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Class time 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Graduation performance TBD.

Early Bird Pricing —The early bird rate of $225 is available until the end of the day August 30. Standard pricing of $240 begins Aug 31.

REGISTER HERE