Jazz and Improvisation
It’s vital that everyone has the freedom to explore their interest in and passion for jazz during their studies.
The RNCM Big Band and MIUAWGA Improv Ensemble are the flagship public performance opportunities for students specialising in improvisation.
Under the direction of Iain Dixon (Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Improvisation), the Big Band focuses on classic core repertoire alongside original works by students and guest artists. Recent guest artists have included Nikki Iles, Mike Walker, Dennis Rollins, Percy Pursglove, Madeline Bell, Emma Smith, Zoe Rahman, Julian Siegel, Gareth Lockrane, Josephine Davies, Dave Hassell, Andy Scott and Sara Dowling.
The MIUAWGA Improv Ensemble (MIUAWGA = Making It Up As We Go Along) is led by Steve Berry (Head of Jazz and Improvisation) and is dedicated entirely to the practice of improvisation, unconstrained by stylistic boundaries. Its programme of guest artists ensures a wide range of approaches, with each artist bringing a unique creative perspective. Previous guests have included Laura Jurd, Byron Wallen, Fred Thomas, Shirley Smart, and Alice Zawadzki.
Improvisation
Improvisation is an integral part of undergraduate study at the RNCM, and something that is embraced across all Schools of Study.
For the first two years of our Bachelor of Music with Honours degree, it is a core compulsory component of the musicianship module, enabling students to develop key skills and explore their interests.
How You Will Learn
Students on the BMus programme can choose to take jazz-focused electives within the Academic Studies and Artist Development modules. These electives help students develop their knowledge of core jazz repertoire, gain an understanding of improvisation, and explore the practical aspects of creating and presenting jazz performance.
Recent masterclasses and visiting artists have included some of the world’s leading practitioners, including Patrick Bartley, Gerry Hemingway, Izumi Kimura, Elena Andrea Wang, Rob Luft, Jon Fält, Laura Jurd, Angrusori (led by Nils Henrik Asheim and Iva Bittová), Dan Costa and Huw Warren.
Musicianship (Years 1 and 2)
The College’s Musicianship course is mandatory for all first and second year undergraduates, and routinely involves improvisation as a practical, core activity, inhabiting several distinct strands. In recent years, Jazz Musicianship and Jazz Theory have been added as options, with a growing number of students choosing to do this slightly more specialised version of the course.
In the latter part of the second year, students choose from a list of specialised options, culminating in a performed assessment. The options offered include: Jazz and Pop Improvisation, and Improvisation (non-jazz specific).
Electives (Years 3 and 4)
Students can choose from Electives in third and fourth year, including: Jazz Performance – over a two year programme, third and fourth year students continue on from the second year Musicianship option, practically exploring repertoire that follows the stylistic and technical evolution of jazz, working in cohorts that function as ensembles.
Jazz Arranging – over a one year programme (which runs every other year), third or fourth year students study and try out arranging in a jazz context.
One-to-One Instrumental Study
The RNCM’s Schools of Study have varying approaches to specialist jazz instrumental tuition.
Currently, the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion offers some opportunities, as does the School of Strings. A recent appointment has been our Professor in Jazz Piano, Dan Whieldon, offering specialist jazz piano tuition to students from across the College, regardless of their principal study discipline.
Please enquire to find out more.
Jazz and Improvisation Performance
RNCM Big Band and MIUAWGA Improv Ensemble
See the top of this page.
Off-Beat Lab
Established in 2021, the Off-Beat Lab offers performers and composers the opportunity to explore how an improvising big band functions, combining collective and individual improvisation with written musical elements.
As a workshop-based environment, it allows students to experiment, develop ideas and take creative risks without the additional pressures of preparing for a public performance or promoted concert.
Jazz Essentials
Led by jazz saxophonist Iain Dixon and jazz bassist Steve Berry, Jazz Essentials comprises weekly, non-assessed one-hour classes.
These practical sessions introduce all aspects of jazz performance, with a particular focus on the principles and practice of improvisation. They are especially valuable for complete beginners, while also providing useful development opportunities for students with some prior experience. The classes are open to all students across the College.
Jazz Piano Group Classes
Offered by the School of Keyboard Studies on a biennial basis, these group classes provide a broad introduction to jazz piano and are led by acclaimed jazz pianist Dan Whieldon.
