Dig into Jazz @ Levine! Levine’s Jazz Department offers opportunities to develop musical skills and explore the art of jazz. Our world-class jazz faculty cultivates students’ technique and deepens their appreciation of jazz through performances focusing on renowned jazz musicians past and present. Whether you are a traditionally trained student who is curious about the world of jazz or you are an experienced jazz musician looking to expand your skills, Levine is the place to develop your talent.
For more information, contact Gary Prince, Jazz Department Chair, at (202) 686-8000 x1016 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Group Classes
(All Ages)
Levine's monthly jazz jams are a great opportunity for musicians of any age and proficiency to experience jazz from the inside. In a fun and structured environment facilitated by Levine jazz faculty members, musicians will get a chance to play and improvise on a couple well-known jazz standards. In addition to facilitating the session, the Levine faculty will also provide general instruction and specific guidance where necessary. Jam sessions are a musical environment that everyone regardless of skill level can benefit from and enjoy, so you don't need to worry about being perfectly prepared.
All you need to do is come out and play!
Visit the Levine's calendar to learn more about upcoming jams.
(Ages 16 - 22)
This monthly class provides advanced jazz guitar students with the opportunity to learn repertoire and play with each other in a coached environment. Students learn jazz repertoire similar to the requirements of a typical college undergraduate jazz program application. In each class, students analyze one or two songs from the standard repertoire, explore exercises in improvisation, listen to and discuss various recordings, and sight read as a group. Students may join upon the recommendation of their current Levine instructor.
More information and enroll online.(Ages 11 - 18)
An exciting, hands-on introduction to jazz for middle and high school students this summer!
Dig into jazz and learn what it’s all about! This week-long camp is a perfect introduction for students looking towards high school jazz programs or just curious about the nature of jazz. Spend a week learning the basics of improvisation with members of Levine’s expert jazz faculty. Students study jazz theory and history, and participate in coached ensembles. Each day will end with a Jazz Jam, and the week ends with a final performance, giving students an opportunity to use their new skills to jam with a professional rhythm section. All instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome.(Adults)
This interactive three-day workshop is designed to give amateur jazz musicians of all levels an opportunity to expand their jazz experience under the direction of Levine’s expert jazz faculty. The workshop includes small and large group jam sessions, level-specific jazz instructional sessions, as well as an end-of-weekend concert. The workshop is open to adult jazz musicians of all levels and instruments.
More information and enroll online(Ages 14 to Adult)
This course guides students through fundamental material about pitches, intervals, triads, seventh chords, voicing, harmonic progressions, chord substitutions and scales, including seven diatonic modes, blues scales and symmetrical scales. Students analyze recorded performances and also write their own jazz solos.
(Ages 12 to Adult)
Using elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, structure and expression, students of all instruments develop the ability to improvise in many styles, including jazz. Students also learn how to listen to and interact with each other while improvising in groups.
Ensemble Classes
(Ages 12 - 18)
Now offered in Virginia and Maryland!
These ensembles offer training for middle school and high school students who wish to play in a jazz band. Students study jazz repertoire, develop improvisation skills and build on their ability to work as a group. Past performances have included the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, and Taste of Arlington. Please note that an audition is required.
Receive a $30 discount when you are enrolled in private lessons and this ensemble
Private Lessons
Levine offers private instruction year round in 22 instruments and voice – for the beginner, lifelong amateur, or budding virtuoso. Private lessons provide students with individual instruction with one of Levine’s talented faculty members and are geared towards the specific ...
Private lessons provide students with individual instruction with one of Levine’s talented faculty members and are geared towards the specific goals, needs and aspirations of each student regardless of experience or age. For new students, we take the time and ...
Explore the many facets of violin technique in the performance of jazz, rock, blues, salsa and hip-hop; from Ellington to Bo Diddley, Puente to Tupac through private instruction. Applicants must be intermediate to advanced violinists, fluent at reading music.
For more ...
