Online music studies are now a reality with New York Jazz Academy! All you need to get started is a webcam, broadband internet connection, and a Skype account. Do you live too far away to attend a NYJA class? Do you have limited hours to your day and want to cut back on travel time to and from a lesson? If you are ready to start online jazz classes or online private music lessons, browse your course options below. You can start any time. NYJA Online features rolling admission. You choose your own start date. Online study has many advantages. For those who cannot attend class regularly, an online class is an ideal learning solution. All material for all weeks will be available at the beginning of the class cycle. Assignments can be completed and submitted at any time. Choose your own study hours and work at your own pace, if you desire. Scroll down to view private lessons and course listings.
Questions?
If you would like to register for our free online classes, if you are interested in receiving more information regarding distance learning through NYJA, or if you have any more specific questions regarding registration or technical considerations. Please submit the info request form below. Alternatively, please contact us by phone at (718) 426-0633.
Become a Member
Do you want discounted tuition rates as listed on the lessons and courses below? Become a NYJA Member today and save 20% off nearly all NYJA program offerings!
Online Private Lessons (Learn more about Private Lessons here)
| Private Lesson Package (Click to Register) |
Hourly Rate (Member Rate) | Level | Schedule | Tuition Total Non-Member (Member Rate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One (1) Lesson Package | $90/hr. ($72/hr.) | All Levels | By Appt. | $90 ($72) |
| Four (4) Lesson Package | $85/hr. ($68/hr.) | All Levels | By Appt. | $340 ($272) |
| Eight (8) Lesson Package | $80/hr. ($64/hr.) | All Levels | By Appt. | $640 ($512) |
Online Jazz Classes
| Course Title (Click to Register) |
Download Syllabus |
Semester |
Class Type | Level | Day | Time | Tuition Total Non-Member (Member Rate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREE CLASS: Music Notation Basics To register, submit this form. |
View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Research | Beg | By Appt. | By Appt. | $0 ($0) 10 weeks |
| FREE CLASS: Jazz History 101 To register, submit this form. |
View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Research | Beg | By Appt. | By Appt. | $0 ($0) 10 weeks |
| Introduction to Jazz Theory and Notation | View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Research | Beg/Int | By Appt. | By Appt. | $320 ($256) 10 weeks |
| Jazz Styles and Analysis | View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Performance | Int/Adv | By Appt. | By Appt. | $320 ($256) 10 weeks |
| Bebop Line Building | View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Performance | Int/Adv | By Appt. | By Appt. | $320 ($256) 10 weeks |
| FREE CLASS: Jazz Improv Primer To register, submit this form. |
View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Performance | Beg/Int | By Appt. | By Appt. | $0 ($0) 10 weeks |
| Jazz Improv I | View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Performance | Beg/Int | By Appt. | By Appt. | $75-$320 ($60-$256) 10 weeks |
| Jazz Improv II | View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Performance | Int/Adv | By Appt. | By Appt. | $75-$320 ($60-$256) 10 weeks |
| Jazz Arranging I | View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Performance | Int/Adv | By Appt. | By Appt. | $480 ($384) 10 weeks |
| Jazz Arranging II | View summary | Ongoing | Lecture/Performance | Int/Adv | By Appt. | By Appt. | $480 ($384) 10 weeks |
Course Summaries
FREE CLASS: Music Notation Basics
Music Notation Basics provides a comprehensive overview and introduction to music notation. Topics include melodic and harmonic nomenclature, staff notation, chord names, rhythmic structure, compositional forms, and building blocks for jazz improvisation. Students will develop a more complete understanding of the fundamentals of music, finding themselves better prepared for other New York Jazz Academy courses. Tuition: $0/non-members; $0/members. To register for this FREE CLASS, submit the above info request form.
FREE CLASS: Jazz History 101
Jazz History 101 provides an extensive overview of the origins and development of jazz genres throughout history. Figures studied include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, and others. Students will develop a broader understanding of the historical icons and jazz genres, finding themselves better prepared for other New York Jazz Academy courses. Tuition: $0/non-members; $0/members. To register for this FREE CLASS, submit the above info request form.
Introduction to Jazz Theory and Notation
Introduction to Jazz Theory and Notation is a basic course on jazz theory and nomenclature. The course is a good place to start, if the student is new to jazz. It will also serve as a very helpful and thorough review for those who need it. Through videoconferencing, live chat rooms, and email, the instructor will be able to assist personally each student with the material. PDF worksheets and lecture notes will be distributed to the class and readily available for download. Tuition: $320/10 weeks, non-members; $256/10 weeks, members . Download/View Course Summary. If you are interested in registering for this class, submit the above info request form.
Jazz Styles and Analysis
Jazz Styles and Analysis is a ten-week course is an online exploration of the more common styles and techniques used in jazz performance practice. Using videoconferencing, YouTube, recording devices, email, and live chat, the course aims to provide individualized instruction to participants. Transcriptions of each solo will be provided and analyzed in class with the instructor via videoconferencing. Students will have the opportunity to then create, compose, and/or record their own solo using the techniques analyzed in the previous week. Tuition: $320/10 weeks, non-members; $256/10 weeks, members . Download/View Course Summary. If you are interested in registering for this class, submit the above info request form.
Jazz Arranging I
Jazz Arranging I will focus on basic principles of composition and orchestration as they apply to the jazz combo. Projects will include arranging jazz standards for rhythm section and three horns. Reading sessions with NYC musicians will be recorded for students. Final project will consist of a complete arrangement with shout chorus for sextet. Prerequisites for this class include a basic working knowledge of jazz theory, harmony and notation. Students must have access to and some fluency with music notation software such as Finale or Sibelius. Tuition: $480/10 weeks, non-members; $384/10 weeks, members . Download/View Course Summary. If you are interested in registering for this class, submit the above info request form.
Jazz Arranging II
Jazz Arranging II will focus on basic principles of composition and orchestration as they apply to arranging for big band. Projects will include score analysis, arranging jazz standards for individual sections of the big band, and ultimately developing a complete arrangement with shout chorus for the whole big band. Reading sessions with NYC musicians will be recorded for students. Prerequisites for this class include a fluent working knowledge of jazz theory, harmony and notation, as well as experience arranging for jazz combo. Students must have access to and some fluency with music notation software such as Finale or Sibelius. Tuition: $480/10 weeks, non-members; $384/10 weeks, members . Download/View Course Summary If you are interested in registering for this class, submit the above info request form.
Bebop Line Building
Bebop Line Building is an intermediate-advanced level course on jazz improvisation. It is designed for the musician who plays an instrument at least at a proficient level, but who is interested in developing more advanced improvisation skills. This is a good place to start if the student has significant experience in jazz improvisation. This course is repertoire-based and covers basic introduction and application of the five different bebop scales and other bebop line building concepts on compositions common to the jazz canon, including Autumn Leaves, All The Things You Are, There Will Never Be Another You, Just Friends, and Donna Lee. Supplemental text: A Practical Method of Playing Changes by Wayne Escoffery. Topics covered in the workshop include:
- Methods for playing through chord changes
- Bebop scale exercises and patterns
- Common bebop phrases and basic vocabulary
- Scale and arpeggio knowledge
- Diatonic Patterns and exercises
- Improvising with Pentatonics and triads
- Applying improv devices to common chords
- Solo development and phrasing
- Studying jazz masters and their styles through transcription
Through videoconferencing, live chat rooms, and email, the instructor will be able to personally assist each student with the material. PDF worksheets and lecture notes will be distributed to the class and readily available for download. Tuition: $320/10 weeks, non-members; $256/10 weeks, members. If you are interested in registering for this class, submit the above info request form.
FREE CLASS: Jazz Improv Primer: Fundamentals for the new improviser
Jazz Improv Primer is a basic course on jazz improvisation. It is designed for the musician who plays an instrument at least at a fairly moderate level, but who is interested in learning basic improvisation skills. This is a good place to start, if the student is new to jazz. The course will also serve as a very helpful and thorough review of fundamental improvisational concepts, for those who need it. The course delves into common chord progressions that form the foundation of repertoire covered in Jazz Improv I.
Through videoconferencing, live chat rooms, and email, the instructor will be able to personally assist each student with the material. PDF worksheets and pre-recorded video lectures will be distributed to the class and readily available for download. Tuition: $0/non-members; $0/members. Download/View Course Summary. To register for this FREE CLASS, submit the above info request form.
Jazz Improv I: Jazz standard fundamentals
Jazz Improv I is a basic course on jazz improvisation. It is designed for the musician who plays an instrument at least at a moderate level, but who is interested in learning basic improvisation skills. This is a good place to start if the student has previous experience in jazz improvisation. This course is repertoire-based and covers basic application of improvisation concepts on compositions common to the jazz canon: Autumn Leaves, Mack The Knife, Song For My Father, and Bag’s Groove.
Through videoconferencing, live chat rooms, and email, the instructor will be able to personally assist each student with the material. PDF worksheets and lecture notes will be distributed to the class and readily available for download. Tuition: $75-$320/10 weeks, non-members; $60-$256/10 weeks, members. Download/View Course Summary. If you are interested in registering for this class, submit the above info request form.
Jazz Improv II: Jazz standards
Jazz Improv II is an intermediate level course on jazz improvisation. It is designed for the musician who plays an instrument at least at a proficient level, but who is interested in developing more advanced improvisation skills. This is a good place to start if the student has significant experience in jazz improvisation. This course is repertoire-based and covers basic application of improvisation concepts on compositions common to the jazz canon: Maiden Voyage, Blue Bossa, On A Clear Day, and Billie’s Bounce.
Through videoconferencing, live chat rooms, and email, the instructor will be able to personally assist each student with the material. PDF worksheets and pre-recorded video lectures will be distributed to the class and readily available for download. Tuition: $75-$320/10 weeks, non-members; $60-$256/10 weeks, members. Download/View Course Summary. If you are interested in registering for this class, submit the above info request form.
Sample Videos
Below are some videos examples featuring Javier Arau, NYJA director, one of many NYJA online teachers.
Free Lessons
For more free lessons, visit our lesson plans page.
