How does the BJW help beginning jazz musicians?

BJW offers a Beginning Jazz Improvisation class every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm for students and adults.  Our classes are meant to inspire and educate, but we encourage each student to study privately with a qualified private instructor, as well.   Please contact Steve Eisen @ 661-444-0853 for more information. 

 

How much does it cost to participate in the BJW?

Admission is free and open to the public, with donations accepted. You may wish to purchase a Real Book (available at the workshop and at local music stores) to facilitate learning and performing with others. BJW t-shirts ($15) also are a nice way to support the workshop.

What is the weekly schedule of events at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop?

The BJW meets every Tuesday evening at the Nile Bar and Grill, with the following schedule:

6:30-7:30 p.m.                        Beginning Jazz Improvisation Class

7:30-8:15 p.m.                        Featured Jazz Artists (See Home Page  for details)

8:15-10:00 p.m.                      Open Jazz Jam for intermediate, advanced, and professional

                                                   instrumentalists and vocalists

What does the BJW offer for professional musicians?

Professionals have the opportunity to perform for appreciative audiences, to network with other jazz professionals, and to hear and learn from other jazz artists.

How do I participate if I’m an intermediate to advanced performer?

Each Tuesday evening at approximately 8:15 pm (after the featured performance) experienced jazz musicians are invited to jam with other jazz instrumentalists and vocalists. Just write your name on the “Sit-In List” located at the front desk when you come in. Instrumentalists—please bring a Real Book or 5 copies of lead sheets of the tunes you wish to play. Vocalists—please bring 5 copies of lead sheets in your keys.

Why does the BJW request that you fill out the “Sign In Sheet” at the front desk?

We keep an email list and a database to keep you informed of upcoming events, concerts, and classes at the workshop, as well as jazz happenings around Bakersfield (see Jazz About Town). Your input is valuable to us in the questionnaire and comment sections, as well.. The database is used only for communicating about jazz events, and will not be used for any other purpose. Signing in is not required, but we’ll be able to keep you informed about events if you do sign in.

Where is the BJW located?

We’re at the Nile Bar & Grill, 1721 19th ST, Bakersfield, CA 93301. It’s at 19th & “G” ST in Downtown Bakersfield, next to Front Porch Music. See the Find Us  page for details.

What other resources are available to aspiring jazz musicians?

We highly recommend Jamey Aebersold's book/cd instructional materials for instrumentalists and vocalists, available online at www.jazzbooks.com. Female vocalists are also able to find jazz standards in "female vocalist keys" through www.HalLeonard.com.  A great website for instrumental and vocal  instruction is www.starsteachmusic com where you can download a lesson for as little as $4/lesson.  A list of qualified local private instructors may be obtained from the workshop or through local music stores.  For more info, call Steve Eisen, director @ 661-444-0853.