Progessions:
Jazz Guitar
Learn jazz chops in 3 months!
So you’ve got the basic skills down on guitar, and now you’re ready to dive into a new style – maybe even playing in a band or record music?
This 13-week online intensive learning experience teaches intermediate guitarists how to confidently play jazz standards and improvise killer solos. You’ll work with an expert instructor in a small cohort to reach your personalized goals.
The next session runs September 19 through December 21. Fill out an interest form to start applying by September 1!
Progessions:
Jazz Guitar
Learn jazz chops in 3 months!
So you’ve got the basic skills down on guitar, and now you’re ready to dive into a new style – maybe even playing in a band or record music?
This 12-week online intensive learning experience teaches intermediate guitarists how to confidently play jazz standards and improvise killer solos. You’ll work with an expert instructor in a small cohort to reach your personalized goals.
The next session runs September 19 through December 21. Fill out an interest form to start applying by September 1!
How Does Progressions Work?
This isn’t just any online guitar course. It’s designed to give you not just knowledge but practical experience of the fundamentals of electric lead guitar beyond just a self-paced series of tutorials or occasional lessons.
You’ll have over 25 online class sessions taught on Zoom with your cohort of just 2-9 other students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-9 pm MT, plus additional individual sessions with your expert instructor, Thomas Jennings, for personalized help. You’ll also get regular performance opportunities with your fellow students, and a culminating performance, recording, or presentation.
You’ll be challenged without being overwhelmed to make sure you reach your goals.
Here’s what sets Progressions apart from other courses:
Individual Attention
This isn’t just a series of lectures – with only 2-9 other students, you’ll get specific feedback on your playing, curated practice plans, and personalized one-on-one help from your instructor.
Consistency & Accountability
For many guitarists, the biggest barrier to learning is prioritizing your time to just sit down and practice! With twice-weekly class meetings and personalized practice plans, you’ll build up the consistency of learning new chords, scales, techniques, and songs to become a well-rounded player and make sure your skills don’t fade away.
Performance and Recording Opportunities
Learning techniques is only half the battle – actually performing songs is a whole ‘nother ball game! Few other courses give you the opportunity to learn how to comfortably play songs on stage and take them into the studio.
Theory, Creativity, and Industry Skills
The magic of jazz is what’s not on the page – what makes a true jazz player are the crucial musicianship tools you’ll learn like:
- Theory, rhythm, and ear training
- Fretboard Mapping
- Finding your own “voice” and telling stories through solos
- Leading a band and being a professional
Meet Your Instructor
Thomas Jennings has over a decade of experience performing and teaching guitar professionally.
Thomas has been obsessing over the fretboard since he was ten years old and, continuing this trend, received a degree in jazz guitar performance from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver in 2014.
He has taught private lessons for over 10 years, led various specialty guitar classes for adults at Swallow Hill Music and elsewhere, and hosted workshops on soloing, creativity, language on guitar, and guitar effects pedals.
He has performed gigs around the country and produced inspired recordings both solo and with Colorado bands Mama Magnolia and Gold Leader.
How Much Does Progressions Cost?
Progressions is an investment in your future guitar talents that costs $1,380 for the full 13-week curriculum. (A payment plan of $460/month is also available.)
Since those 13 weeks include 25+ class meetings, weekly office hours and individual sessions with Thomas, monthly performances, and a final recording opportunity, the cost breakdown looks something like this:
…which comes out to less per hour than many private guitar teachers!
*A application fee is also due at the time of applying, which will be applied to the total course tuition*
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if Progressions is a good fit for me?
How skilled should I be on guitar to take this course?
How does the application and interview process work?
The application is set up so the instructor can prepare for the interview with the student. The interview is used to assess the skills a student has and if a particular cohort is the right fit for them. In the interview, students will be asked to demonstrate their skill level through playing in a one-on-one setting with their instructor.
How much does Progressions cost? How much is due when?
Progressions is an investment in your future musical talents that costs $1,380 for the full 3-month curriculum. (A payment plan of $460/month is also available.) Those 4 months include 25+ class meetings, individual sessions with Thomas, monthly performances, and a final recording opportunity.
A refundable deposit of $100 is due at the time of application. This will be refunded to you if you are not accepted into the program. If you are accepted, an additional $425 for the first month of the program will be charged on 9/20/2023, and $855 for the second and final months will be charged on 10/20/2023.
Can I take Progressions if I don't live in Denver and I can't do in-person performances?
Yes. Progressions will mostly be held virtually, though depending on the location of the students in your cohort, there may be in-person meetings at Swallow Hill in Denver or off-site at other area music venues and studios. Also, depending on the cohort, this can not happen at all, or could be up to once a week.
I'm new to online classes - what should I expect? Is there any computer/video equipment I will need?
Students will need a computer, tablet or device with camera and microphone capabilities. Students will need sufficient internet connection for smooth programming.
A consistent internet upload speed of 5.7 Mbps or more is recommended. Conduct a speed test for your connection at www.speedtest.net (and consider testing during the proposed time of your lessons or class). Using an ethernet cable, plugged from your router to your computer, provides a more stable connection.
Is there a sample class I can take before applying?
Yes! You can sit in on a class with current Progression cohorts to get a taste and instructors can provide the corresponding materials for context.