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Sundays starting 8/30

These weekly workshops gather people of all ages and backgrounds to learn and play jazz songs, styles, and improvisation together in fun small-group ensembles. Previous DJW members and new participants are encouraged to register. We accept everyone from the new beginner to the experienced advanced student and place everyone in groups fitting their experience and interests. No audition necessary, but make sure the student is comfortable with the general info requirements listed below. Email ifcmusicorg@gmail.com if you are not sure whether to register for beginning or intermediate/advanced DJW.

DJW builds audiation skills to develop individual confidence and interdependence as a band. Students will be invited to perform at the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival in September and the class will culminate with a recording session to document the songs and arrangements we learn and compose. Looking for lessons? Visit the lessons page or email chris@ifcmusic.org.

Click here to register

These classes run on sliding scale payments. All are encouraged to participate regardless of ability to pay. The IfCM wishes to be 100% inclusive of all interested people and our programming is made possible by donations from members of the community. Pay what you can to make it possible for us to provide the event to all, regardless of ability to pay (email chris@ifcmusic.org for suggestions and discount codes). Read below for full class information below.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Open to all ages 11 and above. Students will be grouped together depending on age and experience.

• Dates (12-rehearsals per semester):

  • Fall ‘26: 12-weeks on Sundays, August 30-November 15, performance 11/13.

  • Spring' ‘27: February 7-April 25, performance TBD. No rehearsals 3/28.

• Times:

  • Intermediate/advanced band, 12:00pm-2:00pm.

  • Beginning band, 2:00pm-3:00pm.

• Location: Workshops held at Program Director Chris Teal’s house/music studio near North Lakes Park in Denton. Address will be provided ahead of the workshop (you can also email ifcmusicorg@gmail.com for the address).

• Registration/maximum number of students. Please and complete the payment process/sliding scale to reserve your spot by August 23rd. This workshop is limited to a maximum of 7-10 students per group (depending on instrumentation) and the registration form will close once we’ve reached maximum capacity. 

• Tuition:

  • Full tuition for intermediate/advanced DJW is $420 per semester or $800 for fall and spring.

  • Full tuition for beginning DJW is $320 per semester or $600 for fall and spring.

  • 10% discount for siblings. These classes run on sliding scale payments. All are encouraged to participate regardless of ability to pay. The IfCM wishes to be 100% inclusive of all interested people and our programming is made possible by donations from members of the community. Pay what you can to make it possible for us to provide the event to all, regardless of ability to pay (please see options in the registration form).

• Payment: Pay through credit card in our store, PayPal Giving Fund, Zelle (christopherteal@gmail.com), Venmo (@ifcmusicorg), or check. Email ifcmusicorg@gmail.com for sliding scale/sibling discount links.

REQUIREMENTS/ELIGIBILITY:

• All instruments and voice types are welcome. 

• At least 1 year experience on your instrument. Students should be able to play several scales without external reference on their instruments.

• Open to learning music without notation.

• Open to performing and recording. 

• Able to attend weekly rehearsals at the date, time, and location listed above.

• Jazz and blues newbies welcome—no audition required!

• For those students that play in both DJW and their school jazz bands, the improvisation skills they build in our workshops can be applied to the music they learn at school.

CANCELATION POLICY:

Full payment is due upon registration. Partial refund available for cancellations made in writing by February 5. No refunds available after September 1st. 

Click here to register

Want to learn more about the Institute for Creative Music? Check out our Mission Statement, FAQs, and Organizational History

Want to learn more about the Institute for Creative Music? Check out our Mission Statement, FAQs, and Organizational History

Check out video from our performance at the 2024 Denton Arts & Jazz Festival! Featuring traditional jazz tunes and original compositions by the bands from the IfCM and Selwyn School.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP OFFERINGS

Our teaching artists are available to travel to you!

We believe our workshops have the greatest impact in a multi-day residency format. Additionally, workshops are available in 1-hour, 2-hour, and all-day sessions with individual teaching artists and the Institute for Creative Music Collective as a full group. Contact us at chris@ifcmusic.org for pricing inquiries; need-based scholarships are available.  

TOPICS INCLUDE:

Ensemble Coaching

Improvisation (for jazz and non-jazz ensembles)

Composition and Arranging

Listening and Ear Training

Instrumental Styles and Techniques

Recording

Pursuing a Career in Music