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Summer Classes 2024



New Cats
Improv Bootcamp
General Big Band
Advanced Combo
Vanguard Big Band

Plus Jam Sessions

Classes run week of June 17 - week of Aug 12

Weekly Classes at Burlingame Space



Winter Session 2024



New Cats

Wednesdays  7:30-9pm
Concert Monday, March 11


General Level Small Group

Mondays 5:30-7pm
Concert Monday, March 11


General Level Big Band

*Audition/Placement Required
Thursdays 7:30-9pm
Concert Monday, March 11



PYJO Advanced

Mondays 7:30-9pm
Concerts TBA



PYJO Vanguard Big Band

*Placement Required: Pro-Level Band
Tuesdays 7:30-9pm
Concert Monday, March 11


New Cats Level

The level of this class is intermediate. Students of all ages with knowledge of scales and intermediate music reading skills are welcome. A great place for those new to the PYJO program or with little experience in Jazz and improvisation. We are always excited to add new musicians to the program. Students often spend 1-2 years in this class as they build their Jazz vocabulary skills.       

If you are unsure which level, simply check in by email to determine New Cats vs General. If you want to learn, we want you to participate!



General Level

The level of this class is intermediate and beyond. Students of all ages with memorized scales and strong music reading skills are welcome. Experienced musicians who have taken a break and are looking to get back into playing will also be a good fit. We are always excited to add new musicians to the program. If you are new to us, and unsure which level, simply check in by email to determine which class is best.*Please note that the General Big Band class requires instructor approval or audition. We want to be sure to have strong readers in the band so we have time to work on improvisation and written music. The General Combo is better for those who play well by ear and are working on their reading skills.



Advanced Level

This top level PYJO ensemble is advanced and open to all ages (typically upper high school to adult). Students should expect a deep study of solo transcriptions and advanced improvisation concepts. The size of this ensemble ranges from combo to big band based on enrollment. Experienced musicians who are looking to expand their improvisation skills are a good match. Pro and Semi-pro musicians should also inquire about the PYJO Vanguard Band. If you are new to us, and unsure which level, simply check in by email to determine which class.

 

 

 

 

Vanguard Level

PYJO Vanguard members are a mixture of PYJO alumni, professionals, band directors, college students & a few top high school musicians. The music is on a pro level, solo concepts are advanced and presented quickly, strong sightreading skills required.

 

 

 

 

 

Self-Paced Video Learning

You can also sign up for Self-Paced Video Learning. Topics such as tune learning skills, improvisation concepts, theory topics, groove etc will be included. via archives from our spring and summer classes. Students can pick level appropriate challenges and work at their own pace. Questions can be emailed in.



New Students

LEARN to PLAY it, HEAR it, TEACH it!

Returning Students

Easy Registration here!!

alumni
PYJO Alumni are around the world spreading music!

Beyond just musicians, PYJO alumni have branched out to many fields in music: College music professors, ethnomusicologists, radio hosts, band directors, private music instructors, touring musicians, L.A. studio musicians, composers, arrangers, booking agents, software developers, bandleaders, studio engineers & more. Not to mention the doctors, rocket scientists & others who still play music to relax!

"Ben, I wanted to let you know that Noah is doing great at UW(ashington). He has so much confidence performing thanks to you and Michelle. You really changed his life and we are all very grateful." Lissa K.-PYJO Parent

listen
Listen to PYJO!

Links to Videos and mp3 of PYJO bands, summer bands, combos etc.

space
The Burlingame Space - Home of PYJO

Rehearsals, Lessons, Recitals & Meeting Space. Rental Available!

concerts
PYJO Performances

Click here for current concert info.

lessons
Private Lessons

All Levels - Beginners to Professionals!

founders
Ben & Michelle Medler

Founded The Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2001.