We offer world-class musical training with a specialist pathway for those wishing to study jazz and improvisation, ranging from individual improvisation lessons up to a full study programme for jazz specialists.
The opportunity to study on the specialist music scheme with a jazz specialism is available for gifted young jazz musicians on any instrument, which provides the ideal environment for talented and motivated young musicians to develop their improvisation skills to the highest level.
We tailor the course to each individual so pupils can enter at elementary, intermediate or advanced level. Within the busy musical life of the school, it offers a great opportunity to advanced jazz pupils and those pupils interested in developing their improvising skills.
Our jazz department is run by Edward Leaker with a team of dedicated tutors. Jazz is taught in weekly combo workshops and individual lessons and covers key areas of jazz learning, including harmony, rhythm, historical context, transcription and playing with other pupil musicians.
One of the many benefits and joys of receiving a musical education at Wells is the opportunity to take part in weekly orchestral and ensemble rehearsals. Within Jazz, we offer:
Jazz combo 1: Premiere small jazz band for jazz specialists
Jazz combo 2: Second small group for those with a particular interest in jazz and improvising
Jazz Ensemble: The second big band open to all pupils year 7 up and grade 5 or above
Jazz Orchestra: Premiere jazz group in the school, mainly sixth form specialists
Edward Leaker – Co-ordinator of Jazz Studies
Jazz Double Bass
Yuri Goloubev (Consultant)
Jazz Piano
Dhevdhas Nair
Nick Malcolm
Jazz Drum Kit
Andy Tween
Jon Whitfield
Jazz Trumpet
Nick Malcolm
Jazz Guitar and Electric Bass
Jerry Crozier-Cole
Jazz Saxohone
Edward Leaker
Andrew Tweed (Consultant)
Percy Pursglove – Trumpet/Improvisation
Gareth Lockrane – Improvisation/Flute (Director of jazz course for Jnr RAM)
Iain Ballamy – Saxophone (ECM recording artist, composer, RAM professor)
Ralph Salmins – Drums (Renowned session musician)
Pee Wee Ellis – Saxophone (‘Godfather of Funk’ and MD for James Brown & Van Morrison)
Mike Mower – Flute (Composer and jazz musician)
Laura Jurd – Trumpet (Award winning UK Jazz musician)
Martin Shaw – Trumpet (International Jazz Artist)
Pete Long – Saxophone (UK Big Band leader, Jazz and Session musician)
Ernie Watts – Saxophone (US / International Jazz and Session Artist)
Iain Matthews – Drums (Drummer with Kasabian)
Nikki Iles – Piano (UK Jazz artist and Composer)
Byron Wallen – Trumpet (International Jazz Artist)
Our past jazz pupils have gone on to study jazz and improvisation at music college with many now pursuing successful careers in the jazz and commercial music world. Old Wellensian jazz musicians include James Gardiner-Bateman (Saxophone – RAM Jazz course, currently touring with Paloma Faith), Doug Harper (Drums – now working in the West End) and Henry Spencer (Trumpet – GSMD Jazz course, leader of award winning band ‘Juncture’).
Join us for an inspiring and fun week
Our world-class tutors will nurture musicians (aged 13-18) to develop their jazz and improvisation skills within a creative and supportive environment. We offer two distinct strands on our summer course based on ability. One strand is designed for musicians who are experienced in jazz playing, and the other strand (new this year) is for instrumentalists who would like to learn how to play jazz and improvise from scratch. Please feel free to contact us on 01749 834388 / [email protected] if you’re unsure which strand is right for you.