These weekly workshops gather people of all ages and backgrounds to learn and play jazz songs, style, 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. You can register for our summer workshops below. Registration for our school year workshops will be open at the end of May. Looking for lessons? Visit the lessons page or email chris@ifcmusic.org.

Click here to register for Summer ‘24

Denton Summer Small Bands

Jazz doesn’t take the summers off and we’re focusing on forming and running bands this summer! This pilot program is geared towards returning DJW students but we do have a few spots available for new members. These groups of 4-5 students learn some repertoire chosen by their band mentor, but will contribute their own ideas for songs, original compositions, genre exploration, and arrangements based on their shared interests and goals. These don't have to be "forever bands," but instead something to try with a specific outcome in mind at the end of the summer. Groups can set their own outcome goals, like a recording, a performance, or a skill or process they want to develop without the pressure of a “finished product.” 

The goals of the Institute for Creative Music are for everyone to learn and practice skills that they can use throughout their lives, whether they want to do music professionally, maintain a high-quality leisure activity, or just have fond memories to share later. We believe that this summer program is the next step that will allow us to share our curiosity and help us discover new goals as individuals and within a community and look forward to sharing the process and results!

Space is limited, please fill out the Class Inquiry Form and select “DJW Small Band” and we will get back to you ASAP. Unless noted otherwise, there is still space available.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Open to all ages 11 and above. Ages and experience levels will be grouped together depending on experience.

DATES: 

• Group 1. This is made up of students who have been with us for 1 semester or new beginners: 

• Session 1 (8):  June 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 24, 25. All from 2-4pm.

• Group 2. This group is for more experienced students (1+ years of jazz experience). Students are encouraged to do both sessions:

• Session 1 (5): June 3, 4, 6, 10, 12. All from 2-4pm.

• Session 2 (5): July 8, 10, 12, 22, 23. All from 2-4pm.

LOCATION: Workshops held at Program Director Chris Teal’s house near North Lakes Park in Denton. Address will be provided ahead of the workshop (you can also email chris@ifcmusic.org for the address).

REGISTRATION: Please submit the Class Inquiry Form and select “DJW Small Band” and we will get back to you ASAP with registration and payment forms. Unless noted otherwise, there is still space available.

TUITION: Full tuition is $320 for Group 1 (8 sessions) and $400 for Group 2 (10 sessions). 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 our tuition document or email chris@ifcmusic.org).

PAYMENT: Pay through credit card,  PayPal Giving Fund, Zelle (christopherteal@gmail.com), Venmo (@ifcmusicorg), or check. Email chris@ifcmusic.org 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 most major scales and a two-octave chromatic scale on their instruments.

• Open to learning music without notation.

• Open to performing and recording. 

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

• Jazz and blues newbies welcome for Group 1—no audition required!

CANCELATION POLICY:

Full payment is due upon registration. Partial refund available for cancellations made in writing before the second day of class. No refunds available after the second class. 

Please submit the Class Inquiry Form

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

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