These four courses are for beginning musicians. Whether you’ve never held an instrument in your hands, or you know a few scales and chords, this is the best way to start.

For 35 years the Bloom School of Jazz has been giving beginner muscians the framework they need to move forward with their goals. If you are serious and want music to be more than just a hobby, we give you expert instruction and advice on how to make your journey fast and efficient. If you are a hobbiest and want music to compliment your busy schedule, we take that into consideration and make sure you are not overloaded with coursework, but still feel the satisfaction of steady progress with your instrument.

At the Bloom School of Jazz, each student's strengths and weakness are given the proper attention, so there is no time wasted and your goals are accomplished without hesitation and wasted time.

If you have never played before, begin with Course 1: The Basement.

If you feel that you can "pass out" of any of first courses, let us know and we will give you an evaluation.

All classes will be recorded so you can monitor your progress through the courses.

Rate: $360/course

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Course 1: The Basement

Pre-requisites: None

Session: 8 weeks, 1 hour/week

This is the course for those who don’t have any former experience. This will prepare you for the Ground Level by getting aquatinted with your instrument. Knowing how to hold it and tune it properly is just as important as the songs you’ll learn to play on them.

You will know:

• Parts of guitar
• Basic approach (technique)
• String and note names
• How to read TAB
• Dexterity (warm up) exercises
• Three easy riffs
• How to tune
• Rhythm exercises
• Three easy songs
• Power chords
• 12 bar blues

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Course 2: Ground Level

Pre-requisites: The Basement

 Session: 8 weeks, 1 hour/week

Now we take everything a step further. Exercises become scales that are great tools for soloing and riffing. Now we can start building your chops. Don’t be afraid to turn on the metronome. It really does make learning all of the rhythmic values a much smoother and clearer learning experience. In this course you’ll have the chance to pick your own song list along with some teacher picks.

You will know:

• Major & minor chord/triad shapes
• Two basic scales (pentatonic)
• Keys
• Play a 12 bar blues
• Play songs you like
• Eighth Notes
• Intro to soloing/riffing

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Course 3: The Elevator

Pre-requisites: The Basement, Ground Level

 Session: 8 weeks, 1 hour/week

Now we’ll raise your awareness of how the notes relate to each other. Music theory. It gets a bad rap. These concepts do not hinder creativity. We all know the alphabet. We all know the same words. We didn’t make up these words by ourselves. We did find a way to have a completely unplanned, and unique conversation with each person we encounter using a set of rules, a language. Music Theory is the language of your instrument.

You will know:

• Intro to music theory
• Multiple Chord/Triad shapes
• The Major and Minor scales
• Five pentatonic positions
• Triplets and sixteenth notes
• Intro to multiple time signatures
• How to play two of your favorite songs
  

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Course 4: The Keys to the Castle

Pre-requisites: The Basement, Ground Level, The Elevator

 Session: 8 weeks, 1 hour/week

In the fourth installment of the Music From Zero series all the loose ends concerning Pentatonic and Major scale modes will get tied up. After a big course review the fun will start with improvising over all of the songs and progressions that have been covered in addition to learning some songs that break a few of the rules. We will set you up with a great method to understand and apply seventh chords and extended chords to broaden your musical palette.

You will know:

• How to improvise a solo
  
• Seven Major and Minor modes
  
• How to analyse a song and play it
  
• Diminshed and Augmented chords
  
• How to play songs that "break the rules"
• How to play a proper bassline and "walk"
  
• Advanced technique

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