Register now for 2020 summer classes and private lessons!

- Classes begin the week of June 1st.
- Register soon!
- Students must be registered by May 4th.

- Classes and private lessons are available year-round in all instruments.

- Vocal lessons are available in all styles. 

Contact Us

- Class costs are just $92 per month. Scholarships awarded for students taking two or more classes.

- All classes are held late afternoon and evenings and meet once per week.

- Convenient location just off I-235, 8th Street exit in West Des Moines.

Class Descriptions

Our classes are designed to give students a complete path to becoming great musicians and to fully develop the art of jazz improvisation and expression. Our curriculum is designed to study jazz theory, improvisation and performance in conjunction with instrument specific jazz techniques classes. All classes include music listening and ear training. Our teachers are world class, performing musicians who are extensively experienced in both playing and teaching. Our larger goal is to help students widen their view of life through the development of creativity and individual expression and the joy that this will bring to them and to those who listen to their music.

Theory and Improvisation Classes

Basic Music Theory - Reading music, counting rhythms, mastering the notes and range of your instrument, major and minor keys, intervals and basic chords.

Jazz Theory I - Chords, color tones, red notes, soloing with scales and modes.

Performance Combo I, II, III & IV - Join a playing group to apply the theory you have learned. Learn tunes, grooves and formats for different styles. Learn to develop an improvised melody and play great solos.

Jazz Theory II - ii V7 I and other common chord progressions, analysis of tunes, soloing in the key and chord substitutions.

Jazz Theory III - Develop a large vocabulary of licks, patterns, embellishments and new approaches to apply to your solos. Learn from the ideas of jazz masters.

Instrument Specific Jazz Techniques Classes

These classes are designed to be taken in conjunction with Jazz Theory or Performance Combo classes. Each Technique Class deals with the specifics of each instrument including sound, technique, instrument set-up, comping and soloing in every style, and all issues concerning mastering your instrument. You will also be learning to apply the information you are learning in your theory and improvisation classes. 
Scholarships awarded for students taking two or more classes.

  • Bass, Guitar, Piano, Trombone and Vocal Techniques classes with Susie Miget
  • Saxophone, Flute and Drum Set Techniques classes with Don Jaques
  • Trumpet Techniques classes with Dave Rezek

Vocal Performance

This class deals with all aspects of vocal performance including vocal technique, stage presence and different styles of singing. You pick the style and songs you want to sing.


ALL CLASSES STRESS: EAR TRAINING AND LISTENING SKILLS; INDIVIDUAL CREATIVITY AND EXPRESSION