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Performance: Jazz

Latest news from Dr Tim Jones, BMus(Adel), DMA, who has recently been appointed Assistant Professor of Percussion Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas:

"My career, though really stems back to my studies in Adelaide. If it wasn't for the solid foundation I received at Adelaide University [Elder Conservatorium] I would not have been prepared for this city [Las Vegas]. I strongly urge the drummers and percussionists at the university to soak up everything they are being exposed to, it will really pay off later. Many of the guys and girls...have not had the advantage of working with a Laurie Kennedy or Jim Bailey, and are somewhat limited by their very focussed area of expertise. ...you really don't know how good the instruction is in Adelaide until you leave." Dr Tim Jones 2003

The following instruments may be taken as a Principal Study within the jazz performance strands of the Certificate, Bachelor’s or Master’s programs: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Organ, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Voice, Double Bass.

Perhaps the most important focus of the performance training in jazz is the emphasis on ensemble work. In addition to the large ensembles (Big Bands) there are many opportunities to work in the kinds of small ensemble which relate directly to practice in the profession. It is in these small ensembles that students are guided in the styles of improvisation (ie ‘performance practice’) which are appropriate to the, particular medium or idiom.

The Conservatorium has a close association with the Glenelg Jazz Festival; Bruce Hancock, Head of Jazz Studies is also Artistic Director of the Festival.

In association with the Helpmann Academy, the Conservatorium presents an annual Jazz Awards concert in the Scott Theatre (normally in April or May). The Scott Theatre is the regular venue for on-campus jazz concerts, but Elder Hall is also used.

The jazz area has been one of the main beneficiaries of the major upgrade of the Conservatorium’s facilities. The Madley Building, adjacent to the Scott Theatre, has been extensively reshaped, in order to create fully sound-proofed studios (for teaching, rehearsal, and practice) which are suited to the high-specification acoustic requirements of large and amplified ensembles.

Head of Jazz Studies: Mr Bruce Hancock

Other full-time jazz staff:

Mr Dustan ('Dusty') Cox

Mr John Aue