EDUCATION

Swing U

Swing University offers engaging virtual classes about jazz history, new and classic tunes, and listening methods that will improve your concert-going experiences.

winter Term january 29–April 11

  Spend the winter months alongside jazz enthusiasts from across the country and around the world! Swing U has some great classes lined up for Winter Term, including: The Music of Charles Mingus, taught by his son, bassist and band leader, Eric Mingus; The Guitar Style of Bill Frisell, taught by one of Swing U’s most popular instructors, Justin Poindexter, — featuring a guest appearance by Bill himself; and Jazz 201, the next chapter of Swing U’s year-long survey led by senior scholar of Harlem’s National Jazz Museum Loren Schoenberg. Winter Term also unveils new courses from debut Swing U instructors, including The Music of Mary Lou Williams led by pianist and educator Deanna Witkowski and The Music of Césaria Évora led by A Closer Listen featured guest, vocalist Kavita Shah. Featuring customized curriculum from musicians, authors, scholars, and industry experts, these illuminating courses and countless others await your online participation this term.

Get access to all 55 classes this term with the All-Access Pass. If the All-Access Pass isn’t right for you, browse our schedule to enroll in select courses and single classes. 

In addition to the full roster of classes, All-Access Pass holders receive access to the following perks: 

  • A special weekly Jazz 101 class on Zoom for those who would like to brush up on their knowledge.
  • Weekly Zoom office hours with Swing U Curator Seton Hawkins and other Swing U instructors.
  • Weekly Zoom “blindfold listening” sessions, to help better train your ears — especially important for those considering taking the end of year final exam.
  • Zoom movie nights — enjoy watching jazz-related films on Zoom with Seton and your Swing U classmates.
  • A 15% discount on your annual subscription to Jazz Live, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s streaming app.
  • If the All-Access Pass isn’t right for you, browse our schedule to enroll in select courses and single classes.

 

THINGS TO KNOW

  • Swing U classes will be available to re-watch on-demand up to 7 days after airing. Single tickets are available for sale up until class time.
  • Class run time is approximately 60–75 minutes.
  • A link to the class will be included in your purchase confirmation email.
  • Questions? Technical difficulties? Email swingu@jazz.org and we’ll be happy to assist.

Register for classes

ALL ACCESS
EVERY COURSE
$440
BUY PASS
ALL ACCESS
MEMBER PRICE
$374
MEMBERSHIP
COURSE
Online
$36–$120
BUY COURSE
single Class
Online
$15
BUY CLASS

Jazz at Lincoln Center Members save $66 on the All-Access Pass. If you are a member, please email SwingU@jazz.org to process your order.

TUE 7PM ET • APR 2

The Music of Cesaria Evora, with Kavita Shah

Vocalist Kavita Shah’s course heads into the heart of Cabo Verde’s incredible musical traditions, examining morna, and the life and music of Cesária Évora, a legendary singer whose stirring, often melancholy expression captivated an entire region and reached a global audience.

WED 7PM ET • APR 3

The Music of Clifford Brown, with Jeremy Pelt

Dizzy’s Club favorite, trumpet master Jeremy Pelt leads a three-week course on Clifford Brown, an artist taken all too soon whose staggering contributions helped develop and refine an entire vocabulary, and whose legacy continues pushing new generations of artists in unexpected directions.

THU 7PM ET • MAR 28 – APR 4

Jazz 201 with Loren Schoenberg

Swing U’s intermediate history course Jazz 201 builds on the foundation of the Fall Term’s Jazz 101 course, exploring new topics in jazz.

FRI 7PM ET • MAR 29 – APR 5

The Life and Music of Sam Cooke, with Paul Siegel

Producer and music industry expert Paul Siegel returns to Swing University for a four-week discussion on the range of influences that make up Sam Cooke’s distinctive expression, and the often-overlooked impact his voice and music has had on countless styles, traditions, and artists.

MON 7PM ET • APR 8

The Life and Music of Chick Webb, with Stephanie Crease

Scholar and educator Stephanie Crease leads a four-week journey across the extraordinary life and works of Chick Webb, a thundering legend of the drums and transformational band leader.

TUE 10:30 AM ET • APR 2–9

Listening Party in the Bronx: Demonstrations & Conversations with Rising Artists

Join Swing University’s Caleb Smith as he moderates discussions and musical demonstrations with a variety of rising jazz artists at Lehman College in the Bronx.

SAT 7PM ET • MAY 4

Jazz 301: An Expert’s Guide to Jazz

Description Coming Soon