Blues band
Course Overview
In the Blues Band, we will look at how the blues started, how it developed through history
and what the blues is today. Throughout our journey, we will learn to play the blues from the
beginning, and adapt our approach as we go forwards in time to gain a deeper
understanding of the eras we're looking at. We will also learn to improvise solos on the blues
using harmony and transcribed blues language, and to accompany solos effectively.
Location: Crowndale Road, Camden
Who is this course for and what will I learn?
You will need to be confident in your instrumental or singing skills, and have basic ensemble
playing skills. There will be a brief interview with Performing Arts Department staff before you
can enrol. The class can accommodate the following musicians up to a limit of 12 in total
(the group can be bigger with tutor approval):
• 1 drummer, 1 bassist, 1 percussionist, up to 2 keyboard players, up to 3 singers, up to 4
guitarists, up to 4 blues harp players or other wind or brass instruments such as saxophone.
However, if you play a less conventional blues instrument, feel free to apply and we can
review if it will fit in!
If a student's confidence level is not appropriate for the ensemble, we reserve the right to
direct you to a more suitable course.
playing skills. There will be a brief interview with Performing Arts Department staff before you
can enrol. The class can accommodate the following musicians up to a limit of 12 in total
(the group can be bigger with tutor approval):
• 1 drummer, 1 bassist, 1 percussionist, up to 2 keyboard players, up to 3 singers, up to 4
guitarists, up to 4 blues harp players or other wind or brass instruments such as saxophone.
However, if you play a less conventional blues instrument, feel free to apply and we can
review if it will fit in!
If a student's confidence level is not appropriate for the ensemble, we reserve the right to
direct you to a more suitable course.
How will I learn?
You will learn through practical activities, group music-making, listening and analysis,
demonstration and discussion, use of supporting online materials and individual practice.
You will learn practice and rehearsal techniques to help with personal and ensemble
development in future. There won't be any paper homework, but you will be expected to look
at practical things covered in the previous session to help you get the most out of playing
with the band. We have a keyboard, drum kit, some percussion instruments, microphones
and amplifiers for you to use in the sessions. All other instrumentalists need to bring their
own instruments.
demonstration and discussion, use of supporting online materials and individual practice.
You will learn practice and rehearsal techniques to help with personal and ensemble
development in future. There won't be any paper homework, but you will be expected to look
at practical things covered in the previous session to help you get the most out of playing
with the band. We have a keyboard, drum kit, some percussion instruments, microphones
and amplifiers for you to use in the sessions. All other instrumentalists need to bring their
own instruments.
Assessment and next steps
You will be continually assessed through your practical activities and will receive feedback in a variety of ways including verbal and written feedback from your teacher. Performing in end of term concerts is a great way for you to notice how much you have learnt in each term. Once you have completed the course, you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject.
Tutor Profiles
Adam is a professional musician, composer and bandleader hailing from Liverpool.
Since arriving in London to study Jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, he has made a name for himself on the music scene, performing live and for recordings in a variety of genres across the country, primarily on his main instruments of electric and upright bass.
Adam is also accomplished in music production, and has mixed albums for professional artists, as well as producing and engineering projects in recording studios.
Since arriving in London to study Jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, he has made a name for himself on the music scene, performing live and for recordings in a variety of genres across the country, primarily on his main instruments of electric and upright bass.
Adam is also accomplished in music production, and has mixed albums for professional artists, as well as producing and engineering projects in recording studios.
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