Frequently Asked Questions
(New York City Workshop Classes)

1) I was wondering if anyone is welcome to attend or if there is an auditioning process?
Anyone is welcome to attend and participate in the workshops. There is no auditioning process.

2) Do I need to make a reservation in advance to participate in the Workshop?
No, It is not necessary to make a reservation in advance.

3) I would like to know if the workshops run on a semester-type basis or if they run year-round?
Workshops are run on a year-round basis. There are no semesters.

4) What is the procedure for registration?
You can register at the front door desk when you attend your first class.

5) I am an amateur player with a fairly strong background in concert pieces but little experience with jazz. Are there any beginners at your classes?
Yes - there are beginners in the classes. Classes are comprised with students of all background levels of music, beginners, intermediate and advanced.

6) How is a typical improvisation workshop structured, i.e. what is the itinerary of a typical class?
The improvisation class structure consists of players at various skill levels. Dr. Barry Harris conducts the workshops in a very unique fashion that allows everyone to participate and learn. The itinerary varies from week to week. Generally, Dr. Harris will pick a tune and explain the harmonic chord movements and have the students play through the various scales. He also teaches you how to improvise over those various chord changes.

7) Is it necessary to be a pianist to do the piano workshop or is this used as a means of learning theory?
You don't have to be a pianist to participate in the piano class. Dr. Harris highly recommends that other instrumentalists and singers attend piano classes to learn more about harmony. Some of the participants in the piano workshop include vocalist, sax players, trumpet players, bass players, etc.

8) Do I need to bring music with me?
It is not necessary to bring music with you. Tunes will be selected during the workshop sessions.

9) Would it be possible to come to a keyboard class without being very experienced on that instrument?
Yes - you can attend a piano class without experienced on the piano.

10) I'm an amateur jazz piano player. Is it open to people like me? I wouldn't be able to attend every week but I'd love to come when I could.
You can attend whenever your schedule permits.