Swing U

Charlie Parker was a master of the blues and American popular song (now called the Great American Songbook). Through, music, video, interviews, and period documents, this course will celebrate the brilliance of Parker from his first recording to his last. Saxophonist, author, and scholar Carl Woideck guides you through this incredible music.

The self-proclaimed inventor of Jazz, one of the music’s first genius composers, a brilliant and innovative pianist, and a raconteur of legendary renown, Jelly Roll Morton was one of Jazz’s most singularly extraordinary individuals. Author, scholar, and producer Ben Young walks you through the magic of Jelly Roll Morton.

A pianist of minimalist masterpieces, a bandleader of epic swing, and a visionary who helped forge the heartbeat of the Swing Era and beyond, Count Basie enjoyed one of the most remarkable and influential careers in Jazz’s history. Join us as we explore his life and enjoy the wildly varied works of this musical master.

One of the most visionary composers of music history, an instantly identifiable master of the piano, and one of the most inspiring musicians of the 20 century, Thelonious Monk was all of this and more. Join us as we dive into the life, work, and music of this icon.

Join Brazilian guitarist and educator Giulia Coba as she guides you through the origins, style, and evolution of Bossa Nova!

A virtuosic genius of the clarinet, a wildly innovative and profoundly influential bandleader, and an inventor of an entirely new approach to Jazz, Benny Goodman was also a crucial figure in America’s social history, striking an important blow against racial segregation. Join musician and scholar Loren Schoenberg (who worked with Goodman for several years) for an in-depth and swinging trip through the long life and hot jazz of The King of Swing, Benny Goodman.

One of the most beloved, versatile, virtuosic, and omnipresent pianists of Jazz’s history, Oscar Peterson blazed a truly remarkable and unique path in the music. Join us as we explore his origins in the music, his rise to prominence, and the sheer breadth of his incredible work.

Emerging in Johannesburg as one of the country’s most promising Jazz trumpet stars, Hugh Masekela would ultimately launch onto the world stage as one of the most beloved and influential artists South Africa ever produced. Beloved for hits like “Grazin in the Grass,” admired for his nonstop commitment to the struggle for freedom, and absolutely lionized for his extraordinary trumpet work, Masekela’s life is one of extraordinary triumphs, heartbreaking loss, and breathtaking artistry.

A master guitarist whose work spans decades and genres; a pioneer in music technology whose efforts evolved modern recording techniques; and a beloved songwriter of American music hits, Les Paul remains one of the most admired and influential musical voices of the 20th century. Guitarist and educator James Zito invites you into the storied legacy of this artist and innovator.

One of Jazz’s most remarkable vocal innovators, a master of improvisation, a beloved mentor and teacher, and a trailblazing figure for artist-driven labels, Betty Carter was one of the most remarkable figures of Jazz’s history. Join vocalist and educator Nicole Odreman-Valenciano as she guides you through the music of this vocal master.