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.

Summer term July 13 – August 14

Summer term goes on sale Thursday, June 25. Swing University offers engaging virtual classes about jazz history, new and classic tunes, and listening methods that will improve your concert-going experiences. The classes are taught by musicians and industry professionals bringing you masterclasses on some of jazz’s most interesting subjects.

Save on all classes with the  All-Access PassMembers save an additional 15%. If you are a member, please email swingu@jazz.org for your order. The All-Access Pass includes access to all courses and the following perks: 

  • – Office Hours with Swing U Curator Seton Hawkins
  • – Blindfold Listening Sessions
  • – 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
INCLUDES EVERY COURSE
$100
BUY PASS
ALL ACCESS
MEMBER PRICE
$85
MEMBERSHIP
COURSE
Online
$40
BUY COURSE
single Class
Online
$10
BUY CLASS

Jazz at Lincoln Center Members save an additional 15% on the All-Access Pass. If you are a member, please email SwingU@jazz.org to process your order.

THU 7PM ET • JUL 16 – AUG 13

Blues Walk: Lou Donaldson at 100 with Champian Fulton

Alto master Lou Donaldson proved one of the defining figures of jazz in the 1950s, emerging as a master of BeBop who would rapidly come to help shape and define the later styles of Hard Bop and Soul Jazz. Pianist and vocalist Champian Fulton, who worked with Donaldson in his later years, will take you on a journey through the life and music of this saxophone legend.

FRI 7PM ET • JUL 17 – AUG 14

One Bass Hit: Ray Brown at 100 with Nick Rossi

Perhaps jazz’s greatest timekeeper, Ray Brown emerged as one of the pioneering bass virtuosos of BeBop, before ultimately gaining worldwide recognition as one of the greatest and most influential bass masters of all time. Bandleader and guitarist Nick Rossi will guide you through the life of this legendary jazz master.

MON 7PM ET • JUL 20 – AUG 10

Blue Train: John Coltrane at 100 with Seton Hawkins

We open our Summer of Centennials with a dive into the life and music of one of art’s most transformative geniuses: John Coltrane. Join us as we explore his musical origins, trace the development of his bracingly unique tone and approach, and delve into the wide-ranging musical journey that would yield such masterpieces as A Love Supreme, Interstellar Space, Blue Train, My Favorite Things, and many more.

TUE 7PM ET • JUL 21 – AUG 11

I Left My Heart in San Francisco: Tony Bennett at 100 with Will Friedwald

Acclaimed author and presenter Will Friedwald takes you on a musical tour of one of the 20 century’s most distinctive and beloved vocalists: Tony Bennett! Join us as we explore the rise, the innovations, and the artistry of a vocalist who changed the face of popular music across his eight-decade career.

WED 7PM ET • JUL 22 – AUG 12

My Reverie: Melba Liston at 100 with Mariel Bildsten

A profoundly versatile trombonist, a genius composer, and a transformative arranger whose work shaped the sounds of everyone from Count Basie to Randy Weston to Gerald Wilson to Mary Lou Williams, Melba Liston nevertheless remains an under-discussed figure in the history of jazz. Join acclaimed trombonist and educator Mariel Bildsten as she guides you through the life of this extraordinary musical master.

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