Fred Hersch Master Class
Each semester a traditional master class is conducted by the gifted teacher and renowned pianist Fred Hersch, a unique artist who Downbeat magazine referred to as “one of the small handful of brilliant musicians of his generation.”
Master Class Series
Each semester two master classes are given by a variety of invited jazz artists such as Dave Liebman, Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, The Stockholm Jazz Orchestra, Dick Oatts, Norma Winstone, Dave Gilmore, Tim Ries, Jon Gordon, Charles Pillow, Pete McGuinness, Scott Wendholt, John Stowell, Sheila Jordan, Kate McGarry, Miles Griffith, J.D. Walter, and Madeline Eastman, Tierney Sutton, René Marie, Marvin Stamm, Dennis Mackrel, and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah.
Musicians’ Accord visits the campus twice each semester to read the works of student composers.
Village Vanguard Orchestra
The music department is the rehearsal home of the world-famous Village Vanguard Orchestra. At these open rehearsals students have the opportunity to ask questions, watch “the books,” and listen to music that is at the core of big band repertoire, including charts by Thad Jones, Jim McNeely, Bob Brookmeyer and Slide Hampton. Students also get to observe their teachers at work since seven of the band members are CCNY private instructors. Formerly known as The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, The Village Vanguard Orchestra has been performing every Monday night at the Village Vanguard since 1965.