Mondays 6:30 - 8 pm 7/10 - 8/14 (6 weeks)

This class is designed for intermediate-level players looking to work through challenging material in a hands-on workshop environment. Each week, acclaimed saxophonist and educator Howard Wiley leads class members through improvisation drills and exercises taught mainly by ear (in the aural tradition) to help develop essential skills for playing over chord changes. Emphasis on jazz standards and the blues. For all instruments.

Howard Wiley discovered his passion for music at a young age while performing at his local gospel church. His profound connection with the saxophone led him to pursue it wholeheartedly, becoming an extension of himself and defining his purpose. Wiley’s exceptional talent on the saxophone was recognized during high school, earning him consecutive selections for the Grammy All-American Jazz Band at the ages of 14 and 15. He had the privilege of performing in New York and Los Angeles alongside talented young musicians during Grammy Week. He further honed his skills as a member of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz’s All-Star Band, studying and performing with esteemed jazz artists like Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Gerald Albright. Wiley released his debut album at the age of 15, garnering praise as the San Francisco Bay’s emerging talent. His third album, The Angola Project, impressed critics with its textured compositions and patient improvisations. Evolving his sound by blending jazz and funk, Wiley’s live performances are known for their danceable energy, showcasing his reverence for fellow musicians and his explosive stage presence. Howard Wiley has shared stages and recordings with notable artists such as Lauryn Hill, Sheila E, Cory Henry, Christian McBride, and Chester Thompson. He co-founded the BLACK LONDON collective, currently active in Northern California. Wiley’s performances span the globe, including appearances at prestigious festivals and venues such as the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Blue Note Club, and Cape Town Jazz Festival.