MetroNOME / MNHBC / Jazz88 Jazz Performance Workshops

Come play, listen, and learn with us on 

Mondays at 7pm

@ MetroNOME Brewery in St. Paul

Metro-Nourishing Outstanding Music Education
Fingal's Cave Performance Space

385 Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101
Entrance on Broadway St.

Open to students of ALL ages who love jazz—everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level, experience, or background. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a pro in another style, there’s something here for YOU.

Suggested Donation: $10 for adults, $5 for students. We also ask that you please support our generous hosts by purchasing at least one refreshment item during your visit.

Fall Schedule 2025

November 3rd (7pm)

November 10th (7pm)

November 17th (7pm)

November 24th (7pm)

December 1st - No class

December 8th - Dress rehearsal (7pm)

December 15th - Student showcase benefit concert (7pm)

December 22nd - No class

December 29th - No class

Workshop Focus:

  • Timekeeping

  • Swing feel

  • Memorization

  • Solo Transcriptions (students choice)

  • Managing performance anxiety, stage fright, and the mental game/audition prep/pro track

  • Expanding knowledge and experience of harmonic phrasing through call-and-response “trading”

  • Effective Rehearsal Techniques

  • Opportunities to perform separately at MetroNOME, the Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Jazz Education Network Conference, Jazz88 Studios and other venues in the Twin Cities!

Sample Set List from Previous Performances:

  • “Remember” (Irving Berlin, performed by Hank Mobley)

  • “This I Dig of You” (Hank Mobley)

  • “Bolivia” (Cedar Walton)

  • “Lester Leaps In” (rhythm changes)

  • “Blue Monk” (blues)

  • Standard tunes and Contrafacts (explored in various rhythmic styles: ballad, shuffle, bossa, Latin, up-tempo swing):

    • “Four on Six” (Wes Montgomery; contrafact of “Summertime”)

    • “Body and Soul” (Johnny Green)

    • "My Shining Hour”  (Harold Arlen)

Previous Faculty: 

  • Abebi Stafford (B3 Organ)

  • Omar AbdulKarim (Trumpet)

  • Adam Meckler (Trumpet)

  • Dave Graf (Trombone)

  • Jeff Rinear (Trombone)

  • Pete Whitman Saxophones)

  • Joe Mayo (Saxophones)

  • Dale Alexander (Piano)

  • Phil Aaron (Piano)

  • Julian Manzara (Guitar)

  • Ian Duerr (Guitar)

  • Billy Peterson (Bass)

  • Tom Lewis (Bass)

  • Phil Hey (Drums)

  • Jesse Simon (Drums)