Jazz and the Visual Arts: Painting Music

Jazz had an incredible impact on the visual arts during the twentieth century. The jazz performances of the Albert Ammons Trio delighted Piet Mondrian and influenced his painting, “Broadway Boogie Woogie.” We will begin with the early modernism in jazz and art and progress chronologically to include contemporary developments. Through listening to the various styles of jazz as we examine representative art, we will explore the parallels and connections between the two modernist forms. Starting with a brief discussion of the collaboration between Wassily Kandinsky and his theories of sound and color and Arnold Schoenberg and his modernist atonal music, we will progress to the development of the ragtime and blues and proceed to early New Orleans Jazz, Swing, Bebop, and Fusion, as we identify similarities in American and European abstract painting. Included will be jazz greats from Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong to Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Mary Lou Williams; as well as the contributions of George and Ira Gershwin, Esperanza Spaulding, and singers Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, June Christy, and Samara Joy. Artists include Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Deborah Remington, Norman Lewis, Alma Thomas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Stuart Davis, and Romare Bearden. American modern artist Abraham Walkowitz, a contemporary of photographer Alfred Stieglitz commented on the connection between music and art, “Abstract art…is a universal language, and dwells in the realm of music with equivalent emotion. Its melody is attuned to the receptive eye as music is to the ear.” Throughout our six-week journey together, we will swing to the “Fascinating Rhythm” of music and art.

• Sep 29, 2025 to Nov 03, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 sessions total), Monday
• Fee: $140
• Item: 40811

Beginning Guitar

Pick up the guitar and play! Learn chords, strum patterns, tablature, and notes while learning songs. Pick up some basic theory. Have fun while learning the fundamentals that make guitar playing rewarding in this comfortable class environment. Bring your acoustic guitar and required books to class.

This class is already in session. Please contact our office at conted@seattlecolleges.edu or 206-934-3705 to inquire about late registration.

Beginning Guitar

Pick up the guitar and play! Learn chords, strum patterns, tablature, and notes while learning songs. Pick up some basic theory. Have fun while learning the fundamentals that make guitar playing rewarding in this comfortable class environment. Bring your acoustic guitar and required books to class.

• Oct 07, 2025 to Dec 02, 2025 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (8 sessions total), Tuesday
• Fee: $190
• Item: 41003
• There is no class 11/11
  There are textbooks for this class:
  Belwin's 21st Century Guitar Method 1 (2nd Edition) By Stang 978-1470623807
  Belwin's 21st Century Guitar Theory, Bk 1 by Feldstein & Stang 978-1470623807

Jazz Ensemble

Practice and perform in concert the newest big-band arrangements which cover all styles of big-band jazz. This class combines talents of professional and student musicians in the big-band experience. Membership is by audition only, which take place during the first class; registration is required within 10 business days of the first class session. 

• Oct 01, 2025 to Dec 10, 2025 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm (10 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $210
• Item: 40363

• Scholarships are available for this course; contact conted@seattlecolleges.edu to learn more.

Vocal Performance and Stage Technique Workshop

Learn more about vocal performance, techniques, and stage presence in individual study with well-known singer and recording artist, Gina Funes. You will have a piano accompanist, and a recital is performed at the end of each quarter with the pianist and an option to perform with big band accompaniment. Ten weekly, one-hour sessions to be arranged with instructor. 

• Sep 29, 2025 to Dec 10, 2025 from 12:00 am to 12:00 am (10 sessions total), Monday
• Fee: $500
• Item: 40364

• Scholarships are available for this course; contact conted@seattlecolleges.edu to learn more.

Introduction to Afro-Caribbean Drum & Dance

Come explore the mystery, power, and elegance of Afro-Caribbean drumming and dancing! This all levels workshop will provide you with a great introduction to Afro-Caribbean rhythms and further develop your rhythmic skills! Perfect for the beginning to intermediate drummer! We explore hand technique, timing, and fun to play polyrhythms! We'll also explore songs that go with the drumming and some beginning dance moves that correspond directly to the polyrhythms. Drums provided, includes notes on the rhythms and songs.

• Oct 08, 2025 to Oct 29, 2025 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (4 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $75
• Item: 40922
• Scholarships available; please contact conted@seattlecolleges.edu to learn more.

Ukulele for Beginners

Start making music right away in this relaxed, song-based ukulele class. Each week, you'll get materials that allow for reviewing 3 to 10 new chords before class. During class, the focus is on playing songs together, including popular tunes and traditional or contemporary Hawaiian music. The instructor takes a hands-on approach, keeping class time centered on practicing and making music. You'll get basic guidance and support, but be ready to practice on your own between sessions. Bring your soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele and be ready to play each week. While this is a beginner class, it's a better fit for late beginners or anyone comfortable learning independently outside of class.

This class is already in session. Please contact our office at conted@seattlecolleges.edu or 206-934-3705 to inquire about late registration.

Ukulele for Beginners

Start making music right away in this relaxed, song-based ukulele class. Each week, you'll get materials that allow for reviewing 3 to 10 new chords before class. During class, the focus is on playing songs together, including popular tunes and traditional or contemporary Hawaiian music. The instructor takes a hands-on approach, keeping class time centered on practicing and making music. You'll get basic guidance and support, but be ready to practice on your own between sessions. Bring your soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele and be ready to play each week. While this is a beginner class, it's a better fit for late beginners or anyone comfortable learning independently outside of class.

• Oct 01, 2025 to Nov 12, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (7 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $165
• Item: 41359
• A few ukuleles are available to rent; contact the instructor at itspatk.206@gmail.com Supplies are required for this class. Click for your class supplies here.

Learn to Speak Guitar: Guitar and Theory Techniques

This transformative guitar class is designed for students who have a solid understanding of music but struggle to translate their ideas into expressive guitar playing due to insufficient technique and lack of a structured system. Many talented musicians get frustrated when they can't play what they hear in their head and feel in their heart. Our focus is on breaking down these barriers by providing you with the essential tools and a proven method to apply them effectively on the guitar. Simply learning scales, chord shapes, and theory isn't enough – this course will show you how to use them to become a better musician. If you're ready to invest the time and effort, we’re confident that together, we can achieve your musical goals. Students must bring their own acoustic or electric guitar and a pick. For electric guitar players, please bring your amp and chords.

• Oct 01, 2025 to Oct 22, 2025 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (4 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $100
• Item: 39845
• Course syllabus and supply sheet is located here