with Jacob Do and Dan Davis
NEW PROGRAM Applications Open
For Ages 16+ | Jazz Instrumentalists – Intermediate to Advanced
This course focuses on the aural tradition of jazz—the way jazz has historically been learned, shared, and passed down from generation to generation. Rather than relying on sheet music, students will learn tunes by ear, absorb harmonic movement through sound and repetition, and develop improvisational ideas by directly engaging with solos and techniques.
Co-taught by Edmonton jazz artists Dan Davis and Jacob Do, this course draws inspiration from Jacob’s training at the Tribeca Jazz Institute in New York City, where he studied under leading jazz artists including Grant Stewart, Pasquale Grasso, Chris Byars, David Hazeltine, and others. This approach mirrors the methods used by these musicians: learning repertoire through listening, internalizing melody and harmony, and building solos that are composed in the moment.
Placement auditions are required and will take place on September 1, 2026.
Program Details
- Intended For: Intermediate to Advanced Jazz Instrumentalists and Vocalists aged 16+
- Schedule: Wednesday Evenings from 7:00 – 8:15 PM starting September 23 until December 16, 2026
- Price: $300 / person
Eligibility
Jazz Improvisation is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists. Participants should have at least two years of experience and a solid command of fundamentals on their instruments.
Please note that while applications for all instruments are encouraged, openings may be limited.
How to Apply
Submit the online Application Form.
Apply NowAudition Requirements
All applicants should have at least 2 years of experience playing their instruments.
The live audition for Jazz Improvisation will include:
- Prepared piece. Jazz preferred, but anything that showcases your skills will work well.
- Improvising -- Bb blues (such as Blue Monk, Billies Bounce, C Jam Blues) accompanied by a play along.
Applicants to multiple Jazz programs (Big Band, Jazz Combos) will only be required to audition once – all elements will be combined into one audition.
Musicians who have participated in past sessions of Conservatory Big Band or Jazz Combos are not required to audition.
Meet Your Instructors
Jacob Do
Jacob Do is a jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator whose resonant and nuanced sound lends itself to emotional storytelling through improvisation, rooted in swing and the bebop tradition.
Jacob holds his degree in Jazz Performance from McGill University with Outstanding Achievement in Jazz Saxophone, where he studied with Remi Bolduc. Jacob has also participated in the Tribeca Jazz Institute in New York City, where he studied with Grant Stewart and Eric Alexander. Jacob’s debut EP Maybe, recorded live at the Yardbird Suite in 2024, is slated for release in May 2025 on Bent River Records, features four original pieces arranged for jazz octet. Jacob holds both a Stingray Rising Star Award (2019, Ottawa International Jazz Festival) and the inaugural Oliver Jones Award (2019, Festival International de Jazz de Montréal). Jacob “will no doubt bring some new energy and ideas to the jazz world and we’ll all be better off for it.” (PJ Perry)
Dan Davis
Dan Davis is a saxophonist and educator from Edmonton AB. He completed his Masters in Jazz Studies at the University of South Florida in 2009. He leads the Way Back Whens, a brand new trad-jazz band that to released their debut record “Live at the Yardbird Suite” in 2024. Dan is also a member of The Brasstactics, Canada’s loudest brass party band. In 2015 Dan’s composition “What Happens Next” received an Edmonton Music Award for Best Jazz Recording.
Dan has been fortunate enough to perform with Caity Gyorgy, Tommy Banks, Jim Head, Robi Botos, Joel Gray, Juno winners Mike Murley and Kevin Turcotte, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra and the Glen Miller Orchestra.
Currently, Dan is the acting head of the wind department at MacEwan University, and an instructor at the Conservatory at the Winspear Centre for Music.
