Event: Intro to Jazz Guitar

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Cost: $49.00 USD

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Event Agenda:

The workshop will be divided into two one-hour sections:

• Hour One: Learn the main melody and structure of “Blue Bossa,” including phrasing, feel, chord movement, and how jazz tunes are commonly approached by guitarists.

• Hour Two: Introduction to jazz improvisation concepts, including scales, chord tones, melodic ideas, and practical approaches to soloing over the chord progression.

About this event:

If you’ve been playing guitar for a while and are looking to push yourself beyond the same scales, riffs, and songs you always play, this workshop is a perfect introduction to the world of jazz guitar.

Join George’s Music guitar instructor Ben Schmaus for a hands-on, two-hour workshop built specifically for players who are curious about jazz but may not know where to start. This is not a high-pressure or overly academic class—it’s a practical, player-focused session designed to help guitarists expand their musical vocabulary, improve their understanding of melody and improvisation, and experience a completely different approach to playing guitar.

Using the classic jazz standard “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham as the foundation, Ben will guide students through the essential elements of learning and performing a jazz tune in a way that’s approachable and easy to follow.

Whether you’re looking to become a more versatile player, improve your improvisation skills, or simply challenge yourself creatively, this workshop will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective you can immediately apply to your playing.

Hosted by Ben Schmaus

Location:

George's Music

650 West Swedesford Road
Berwyn, PA 19312

Key Details:

Ages: All Ages

Duration: 2 hr long

This workshop is designed for intermediate-level players and above who already have a basic understanding of chords and single-note playing but want to explore new musical territory. No prior jazz experience is necessary—just bring your guitar, an open mind, and a willingness to try something new.

About Ben Schmaus:

Ben Schmaus is a highly skilled and dedicated music teacher with a specialized background in music technology and jazz guitar. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where he majored in Music Technology and Jazz Guitar Performance. With over 10 years of private instruction under various teachers and 5 years of teaching experience, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his students.

Ben's musical journey began at a young age, and he has since developed a versatile playing style, performing in rock, country, and jazz bands. His experience includes playing in diverse settings, from solo guitar performances to participating in big band ensembles. This rich performance background not only enhances his teaching but also provides students with insights from a seasoned performer.

Focusing on intermediate and advanced students, Ben tailors his teaching to those already familiar with basic chord shapes and scales. His approach is deeply rooted in following each student's musical preferences, using songs they enjoy as a vehicle for teaching technique development, ear training, and the application of theory concepts. This student-centered methodology ensures that lessons are engaging and directly relevant to each student's interests and goals. Ben's commitment to teaching and his ability to adapt to the individual needs of his students make him an ideal mentor for those looking to advance their guitar skills and deepen their musical understanding.