Places are still available for the Essex Easter Jazz (EEJ) course being held at Brentwood School from March 30 until April 2.

The four-day course, which is in partnership with the Spike Robinson foundation, takes place between 9am and 5pm and will conclude with a student concert on the final night.

The programme, for anyone looking to explore this genre of music further and it is recommended that applicants are a minimum of Grade 5 standard to gain the most from this exciting opportunity.

The course, which costs £235, is run by Brentwood School drum teacher, Marc Cecil, and guitarist Tony Sandeman, and is open to anyone aged 16 or over.

Mr Cecil explained: “Whether you are new to jazz and looking to explore this exciting music, or a gigging professional seeking to improve your jazz repertoire and improvisational skills, this is the course for you.”

Participants will gain expertise from some of the finest players on the UK jazz scene, including Derek Nash from the Jools Holland Orchestra, Georgina Jackson from the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, Steve Waterman, the 2014 British Jazz award winner and Dave Chamberlain from the Ronnie Scott’s, All Stars.

Mr Cecil explained: “We will look in depth at some of your favourite jazz standards along with Latin and fusion tunes, giving you an insight into the world of the jazz greats.

"You will be able to explore the harmonies, rhythms, and stylistic nuances that make jazz and improvised music the most challenging field of contemporary music today.”

Brentwood School Director of Music, Mrs Hilary Khoo, said she was delighted to announce the return of the EEJ course following last year’s very successful event.

She saidL: ”If you are looking to improve your repertoire and improvisational skills, this could be the course for you.

"Brentwood has a long association with jazz music through its Big Band who regularly give concerts here and also tour abroad.

"We are fortunate to have peripatetic staff, who are well known on the London jazz scene and therefore it seems wholly fitting that we are able to assist with an event such as this.”

Further information is available on the Essex Easter Jazz website: www.essexeasterjazz.co.uk or by emailing either Tony or Marc: tony@essexeasterjazz.com or marc@essexeasterjazz.com