Chuck Bergeron has been active in the field of Jazz Education for many years, and currently conducts clinics and masterclasses at schools throughout the country. As an adjunct professor at three schools, having varying proficiency criteria, he is experienced at working with students and groups at all skill levels, from beginning improvisers to advanced ensembles.

Chuck is available individually, or in conjunction with the critically-acclaimed Chuck Bergeron Trio, for clinics, concerts, and workshops.

Whether singularly or with his Trio, Chuck will focus his clinics on the particular needs of each set of students. Examples of the subjects that can be covered are:

Rhythm Section Masterclass: Members of the trio work with students on a wide variety of musical styles, designed to create a versatile and cohesive rhythm section unit to accompany ensembles, support soloists, and more effectively shape performances.

Small Group Performance: Focusing on improvisation and interaction with soloists in performance situations. Advanced topics include chord substitutions, reharmonization and metric modulation.

Big Band Styles and Techniques for Rhythm Sections: A comprehensive approach to playing different styles, including Swing, Latin and Funk, in the context of a large ensemble. Encompassed in this clinic is an in depth discussion of time feel, beat placement, creating and maintaining a groove; while simultaneously comprising characteristics of different writers and arrangers.

Jazz Theory Masterclass: A one-hour session for intermediate and advanced students focusing on jazz harmony and modality. This class is designed to present a clear understanding of chord scales and harmonic functions, and to clarify proper chord symbol usage.

Private Lessons: The group is available for individual private instruction for piano players, bass players, and drummers. Sight reading and theory are included, along with techniques for soloing and developing better accompanying skills.

Recording and Producing Techniques: As it becomes easier and more affordable for independent artists and groups to make recordings, this clinic covers the logistical and technical aspects of producing a CD. The outlining of a new project and musical preparation are discussed; along with details involving equipment and location choices, exact costs, as well as post-production and manufacturing suggestions.

Musical Business Seminar: In an ever more competitive environment, young musicians need practical information to help them adapt to industry realities, without hindering the pursuit of their artistic goals. With this in mind, the class focus is on real-life situations and includes a question and answer session about gigs, touring, studio work, getting a record deal, and related issues which are integral for making a living as a professional musician.

The Chuck Bergeron Trio is a world-class professional ensemble whose members are known for their unique multi-stylistic sound and ability to blend together elements of Jazz, Blues, and Classical music. With Gary Versace on piano, Gary Hobbs on drums, and Chuck Bergeron on bass, the trio performs with a wide range of artists and ensembles, and the collective experience of the members of this group span over 60 years with performances from Carnegie Hall to the Berlin Opera House and over 30 countries throughout the world (separate bios are listed below).

Gary Versace: Gary Versace is the assistant director of jazz studies for the University of Oregon, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1993. After receiving a Bachelors degrees in both piano performance and music education from the University of Connecticut, Versace went on to receive his Masters of Music in jazz studies from the Eastman School of Music. As a jazz pianist, he has performed or recorded with Glen Moore, Jerry Hahn, Dave Friesen, Bobby Shew, Michael Davis and Bob Moses. As an arranger, he has written for such prominent jazz artists as Claudio Roditi. His transcriptions for Marian McPartland and others have been published by Warner Brothers Publications, The International Association of Jazz Record Collectors, and Down Beat Magazine; and he performed with Marian McPartland on her acclaimed NPR program "Piano Jazz". Upcoming CD releases feature Gary with Blema Bii, a piano/tenor/percussion trio; and a large ensemble recording from New York trumpeter Peter Bellino. Since moving to the North West, Gary has become much in demand as a feature soloist, clinician, and adjudicator.

Gary Hobbs: Gary Hobbs is a Portland native, but grew up in Vancouver, Washington. His career was highlighted early when he was discovered by Stan Kenton and asked to join his band. After 3-years with Kenton, Hobbs returned home to establish himself as one of the premier drummers on the West Coast. He has been touring and recording in the U.S. and Europe for over 25-years, and has appeared on over 30 albums. Gary is also a highly respected jazz educator, working at jazz camps and performing at clinics all over the country in association with Zildjian Cymbals and Yamaha Drums. Currently he is the drum set instructor at the University of Oregon.

Chuck Bergeron: Jazz bassist and composer, Chuck Bergeron is one of the most versatile and innovative musicians working in the field of jazz today. Equally adept on both acoustic and electric bass, his unique compositional style and approach to improvisation reflect a wide variety of musical influences and confirm a deep commitment to the rich polyrhythmic characteristics of his musical and cultural heritage as a native of New Orleans. Professionally, his artistic talents were shaped by tenure with the big bands of Woody Herman and Buddy Rich. This and his over 10-year residence in New York raised his career into that of a highly respected and in-demand sideman. Chuck has appeared on over 40 records and has toured and performed with a wide variety of artists; including Randy Brecker, Kevin Mahogany, Joey Calderazzo, Dave Grusin, Joe Williams, Adam Nusbaum, and Bob Moses. As a recording artist, he has received critical acclaim as a bassist, composer, and soloist from many publications in the States and abroad, earning ASCAP composer's awards for both his 1996 release Loyalties, and his 1998 release Compositions Coast-to-Coast. Also active in jazz education, Chuck gives clinics and masterclasses for students of all levels. His educational background includes a Masters degree in Jazz and Studio Music from the University of Miami, and a Bachelors in performance from Loyola University. He also studied in summer sessions at the Eastman School of Music before his move to New York. For more biography information click here: Chuck Bergeron Biography