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The faces of about 30 young musicians beamed with smiles and hope as they listened to their tutors and tackled their initial tasks at the start of the third edition of the Accra Jazz Academy (AJA) on Monday, October 20, at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra. Started in February 2024 by the Ghana Jazz Foundation (GJF) in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Thomas Dobler Music Organisation, the AJA seeks, among other things, to provide a forum for brilliant and dedicated young musicians in Ghana to learn, connect, share, and grow together through music. Following two earlier sessions where participants gained greater proficiency and confidence on their instruments and performed in concerts under the guidance of seasoned professionals, the third edition began on a lively note with a focus on harmony in jazz performance. It was a highly interactive session as participants paid close attention to demonstrations by some of the tutors, asked questions, engaged with each other, and displayed their current levels of skill and understanding. Other areas of jazz to be explored before the current session ends on October 26 include vocal techniques, improvisation, ensemble work, sight-reading, and effective practice routines. Tutors for this AJA session include saxophonist Bernard Ayisa, pianist Victor Dey Jr, vibraphonist Thomas Dobler from Switzerland, drummer Frank Kissi, singer Sandra Huson, and bassist Gaddiel Amoah. In a brief welcome statement before the session began, the President of the Ghana Jazz Foundation, Dr Adrian Nii Odoi Oddoye, said a key aim of the Foundation was to promote jazz and live music through education and cultural exchange. He expressed delight that the project was progressing well. Dr Oddoye urged the young musicians to give of their best to make their participation in the programme worthwhile. According to him, every practice session contributes to a story far bigger than anyone present, and it is therefore important for all to strive for excellence. He also thanked the tutors for their dedication and willingness to share their talents and experiences so generously. The participants will feature in a free concert alongside the GHJazz Collective at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill. “We urge everyone to come and support these young musicians. They represent the future of good musicianship in this country and deserve all the encouragement they can get,” tutor and saxophonist Bernard Ayisa said.
