PJGR
Mary currently co-teaches and directs Phoenix Jazz Girls Rising (PJGR) alongside pianist and educator Claudia Bloom.
PJGR is an all female ensemble designed to teach young musicians the basics of jazz, improvisation, and how to express their individuality through music. Students study well known jazz tunes as well as song form and other basic musical concepts. The group welcomes all skill levels. PJGR is partnered with The Nash jazz club in downtown Phoenix.
Classes are held Saturday mornings from 10 am to noon at the Nash.
"They're our future," [Mary] says of her students. "So it's really important to give them seeds for exploring this music, and having some sort of excitement about it and curiosity really."
Petrich feels having a woman in that role is important for jazz.
"I have wonderful male colleagues who I think are just fantastic," she says.
"But it's really important that youth see women in these roles. I'm a performer. I'm an educator. I'm in it all the time. It's so important that these young female musicians can look up and see someone who looks like them."
Phoenix College Jazz Combos
Mary is also an adjunct faculty member at Phoenix College where she teaches jazz combos and improvisation.
Clinic with Minneapolis based pianist Mary Louise Knutson, and Mary Petrich
Workshops and Clinics
Trained both in classical and jazz saxophone, Mary has a passion for a synergistic approach in her teaching. She offers workshops, classes, and private lessons to all levels.
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Teaches private saxophone, both classical and jazz
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Clinics for middle school and high school big bands
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Improvisation workshops
Private
Lessons
Contact Mary at (602) 565-3640 to schedule private saxophone lessons.