Our Mission
To provide an opportunity to learn to play, and to improve one’s skills in jazz performance in the context of group practice under the guidance of professional jazz musicians and teachers in a supportive environment.
Dr. Howard Spring
Director and Instructor
Howard is a jazz guitarist, historian, and ethnomusicologist with over 35 years of experience teaching jazz history, performance, and world music at the University of Guelph. Throughout his career, he has performed at many of Toronto’s notable venues, including Jazz Bistro, The Pilot, and Lula Lounge, and has contributed to various recordings. His teaching experience spans from one-on-one jazz guitar lessons to directing both small and large ensembles at the university level.
Al Gorman
Instructor
Allan (Al) has been a dedicated jazz guitar and ensemble instructor at the University of Guelph since 2016. He has a rich history with Toronto’s vibrant jazz scene, particularly through his long-standing association with Chalkers, where he performed regularly and booked international artists like Jason Marsalis, Sheila Jordan, and John Abercrombie, alongside many of Toronto’s prominent local jazz musicians. Allan has also produced several projects, including “Emory Lester Set” (1992), Al Gorman Quartet’s “Bisco Blues” (2016), and the tribute album “Edification” (2017), honoring Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert. He is excited to be a part of the Toronto New School of Music.