JAM piano professor Jörg Leichtfried held Masterclasses in Rome
Saint Louis recently welcomed Jörg Leichtfried, pianist, composer, and lecturer at the JAM MUSIC LAB Private University, for a high-level educational exchange. Held on March 24 and 25, 2026, this visit was part of the Erasmus+ partnership, providing Saint Louis students with a unique opportunity to refine their skills under the guidance of an international professional.
Program Highlights
- Masterclass “Solo Interpretation”: On March 24, a group session focused on modern jazz solo piano, exploring standards and original compositions while treating the piano voice as a narrative tool.
- One-on-One Coaching: On March 25, students participated in individual lessons, receiving personalized feedback on their repertoire, technique, and harmonic approach.
Masterclass Content
The sessions specifically addressed the role of the left hand, one of the most crucial yet frequently overlooked elements of jazz piano. Using exercises from his manuscript “Harmonic and Rhythmic Possibilities – Patterns for the Left Hand,” Leichtfried covered:
- Rhythmic stability and the complex choreography between both hands.
- Contrapuntal voice movements and harmonization.
- Phrasing, articulation, and advanced rhythmic concepts such as “playing over the bar line.”
About the Visiting Professor
Jörg Leichtfried (Vienna, 1984) is a renowned jazz pianist and educator at JAM Music Lab and the Friedrich Gulda School of Music. His career spans performances in over 20 countries at prestigious festivals like Warsaw Jazz Festival and Porgy & Bess Vienna. His accolades include the Cultural Award of the Province of Lower Austria (2021) and the State Fellowship for Composition (2024).
