A 5-Week Program for Creative Musical Expression and Industry Navigation
Rags Combo Class unites talented young artists from the Paso Robles community, spanning high school to college ages, to explore improvisation, composition, performance, and entrepreneurship.
This program is fully scholarship-based and tuition-free. Online auditions will be held, and two ensembles will be selected based on skill level—one high school ensemble and one college ensemble. Each group will consist of a maximum of six members.
Notable alumni are currently studying at prestigious institutions such as Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, New School, USC, NYU, and Berklee College of Music. Additionally, Michael's current students attend LACHSA in Los Angeles, recognized as one of the nation's top arts high schools. To learn more about the details go to our website below!
MISSION
INSTRUCTION
DETAILS
The Rags Combo aims to solidify music fundamentals, improve original musical expression, and discover creative ways to navigate the music industry.
Rags Combo is led by pianist Michael Ragonese. Learn more about our artistic director below.
When: Jan 13 - Feb 10, 2025
Where: Libretto Paso Robles
Deadline to Apply: Dec 16th, 2024
LISTEN + LEARN + APPLY
The Modern Artist Music Pedagogy
Rags Combo implements a balanced approach to music pedagogy, providing classroom learning, one-on-one instruction, collaboration, and live performance experience. Students will gain valuable experience transferring what they learn in class to the stage with confidence.
COURSES OFFERED
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Jazz Improvisation
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Jazz History/Listening
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Jazz Theory/Harmony
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Composition
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Music Technology
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Music Professionalism/Entrepreneurship
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Small Group Rehearsals
Logistics
TUITION & FEES
FREE, AUDITION BASED
SCHEDULE
Week 1
Monday (combo 1), Jan 13: 4-6pm
Tuesday (combo 2), Jan 14 4-6pm
Week 2
Monday (combo 1), Jan 20: 4-6pm
Tuesday (combo 2), Jan 21: 4-6pm
Week 3
Monday (combo 1), Jan 27: 4-6pm
Tuesday (combo 2), Jan 28: 4-6pm
Week 4
Monday (combo 1), Feb 3: 4-6pm
Tuesday (combo 2), Feb 4: 4-6pm
Week 5
Monday Concert, Feb 10: 5pm soundcheck, Show from 6-7:30pm.
LOCATION
Libretto, Paso Robles
*Address will be provided via email to registered students.
Learn & Create in a Professional Jazz Venue
Participants in the 5-week Rags Combo Class will have the unique opportunity to rehearse at one of the country’s top jazz clubs, featuring an incredible Steinway concert grand piano.
By immersing themselves in this inspiring environment, students will play on world-class instruments while learning to create an engaging music set that will be performed for a sophisticated and appreciative audience. This combo class will perform at a professional jazz club, providing valuable insights into the life of an artist and the experience of performing at prestigious venues.
Meet the Instructor
MICHAEL RAGONESE | PIANO
Michael Ragonese is a Los Angeles based pianist, composer, arranger, and educator who received his Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies at California State University Northridge in 2014. Michael has performed, recorded and toured with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Dave Koz, Engelbert Humperdinck, Bennie Maupin, Charnett Moffett, Alphonso Johnson, John Daversa, Louise Cole, Darek Oles, Walter Smith III, Mark Turner, David Binney, Bob Reynolds, Bob Sheppard, Rick Braun, Aubrey Logan and Grace Kelly. Michael has released 2 albums and has toured nationally and internationally as a band leader. He has been reviewed by some of the top Jazz publications in the country. In Addition to Michael's performance career, he runs a music school named "Rags school of Music" that encourages students to study and learn how to improvise and play in the jazz style of music.
