ABOUT MICHAEL
ABOUT MICHAEL
MUSIC
MUSIC
MUSIC
Teaching Creative Musical Expression and Industry Navigation
The Modern Artist Summer Jazz Intensive is designed for young artists eager to improve their musical expression in addition to learning the tools needed to succeed as a Modern Artist.
This 5-day immersive music intensive gives students the power to improve their creativity and expression through improvisation, composition, collaboration, and the skills to pursue a career as a Modern Artist.
MISSION
The Modern Artist aims to solidify music fundamentals, improve original musical expression, and discover creative ways to navigate the music industry.
INSTRUCTION
The Modern Artist is led by pianist Michael Ragonese and saxophonist Alex Hahn. Learn more about our instructors and program below.
LISTEN + LEARN + APPLY
The Modern Artist Music Pedagogy
The Modern Musician 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
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
MICHAEL RAGONESE | PIANO
Michael Ragonese is a Los Angeles-based pianist with over 25 years of experience. Trained in classical piano, he discovered jazz in high school and later earned a jazz piano degree from California State University, Northridge. He has performed, recorded, and toured with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Dave Koz, Walter Smith III, and Aubrey Logan, among many others. Michael has also led top jazz jam sessions in LA and released two original albums (2019, 2023).
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In addition to performing, he runs Rags School of Music, where students learn jazz improvisation through lessons, annual concerts, and summer workshops. His program is supported by a team of four experienced music educators.
ALEX HAHN | SAXOPHONE
Alumni of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance and 1st Place Winner in the Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition, Alex Hahn is a multi-award winning saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles, California. He has performed and recorded with notable names such as Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, Peter Erskine, and recorded on Michael Bublé’s last three Grammy Nominated Albums. He is also a featured soloist on the Eddie Murphy movie Coming 2 America. Hahn currently serves as the Director of Jazz at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and is an endorsed artist with Eastman Winds, D’Addario Woodwinds, and Key Leaves.
LOGISTICS & APPLICATIONS
OVERVIEW
When: June 23-27, 2025
Where: Burbank Music Academy & Hollywood Piano
Deadline to Apply: June 1, 2024
Tuition: $550 per student
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
CAMP WEEKDAYS
Burbank Music Academy
June 23 - 26: 3:30pm – 7:30pm ​
FINAL CLASS & PERFORMANCE
June 27: 10am – 2pm @ Burbank Music Academy
June 27: 6:30pm Performance @ Hollywood Piano​
VENUE
FINAL PERFORMANCE:
Hollywood Piano
499 S Arroyo Pkwy,
Pasadena, CA 91105
