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JAZZ IMPROVISATION AND COMPOSITION

CONCERT, WORKSHOP and PUPIL PERFORMANCE

Tutors and instruments used during the workshop:

KEYBOARDS, BASS/BASS GUITAR, DRUMS/PERCUSSION, TRUMPET, WOODWIND

PART ONE       DURATION  50 MINUTES

FORMAT:-  a concert with a short talk, explaining and demonstrating the instruments.

The performance will begin with music from the 1980’s with sequenced techno, rock and funk. Well known riffs and samples will be highlighted.
Examples of music and styles from the 1980's to 1900 will be demonstrated, funk, rock and roll, latin (variety), jive swing, 1940's big band music and ragtime.

PART TWO  Suitable for GCSE, A/S and A level groups.

METHODS OF IMPROVISATION

FORMAT: Demonstration of instruments, explanation of styles, form, chord sequences, dates; performance of the music, highlighting techniques, continuity and development.
This can be used for the listening paper, performance and composition.

Examples of the format and music would be:

PLAY MELODIES - improvise around them, showing the techniques of melodic development, including sequence, repetition, diminution and ornamentation.
CHORD PATTERNS AND MODES - using simple chord changes, eg. Dm7, Em7, highlighting the changing notes. Again using repetition, sequence, question and answer.
BLUES - Chord patterns, tempo, feel, changing notes and developmental techniques.
PLAYING TUNES IN DIFFERENT STYLE (VARIATIONS) - standard tune performed as ballad, swing, waltz, rock and funk.

Notes will be provided to pupils and staff to cover rhythms, form, instrumentation, harmony, cadences, changing notes.

If it is thought suitable, students will be given the opportunity to perform with the group. Compositions by students may be performed, and, if requested, the workshop could take the form of tutors working on performance techniques with instrumentalists, almost like sectional rehearsal, or on compositional techniques with small groups.

Any combination of formats can be organized given sufficient notice. 

Click here for some Jazz workshop comments        Click here for some Jazz workshop photos