This course will benefit anyone with a keen interest in jazz, improvising and playing as part of a jazz ensemble.. If you have a basic grounding on your instrument then no previous experience of jazz or improvisation is necessary.

 

Perhaps you already play in a weekly big band or improvisation group. This is an opportunity to spend a solid week working at honing your skills and take that jazz solo with increased confidence!

 

We will rehearse and perform eight arrangements (4 or 5 horn parts with rhythm section) and then work together on relevant ways to approach the improvisation sections on each with an emphasis on keeping it simple! Handouts with focussed tips will be provided for each tune but there will be no long lectures in music theory!

 

Parts for the arrangements will be sent to you in advance as PDF files so there is time to prepare. There will also be suggestions for pre-course work that will help with the improvisation.

 

When most people think about the word ‘improvisation’ it is jazz music that first springs to mind. Indeed, improvisation is often considered central to this style of music but there is also much satisfaction to be had from playing well structured jazz ensemble arrangements with like-minded players. 

 

I have been running summer schools like this since 1987 so have no shortage of experience to draw on. Couple that with the luxury of living, dining and studying at Le Pras and this course promises to be one to remember! 

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Mike