Related WORKSHOPS

Two-Day Jazz Composition Workshop with Michele Rosewoman

For all aspiring composers at all levels. Many musicians feel they don’t know how to compose. Where to begin? Experienced composers often feel ”stuck” — out of ideas or perspective on how to develop an idea they have. Visiting instructor Michele Rosewoman demonstrates that all you need is a starting point and just about any will do. With instructor’s guidance, students gain a deeper understanding of their unique personal preferences and how to apply them to the process of composing.

Part I:  Instructor demonstrates methods for adjusting, elaborating upon and extending
musical thought through melodic, harmonic and rhythmic possibilities and thematic development. Students are introduced to the techniques behind writing for a variety of instrumentations. Instruction on how to create individual transposed parts and how to best convey musical ideas on paper is also presented. Each student receives personal guidance regarding how to proceed and what to have ready for Part II of the workshop.

Part II:  After a week of writing on their own, part II of the workshop is an opportunity to hear what students have written and to try out their ideas. Class works on phase two of the development of each composition. Students are offered further ideas for honing, polishing, developing and presenting their new compositions, and a rhythm section is available to play through all student compositions.
At the conclusion of the two-part workshop, each student should have a completed or well-on-its-way composition. Students should bring their instruments, music paper and a recording device.

Part 1: April 17, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Part 2: April 24, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
MICHELE ROSEWOMAN
$60 Jazzschool students/$75 others


New York based Pianist/Composer Michele Rosewoman has performed with great musicians from both the jazz and Latin music worlds, including Rufus Reid, Reggie Workman, James Spaulding, Billy Hart, Gary Bartz, Jimmy Heath, Julian Priester, Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, Celia Cruz, Cuban master drummer/ vocalist, Orlando ‘Puntilla’ Rios, Andy Gonzalez and Pedrito Martinez.
Since its 1986 debut, Rosewoman’s Quintessence ensemble has been a main vehicle for her evolution as pianist, composer and bandleader. Members have included some of the most inventive voices in jazz, including Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Gary Thomas, Miguel Zenon, Robin Eubanks, Kenny Davis and Terri Lyne Carrington, amongst others. A school in its own right, many have cited the experience of playing within the context of this highly acclaimed ensemble as notably influential in their own development as musicians, composers and bandleaders. Rosewoman is the recipient of numerous grants including a 2008 and 2003 Chamber Music America/Doris Duke Foundation New Works Creation and Presentation Commission. She has appeared at jazz festivals, concert halls and clubs throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Arranging on the Spot
In this hands-on workshop, long time producer/arranger/keyboardist shares insight into creating fresh arrangements of jazz standards “on the spot.” Techniques covered include using different rhythmic feels and grooves, reharmonization and alterations to the melody and lyrics. Students sing and/or play selected repertoire in a variety of styles, and are guided in how to make even the most common of standards sound new. A great workshop for instrumentalists and vocalists preparing for their next live performance or CD, or for those who simply want to learn the tricks of the trade! Frank Martin has worked with a number of music legends including Sting, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Dizzy Gilespie, Patti Austin and Ray Charles, to name a few!

Sunday April 25
2 – 4 pm
frank martin
$30 Jazzschool students/$45 others