25th / 26th May 2019 – Dar Mar-Molinero returns for a spectacular Big Band Workshop – Basie to Ellington and Beyond. Saxophonist, composer and educator, Dan has been recognised nationally for his work in jazz and commercial music.
Category: Previous Workshops
Bob Reynolds Saxophone Masterclass
4th April 2019 – Bob Reynolds is an American jazz tenor saxophonist and Grammy Award-winning member of the band Snarky Puppy. Widely known for his work with both Snarky and John Mayer. Don’t miss out.
Andy Scott Manchester Sax Weekend
16th / 17th February 2019 – In association with The Manchester College Jazz Department, JazzSmart hosts a two day saxophone workshop, that is aimed equally at classical and jazz saxophonists, led by Andy Scott.
Jazz Improvisation Workshop with Mike Hall
27th / 28th April 2019 – We welcome back Mike Hall, head of Jazz Studies at the RNCM in Manchester, for a two day jazz improvisation workshop. This course is open to beginner, intermediate and advanced improvisers.
Jazz Performance & Technology Workshop
James Rawlinson & Geoff Westgate – Three day Jazz Performance & Technology Workshop, August 10th/11th/12th 2018.
Coda Music Centre, Walkford, Christchurch.
NEW for 2018 – August 10th-12th. We have an exciting three day Jazz Performance & Technology workshop for August 2018. For singers and instrumentalists, a jazz and blues workshop where you will perform and record with a professional sound engineer and take away the finished result which can be used for your own portfolio or pleasure. Learn how to play with a microphone, use monitoring and use a P.A. system. This course aims to demystify the world of electronics and technology in music.
We will also be delving into improvisation, ear playing, rhythm reading and playing music in small and large ensembles. We welcome pre-formed ensembles who may want to improve their playing as a unit.
On the final afternoon there will be an informal performance where friends and family will be welcomed to watch the result of three days intense work.
Leading the tuition for woodwind and improvisation will be James Rawlinson, Dorset & Hampshire based saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist and teacher. James plays with or leads various ensembles including The Red Fez Orchestra, Regular Joes, Bevin Boys and Forza Saxophone Quartet. He has extensive experience of recording with bands and for sessions. As an educator James has run many big bands and rehearsal orchestras. Also on hand to coach the less experienced players will be Andrew Blee, JazzSmart organiser, teacher and saxophonist.
We welcome back to JazzSmart Geoff Westgate, who is an accomplished guitarist, known for his involvement with The Regular Joes, Red Fez Orchestra, The Midnight Shift and much more. Geoff has worked regularly all over the world as a player and sound engineer. He has experience in many fields including P.A. design, tutoring sound engineering, recording and production.
This music technology & performance workshop will be held at the converted farm buildings of Coda Music Trust, Walkford, Dorset.
Price for this is only £150 for three days of musical fun and crammed workshops.
Participant Requirements:
Beginners or near beginners (woodwind only) - Come along and work with one of our tutors in improving your technique, tone and overall musicianship. A welcoming and encouraging environment to improve your sax life!
Early Grades (approximately Grades 1-3) - This course is suitable for those on their early grades, it will help you build confidence in reading, improvising and playing with a band. We can provide easy to play along music and advice on how to improvise effectively.
Intermediate (approximately Grades 4-5) - Want to be a pushed a little further? Then this course is for you. We have music that will push your reading and / or improvisation abilities, and include in more detail subject topics such as style, musical interpretation and better technique.
Advanced (Grades 6+) - Challenging music and tutoring to develop your understanding of rhythms, musical expression, and enhance your knowledge of advanced jazz theory and techniques.
Regardless of your current level, we here at JazzSmart are committed to providing tuition and support at a pace that allows you to absorb salient points while good progress and motivation is maintained.
What do we mean by "grades" as a measuring tool? We use the ABRSM/Trinity "classical" syllabus, but in most respects this applies to the Jazz grades as well. If you haven't taken any grades then please contact us to discuss suitability.
Early Grades (approximately Grades 1-3) - This course is suitable for those on their early grades, it will help you build confidence in reading, improvising and playing with a band. We can provide easy to play along music and advice on how to improvise effectively.
Intermediate (approximately Grades 4-5) - Want to be a pushed a little further? Then this course is for you. We have music that will push your reading and / or improvisation abilities, and include in more detail subject topics such as style, musical interpretation and better technique.
Advanced (Grades 6+) - Challenging music and tutoring to develop your understanding of rhythms, musical expression, and enhance your knowledge of advanced jazz theory and techniques.
Regardless of your current level, we here at JazzSmart are committed to providing tuition and support at a pace that allows you to absorb salient points while good progress and motivation is maintained.
What do we mean by "grades" as a measuring tool? We use the ABRSM/Trinity "classical" syllabus, but in most respects this applies to the Jazz grades as well. If you haven't taken any grades then please contact us to discuss suitability.
Participants of all ages are welcome. Please note: Participants under 18 will need to provide parent/ guardian contact details.
- Saxophones (Flute/Clarinet)
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Guitar
- Drums
- Bass
- Piano
- Percussion
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Guitar
- Drums
- Bass
- Piano
- Percussion
You will need to bring your own instrument and instrument stand.
Drums: We have a drum kit but you can bring your own breakables. By all means you can bring your complete kit if you prefer.
Guitar/Bass: You'll need to bring your own amps.
Keys: We have a piano but feel free to bring your own keyboard.
Drums: We have a drum kit but you can bring your own breakables. By all means you can bring your complete kit if you prefer.
Guitar/Bass: You'll need to bring your own amps.
Keys: We have a piano but feel free to bring your own keyboard.
Not provided, we recommend bringing a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and cold refreshments are included for all participants.
Times for the workshop are as follows:
Arrive: 9.30am onwards
Session one: 10am - 11.15am
Morning break: 11.15am - 11.45am
Session two: 11.45am - 1pm
Lunch: 1pm - 2pm
Session three: 2pm - 3pm
Afternoon break: 3pm - 3.30pm
Session four: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Arrive: 9.30am onwards
Session one: 10am - 11.15am
Morning break: 11.15am - 11.45am
Session two: 11.45am - 1pm
Lunch: 1pm - 2pm
Session three: 2pm - 3pm
Afternoon break: 3pm - 3.30pm
Session four: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Contact at info@jazzsmart.com, or calling 07708 091675, or by using our contact form and we will be happy to discuss your needs further.
Derek Nash Saxophone Workshop
6th / 7th October 2018 – Derek Nash, sax man extraordinaire with Jools Holland, is coming to JazzSmart. Don’t miss it!
*** SOLD OUT ***
POP Big Band with Dan Mar-Molinero
24th / 25th November 2018 – Dar Mar-Molinero returns for a fun and exciting POP Big Band Workshop. Saxophonist, composer and educator, Dan has been recognised nationally for his work in jazz and commercial music.
Jazz Improvisation Workshop with Mike Hall
15th / 16th June 2019 – In partnership with the University of Chichester, This course is open to beginner, intermediate and advanced improvisers. This workshop is for you if you want to improve your jazz playing regardless of level!
Andy Scott August Sax Summer School
Saxophone Workshop at Durlston Court School, Barton On Sea, Hampshire.
W
e are pleased to announce a three day saxophone workshop on 4th-6th August 2017 in Barton On Sea (Near Bournemouth).
Do you want to improve your saxophone sound, sight read better, play better in tune, have real control over your saxophone, improve your improvising and theory and be part of a hard-working and enjoyable team of saxophonists for three days?
If yes then join Andy Scott & James Rawlinson at JazzSmart on the 4th-6th August 2017, at Durlston School, for a three-day JazzSmart experience!
Andy Scott – Saxophonist & Educator
Andy Scott is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader who is well known to JazzSmart, having directed courses for many years. He is a highly-experienced educator, Tutor of Saxophone at the Royal Northern College of Music, who has developed and crafted his specialist Saxophone Days, directing them worldwide.
Andy says “I’ve noticed on one or two day saxophone courses that there are simple and effective ways to improve our playing, maybe a different reed strength or mouthpiece, adjustments to embouchure, discovering the art of voicing and manipulating your basic tone, which all leads to feeling really comfortable when you play, and makes it more enjoyable for the people sitting next to you!
We have deliberately created a three day saxophone workshop to give us the time to explore these areas, in addition to having a great time doing lots of playing in different musical styles. My aim is that everyone leaves a better musician, with musical thoughts and ideas to explore that will be of huge benefit.”
James Rawlinson – Local Saxophonist & Teacher
In conjunction with James Rawlinson, himself a highly experienced performer and educator (The Red Fez Orchestra, Regular Joes, Forza Sax Quartet etc), Andy will develop a timetable that allows everyone to explore multiple performing opportunities – maybe you’re preparing for a music college audition or an exam, thinking of joining a band, have always fancied playing in a sax quartet, are someone who improvises but feels short of ideas, or a classically-trained saxophonist that would like to try to improvise. All this as well as playing together as a large ensemble will be covered in detail!
If you have any energy left after all that then on Saturday night will see a trip down to Christchurch Quay to watch the Taverners Big Band performing at Stompin’ On The Quomps Jazz Festival. If you have any questions or queries about the course content etc. please email us for more details.
Priced at ONLY £199 for an amazing three day saxophone workshop including hot lunches and refreshments. Situated in the beautiful grounds of Durlston Court School with excellent facilities in a purpose built music block. Entry requirements Grade 3/4 level or above. Advanced players will still find themselves pushed with the repertoire available. Book online here.
