About the Program:
Designed for music students with an intermediate proficiency level on their instrument.
Returning for the second year, this 3-session series will explore the many ways in which jazz artists approach improvisation. Workshops take place virtually during regular Saturday Jazz Academy sessions, and will include international students invited from Cuba and other Latin American countries, beginning January 15, 2022.
Each workshop will be chance to learn from Latin jazz greats, showcasing a range of musical instruments and Latin cultural backgrounds. We are thrilled to feature this year's presenters Clarice Assad, Victor Garcia, and Melvis Santa. The sessions will include 90 minutes of bi-lingual instruction including opportunities for student questions and interaction.
Students will explore an artist’s approach to improvisation and creative expression and will get a firsthand look at the breakdown of how life experiences, past and present, play a vital role in influencing the creative choices you make as artists and people. Improvisation is a study of who we are, and an honest look at our present selves. Join us as we explore these facets of ourselves and learn from the masters.
Through this workshop we hope to build cross-cultural bridges between our students, domestic and international. The workshops will bring Latin music to the forefront and delve into the world of improvisation through different cultures' roots. Improvisation is a human form of expression, one which can connect and speak to people regardless of age, language or background. This is a rare opportunity to meet people from different cultures and explore improvisation with the masters!
U.S. Students: REGISTER HERE
Estudiantes Internacionales: REGISTRAR AQUÍ
Meet the masters!
Image from previous workshop with Miguel Zenon
Generously supported by:
U.S. Students: REGISTER HERE
Estudiantes Internacionales: REGISTRAR AQUÍ
Meet the masters!
CLARICE ASSAD - January 15 - Overcoming Fear of Improvisation
A powerful communicator renowned for her musical scope and versatility, Brazilian American Clarice Assad is a significant artistic voice in the classical, world music, pop and jazz genres, renowned for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range.
VICTOR GARCIA - February 26 - Rhythm & Modes in Improvisation
Examiner.com’s Neil Tesser calls him “one of the most exciting young musicians.” Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich says that he “stands out as an ebullient soloist offering a formidable technique and a radiantly polished tone.” JazzChicago.net’s Brad Walseth regards him as a “young lion trumpeter.”
MELVIS SANTA - April 23 - Women in Improvisation
Singer, composer, pianist, Afro Cuban dancer, actress, and educator Melvis Santa was born and raised in the heart of an eclectic neighborhood in Havana. Melvis made a splash on the Cuban musical scene when she founded the collective vocal group Sexto Sentido, a project that jazz great Chucho Valdés deemed as “the best Cuban vocal quartet of the past 30 years” in 2007.
Image from previous workshop with Miguel Zenon
Generously supported by: