Master Classes

PAST EVENTS:

Saturday May 19, 2018: the Giacomo Gates Vocalese Masterclass!

Learn the special art of Vocalese, a style of singing in which the performer put words to jazz tunes and previously improvised instrumental solos. Participants should bring a musical chart, or lead sheet and be prepared to perform a tune that they know well—and get ready to take it to the next level. Giacomo Gates Vocalese Masterclass is excellent for singers of all levels and great for instrumentalists too!
Price: In-Person: $85 in advance or $100 at the door, $49 streaming online (with limited teacher interaction)
Date: Saturday, May 19
Time: 1-5pm
Location: Michiko Studios (149 W 46th Street)

About Giacomo Gates

Giacomo Gates does more than sing “a bunch of songs.” He is truly an entertainer, for all ages and styles, as audiences enjoy the music, the interaction on the bandstand between him and his musicians, the spontaneity, the humor, the stories about the music and composers, along with their relation to everyday life. People are smiling, having a good time, while thoroughly enjoying the music. What usually lacks in most of today’s performances is obviously present … fun!
Topics:
-Description & History of Vocalese
-Instrumentally Singing / Singing Instrumentally
-Breathing / Phrasing
-Telling Stories Through Lyrics and Performance
-Vocal Care
-Phrasing
-Demonstration and Interaction with the Rhythm Section
-Improvisation (Scat-Singing and Re-Phrasing of a Melody)
-Picking the Best Keys and Tempos

The criteria for defining jazz singing will probably be argued for the rest of time. But no matter which side of the argument one may be on, there can be no doubt that Giacomo Gates is an authentic jazz vocalist. Heavily steeped in the traditions of the original vocal improvisers from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald through their modern counterparts Betty Carter and Leon Thomas, Giacomo’s own approach draws most heavily from the bebop-rooted masters like Jon Hendricks, Babs Gonzales, King Pleasure and most of all, Eddie Jefferson. Like his influences, Gates has forged his own unique path.

Like his mentors, Gates would translate great instrumental solos into Vocalese, including the works of Lee Morgan, Chet Baker, Gene Ammons, Charlie Rouse and many others, also penning lyrics to classic jazz compositions. In citing his influences, Giacomo states “Some of my favorite singers are Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster and Lester Young. They were singing through the horn. If that isn’t singing, I don’t know what is!”

Giacomo has performed with such notables as Jon Hendricks, Lou Donaldson, Freddie Hubbard, Don Friedman, Billy Mitchell, James Spaulding, Eddie Bert, Earl May, Sheila Jordan, Richie Cole, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Hilton Ruiz, and more. His primary focus has been leading his own groups, which has taken him all over the U.S. and other parts of the world. Playing major clubs, major festivals and at countless universities and jazz societies, Giacomo’s enormous appeal and popularity are obvious from the many repeat engagements he has had at these venues. He’s also performed and taught in Europe, Russia and Australia.

Gates has eight heavily acclaimed CDs, all charting in the Top 20, with two #1 recordings, for six and four weeks! The most recent release in April 2017, “What Time is it?” on Savant Records (his 4th on Savant), garnering rave reviews and receiving heavy airplay and reaching number 8 on the national jazz radio charts.

Masterclass with Divinity Roxx

When: Sunday, Feb 26, 3-5pm
Where: New York Jazz Workshop C/o Michiko Studios, Stage Room 2 – 149 W 46th Street , NY, NY
Cost: $25 for NYJW students, $35 for non-students

NYJW is excited to present a one-time special masterclass with bassist/vocalist Divinity Roxx. “Singing / Rapping while Playing your Instrument” – Learn everything about the techniques & tricks to use while playing your instrument and singing at the same time. While this class is especially suited to bass players, all singers and instrumentalists will learn invaluable tips and techniques about independence and much more, non musicians are welcome too! This class will offer an in depth breakdown on the different approaches you can use while performing and practicing at home. Divinity will also talk about the confluence between hip hop and jazz.

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NOVEMBER 3, 2015:
Special guest in the mixed meter workshop: NIKOLAJ HESS
Time: 9pm
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MASTERCLASS WITH: JEAN-MICHEL PILC
Date: Sunday February 1st, 2015
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: New York Jazz Workshop Room at Michiko Studios – 149 West 46 Street, NY, NY
Cost: $35

Jean-Michel Pilc is an internationally renowned performer and educator. Since 2006, he is a NYU Steinhardt faculty member. There, he is giving private lessons (piano and other instruments), ensemble classes and improvisation workshops. He was also co-director of NYU Summer Jazz Improv Workshop in 2010. Jean-Michel is also teaching for the New School in NYC, as well as privately. Pilc has recently released a book, “It’s About Music – The Art and Heart of Improvisation” (Glen Lyon Books) and an educational video for all instruments, “True Jazz Improvisation” (JazzHeaven). Another video about piano playing and practicing is coming out soon, as well as a new, original method: “Can You Speak Jazz?”

“Jean michel is an innovative and beyond brilliant pianist who as spurred a new breed of young adventurous pianist and is a hero to many young musicians. His impact on his students is profound.”
Kenny Werner

“Besides being a brilliant pianist and a world class musician Jean-Michel is an outstanding music educator who has become a very important member of our NYU faculty. Many students have told me that he is a great teacher and that they have enjoyed their studies with him. I can highly recommend him for masterclasses and performances at your school.”
David Pietro, Music Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at NYU

If you are new to the New York Jazz Workshop, click here to register. If you are a registered student and/or are already in our mailing list just send an email to
[email protected]

Drums and Bass Unlimited
Date: Sunday October 19th, 2014
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: New York Jazz Workshop Room at Michiko Studios – 149 West 46 Street, NY, NY
Cost: $35
Luca Santaniello (Drums)and Joseph Lepore (Double Bass) with special guest Emanuele Cisi(Tenor Sax) will hold a special two hours masterclass on the function of the rhythm section in the various style of jazz (for all instruments and singers).

The themes discussed and demonstrated will include:
1) playing in various styles and meters: straight ahead, jazz waltz, boogaloo, latin, bossa nova, afro, modal, odd meters; for some of these styles it is possible to play ballad, medium, fast, 2 feel, 4 feel, fragmented.
2) function of the rhythm section in jazz
3) analysis of the main structures in jazz: jazz standard from the American Songbook, blues, rhythm changes
4) last 45 minutes jam session with the participants for the purpose of utilizing the concepts previously discussed and demonstrated
5) list of the songs could be used as demonstrative study material (the tunes listed below are to be used for both instrumentalists and singers and at least one has to be chosen from each of the following: blues, aaba ballad, aaba medium/fast, rhythm changes, modal) blues: Au Privave (F), Billie’s Bounce (F), Route 66 (F) ballad: My One and Only Love, Old Folks (F) medium/fast: I Hear A Rapsody (Eb), Lover Come Back To ME (Ab), Just One Of Those Things (Dm) rhythm changes: I Got Rhythm (Bb), Oleo (Bb) Modal: So What, Milestones – new (Gm) To register for this master class click here

Indian Rhythms for Western Musicians: A Masterclass with Ganesh Kumar
Join us for a rare opportunity to learn rhythm from world-renowned drummer, Ganesh Kumar. Ganesh has inspired musicians around the world with his teachings and astonishing performances. His master class is collaborative and leaves students with a deeper understanding of Indian rhythms using practical exercises and his personal methodologies. Ganesh has played with legendary western artists such as Bela Fleck, Max Roach, Victor Wooten, the Violent Femmes, Jeff Coffin and Glen Velez. And he has trained extensively with the great South Indian master drummer, T.H. Subash Chandran. This masterclass is not limited to drummers. All musicians are welcome to attend. Register today to reserve your seat. To observe this masterclass please make a reservation. Spots are limited. This event is free for our students, but you need to make a reservation. If you are not a current student you can still attend by filling out this registration form Suggested donation at the door $10

Past Master classes March:2013: Master class with John O’Gallagher January 2013: Masterclass with Tony Moreno February 2013: Master class with Tommaso Vittorini “The Art of Jazz Phrasing” June 2012: Masterclass with Ron Horton March 2012: Masterclass with Miles Okazaki June 2011: Master class with Johannes Weidenmueller. Thursday March 28th 7pm-9pm: Marc Mommaas Interview with John O’Gallagher about his new book “Twelve-Tone Improvisation”:

John O’Gallagher is considered one of the most compelling alto saxophonists and composers at work today on the avant-jazz scene. Based in New York City for over two decades, he has worked with numerous peers and major artists such as Joe Henderson (winning a Grammy for the recording Joe Henderson Big Band), Maria Schneider, Kenny Wheeler, Ben Monder, etc.. “This book is by far the best on the relatively abstruse subject of 12 tone improvisation. It is thorough and methodical yet accessible, and the applications of such an approach are always made apparent. Also, John is one of my absolute favorite improvisers, so if this book unlocks some of the secrets of what he is doing it is well worth studying.” – Ben Monder GUEST ARTIST in the Modern Jazz Workshop: THE art of Jazz Phrasing Tommaso Vittorini at the New York Jazz Workshop The program is designed to develop the ability to play along with other musicians, and articulate phrasing in the jazz language. The program would benefit small ensembles and prepare musicians to the big band experience. Articulation falls in the not-so-obvious field of music, as it can change dramatically the way a tune is played. Paying attention to the correct articulation and dynamics makes a real difference in an ensemble and develops individual style as well. Workbook material is based mainly on 4-part stock arrangements, so that students can take active part regardless of the number and type of instruments attending. Practicing with harmonized parts takes advantage of the higher level of awareness that players have, if they can distinguish the notes they are playing from those being played by others. Unison practicing does not develop the same level of awareness. On an intermediate class students will be asked to write their own articulations on plain music lines, to develop the ability to lead their own section. GUEST ARTIST in the Mixed Meter/Polyrhythm Workshop: Tony Moreno’s masterclass on Rhythm fro all instruments! Tony Moreno: New-York-based drummer Tony Moreno is simply one of the most sought after musicians of his profession. He tours all around the world and teaches at New York University Jazz Program. He also teaches at City College of New York, and has done many clinics in France, Canada, Spain, Germany, Denmark and the US.

Tony Moreno endorses Paiste Cymbals and LeSoprano Drums Teaching: NYU Jazz Studies Program Columbia University Louis Armstrong Jazz Program City College of New York. Topics: Rhythmic context, Polyrhtyhm, Mixed meter, groupings, Styles and more.

RON HORTON’S MASTERCLASS: Essential Jazz Listening: Small Group Jazz Recordings 1945-1965 For you who missed this fantastic, informative and inspiring masterclass, we would like to bring Ron back in 2013 for another session. Please read up on it (below) and let us know if you are interested. We need a minimum of 10 sign-ups to make this happen. This masterclass is suitable for all levels. Get ready for a journey through Jazz history, you will be surprised about how many amazing recordings you never knew about. Essential Jazz Listening: Small Group Jazz Recordings 1945-1965 This master class conducted by trumpeter/composer/arranger Ron Horton will be a listening session and discussion about the most influential recordings done between the years 1945 and 1965 by such jazz artists as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Clifford Brown, Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler and others. For anyone who is serious about learning jazz improvisation, the first step is to be familiar with the classic records of these great musicians, such as Kind of Blue (Davis), A Love Supreme (Coltrane), The Bridge (Rollins), and such jazz standards as A Night in Tunisia (Gillespie), Take Five (Brubeck), St. Thomas (Rollins), Giant Steps (Coltrane), Confirmation (Parker), Con Alma (Gillespie), Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (Mingus), among others. During the class there will be several opportunities for question and answers.

Whole Notes: A Piano Masterclass by Armen Donelian Please note that this masterclass will be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. Email us to reserve.

: Whole Notes, written by Armen Donelian.

(Advance Music, 2011). Written in a conversational tone, Whole Notes: A Piano Masterclass is both a piano method book per se and, more importantly, a guidebook to accompany the reader’s personal journey into music. Posture, practicing, mental and physical health, using weight and force, economy of movement, and expression are some of the topics addressed. Topics are amply explored through detailed piano arrangements of Armen Donelian’s compositions, and they are clearly connected to principles of music theory, rhythm, analysis, and composition as well as physics, anatomy, and holistic development. These themes and principles are of universal interest to all musicians. As a practical inquiry, Whole Notes offers many options for creatively applying and integrating them for individual use. For this reason, the needs of non-pianists are also discussed.

Concerned with how as well as what to play, Whole Notes incorporates Armen Donelian’s personal experience in the worlds of both composed and improvised music. They are treated not as two separate areas, but as multi-faceted expressions of universal musical sound phenomena that transcend categories because, as he says, “That is how I experience them.” The 212-page book contains 73 photographs, numerous original compositions, musical examples, and technical exercises.

: Armen Donelian

Armen Donelian’s enviable career, spanning four decades, includes seminal stints with Sonny Rollins, Billy Harper, Chet Baker, and Mongo Santamaria. An invaluable educator and international clinician, he has previously written the two-volume Training the Ear (Advance Music). Donelian is currently on faculty at William Paterson University and the New School, and is the Co-Director of the Hudson Jazz Workshop (www.hudsonjazzworks.org).

He has taught at the Manhattan School of Music and at the Yerevan (Armenia) State Conservatory as a 2002 Fulbright Senior Scholar; he also did Fulbright residencies in Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Greece. “Over the years I discovered I had a knack for teaching and later a talent, and beyond that a responsibility,” Donelian says. On Leapfrog, his critically acclaimed latest album (and ninth release for Sunnyside), Donelian focuses on his spacious, lyrically charged compositions with an exceptional quintet comprised of Dutch tenor saxophonist Marc Mommaas, guitarist Mike Moreno, veteran bassist Dean Johnson, and drummer Tyshawn Sorey.

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