Improvise! Grooves and Blues

Let's go further!

Hot on the heels of our successful New Ways to Play Workshop we're bringing you a new workshop exploring grooves, scales and the blues.

Improvisation is fun, creative and a great way to get to know your instrument and other musicians just like you! Nothing too hard - everything will be clearly explained, you'll learn the skills you need and soon you'll be jamming along in our friendly supportive environment.

Improvisation provides a valuable link between theory, harmony, aural training and playing your instrument. You'll understand more about music, be motivated and freshly inspired.

Tutors:
Violinists, Cathy Irons (CSO) and Lorenz Weston-Salzer (Yurt Party)

Who can attend:
Open to all musicians who play orchestral instruments (except drums/percussion)
All improvisation and playing abilities are welcome
Prior attendance at our previous workshops is not required

What's Included:
6 hours of group sessions over 3 days (2 hours per day)

How to Register:
Step 1: Purchase your tickets here
Step 2: Complete the form: https://forms.gle/w8hQx2KSta1i3DDn8
Support parents are welcome to attend free of charge and do not require a ticket

There will be two streams:

Stream 1: Aimed at Grade 2/Suzuki book 2 playing ability and up. No sight reading skills necessary.
We will be playing improvisation games and activities based on Creative Ability Development. The games will allow each participant to explore their own creative voice by providing simple guidelines with emphasis on rhythm, harmony, melody and communication. Using these four concepts we will create unique and spontaneous music together!

Stream 2: Aimed at teenagers and adults with basic sight reading ability.
We'll be including interactive group and break out activities to allow you to explore at your own pace; you'll improve your aural and rhythmic skills; we'll explain chords and scales, building a foundation to allow you to improvise comfortably and creatively. You'll create your own groove! We also encourage open discussion and invite questions.

Things to Bring:
Stream 1: Just bring your instrument!
Stream 2: Instrument, music stand, pencil, eraser, manuscript paper

The Tutors:
Cathy Irons is a first violinist in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and also plays in her cross-over Classical Jazz Quartet, which annually tours South Island. Cathy is passionate about encouraging creativity in others and through the CSO Community Engagement Programme and Gisborne International Music Competition has worked in primary and high schools, Corrections and with high-risk youth. Cathy is currently a mentor for American jazz violinist, Christian Howes' online Creative Strings Academy.

Lorenz Weston-Salzer is a Christchurch based trained Suzuki violin teacher and Creative Ability Development tutor. He performs with Yurt Party, a Balkan dance band which has recently toured South Island with great success.

What do others say?
"I just loved every minute of the course. You are such an engaging and enthusiastic and diplomatic presenter! As a beginner, and an old one at that, I was very hesitant to enrol, but you created such a welcoming and non-threatening environment that I was more than comfortable muddling through my mistake-ridden attempts. It was lots and lots of fun."
Adult, flautist
"I was very happy as this programme nurtured both beginners, intermediate players and the more advanced. Cathy was so supportive of all of us and helped us determined by our skill and knowledge of more modern and unknown to us. I liked how she was always open to answer questions on the topics and gave guidance on how to improve."
Teenager, violinist
"You are a fantastic teacher! Improv is just what my daughter needs to really enjoy making beautiful music, without any pressure. Perfect :)"
Mother of a 10 year old

A Classical Creatives Workshop. We're here to support you on your musical journey.
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