The influence of music reaches into all areas of our lives.
Both a science and an art it has been shown to increase mental ability and
stimulate our emotions. The teaching of both listening and playing skills
enhances all our lives.
Paul's
Workshops are set up to help educate and inspire a new generation of
musicians and audiences though lectures, performances and workshops in
schools, colleges and youth centres. The projects provide insight into
Manouche Swing Jazz and demonstrates how jazz improvisation is
performed. The workshop is structured as follows and Paul's aim
is to keep the presentation informal:
The
Workshop is usually divided into two sessions within the day, Rhythm
and Solo. Nick Mellor assists throughout the day and all areas
covered are clearly demonstrated. The abilities of students are quickly
established in order to focus on individual improvement agendas. Activities
are designed to enable you to work in group, duo and individual formats.
Tuition provided is designed to challenge and will cover all of the key
elements of Gypsy Jazz. The day is not heavily theoretical and
employs the 'Gypsy Tradition' of demonstration and assimilation.
Essential elements however, are enthusiasm, love of the music, fun, and a
real desire to improve your personal best! The whole programme
is based on Paul's own route to this music, which he invites you to
follow! Paul and Nick will perform a set during the lunch break. The
workshops are a regular feature of Paul's year and are gaining in
popularity to the point where he is running additional sessions. The day is
overseen by Karen, Paul's wife, who welcomes you and ensures the day
runs smoothly.
For students without a 'Gypsy Guitar' there will be instruments available
for you to
play.
Rhythm
Guitar Techniques - Nick Mellor
Chord
Knowledge
Triads
Chord Substitution
Voicing
Comping
Right Hand - technique/stroke variation
Building Tension
De-cluttering
Chord Rolls
Solo Guitar
Techniques - Paul Vernon Chester
Octaves
Vibrato
Harmonics
Note Bending
Harmony
Runs
Arpeggios
Damping
Pauses
Attack
Restraint
Other
Considerations
Starts and Endings
Tags
Mood
Contrast
Repertoire Construction
Energy Waste
Performance Confidence
Building a Solo.
Pick Technique.
The Guitar.
The
Setting!
Chosen for its fine live acoustics that add to the ambience.
^The Workshop
Student Comments:-
The Walsall Workshop was excellent,
worth every penny. Paul is not only a superb musician but an excellent
teacher (that is his day job of course), Nick was brilliant also. I've
plenty of chord theory homework to do. Warren.
This is just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed Saturday's
workshop. I'm really enjoying
the new CD - Duets for Django'. Thanks to Paul, Nick and Karen for a
good day. - Malcolm.
Thanks for a wonderful Saturday. I
thoroughly enjoyed myself. I learned a lot again from yourself and
Nick, but it's more than just that, it's about being in the company of
people who share my massive interest in Gypsy Jazz and being able to talk
with them about the subject. I look forward to the next workshop and
hope to reflect more improvement. Thanks to Karen for providing the
food and looking after us. - John
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