Clinics offered

Saxophone master class: 
  The Joseph Viola approach to saxophone sound and technique- I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study privately with the legendary saxophone master Joe Viola, who taught players like Michael Brecker, Charlie Mariano, George Garzone, Donny McCaslin, Mark Turner, Jerry Bergonzi, Bill Pierce and Brandford Marsalis. Joe Viola wrote the classic Technique of the Saxophone volumes and was a master of all of the woodwinds. In this master class Viola’s unique ideas and techniques on playing the saxophone will be presented. Topics include: Embouchure, pitch bending exercises, overtone practice, Jazz articulation, proper hand alignment, finger height correction, reed balancing and adjustment. This clinic is for both Jazz AND Classical saxophonists. Time will be spent troubleshooting problems with individual students.

Chord-Scale Theory for the Beginning Improvisors:
  This clinic is an introduction for beginning improvisors to teach them how to choose scales to fit any type of chord. Using simple formulas and root motion analysis students will never again be unsure of which scale fits on which chord. Modes of Major, melodic minor, harmonic minor, and some symmetrical scales will be covered. A solid knowledge of chord-scale theory is the foundation to understanding how to improvise over chord changes fluently and this class will address that issue.

Motivic Development for Improvisation: The Herb Pomeroy Method:

  This clinic covers the compositional approach to improvisation that was taught by Herb Pomeroy, who one of the most renowned Jazz educators of the 20th century. Pomeroy had a profound effect of the evolution of Jazz education, evidenced by the fact that In the 60’s and 70’s the Altered Dominant scale was known as the ‘Pomeroy’ scale. I studied with Herb in Boston for three years and this clinic teaches students how to use the compositional techniques of Classical era composers to create stronger Jazz improvisations. Topics will include: The 12 modes of development, drawing motives from different sources, development as the language of interaction, direction as motive, target notes as motives, linear development, note sets as motives, openers and closers, the 10-Level system of Lee Konitz and interaction with the rhythm section.

Harmonic Devices and techniques for the Modern Jazz Improvisor:
  Students will learn to use modern improvisational techniques including: chordal substitution, hexatonics, exotic scales, 4 and 8 tonic systems of substitution, art of the added V7, harmonic major modes, symmetrical and synthetic scales, Barry Harris’ Bebop techniques, George Garzone’s Triadic Chromatic Approach, and modern chromaticism. This clinic will acquaint students with some of the harmonic techniques that modern musicians use to create interesting tension and resolution.

Saxophone sectionals:
 Intensive saxophone sectionals to prepare for upcoming concerts or competitions, with a focus on: phrasing, interpretation, vibrato, technique/fingerings, appropriate blend, sound, rhythmic accuracy, dynamics and intonation. Put the finishing touches on those sax solis!

Big Band and small combo clinics:
  Working with your large and small Jazz ensembles to tighten up and prepare for performances. Improvisational strategies will be discussed for particular pieces.
Artist in Residency- A full day or two spent with clinics, rehearsing with student groups culminating in a concert performance with David Valdez as the featured soloist.

 *All schools will also be given access to an my personal digital library of Jazz educational resources.

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