MUSIC MAKERS

Concerts introducing the world of jazz, world music and improvisation to younger audiences, with or without family accompaniment, in a relaxed, fun, participatory environement. Kids can either bring their own cushions, pillows, beanbags to the concert or these can be provided by the venue. Young audience members are welcome to take a closer look at the instruments and how they are played after the show. If engaged as part of a project or workshop week, pillow proms can be extended to include performances by young participants for their friends, family and other participants.

In a musical round the world trip, we'll listen to, learn about and create the basic elements of a variety of music styles. No flight ticket needed! Ever wondered how and why Oriental, Klezmer, Latin, Balkan or Celtic music sounds the way it does? In these day or week workshops, you'll experience new worlds of possibilities and sounds for your instrument.

Have you already mastered some of the basic scales on your instrument? Would you like to explore some of the basic elements of jazz, world and improvised music while makng music together in an ensemble? In a week focused on playing in group situations, you'll develop your ensemble skills, practise new skills in the world of improvisation, as well as experience a variety of musical styles.

Love those bopping sounds from your favourite Jazz CD, but completely at a loss as to how you can break free from the printed page? Afraid of playing your instrument without knowing what's around the corner? We'll start to play easy structures and scales right from the beginning, so you can see just how attainable it is to understand and implement the basic elements of Jazz on your instrument.

Ideal for those ready to let loose on their instrument, but not yet ready for the demands of playing in a formal Jazz group. The world of free improvisation is a fantastic beginning for those wishing to explore the possibilities of sound, improvisation elements, responsive listening in a group and creative freedom.

These are fun workshops with an emphasis on experimentation and hands on creativity. We start with basic improvisation elements for the littlies, making our own instruments, developing sounds, creating atmospheric masks for exploratory music characterisation, utilising movement to compliment and extend our improvisation, and finally making themed performance pieces together.