Eugene Friesen's Japan Improv Intensive
Japan
2018
Improvisation & Inspiration for Classical Musicians
The Japan Improv Intensive
with
Eugene Friesen
2018
Improvisation for Classical Musicians: Spontaneous Creativity and Expression
Have you wondered how to practice in order to play by ear, to learn new styles, and to collaborate with non-classical players?
Creativity and inspiration need nurturing, and the mindset that understands a challenge is rarely the mindset with the solution. For us musicians, improvisation is a way we access creativity, artistry and innovation.
Through improvisation we can also experience mastery - no matter what our technical level may be.
In Eugene Friesen's workshops you’ll find a relaxed and lively context for exploring pathways to creativity while engaging in surprising music-making, participatory classes, rhythmic exercises, conversation, performances, networking, an inspiring environment, and lots of good food!
Join the scores of previous participants who have infused their playing and teaching with renewed creativity, and crafted lives of musical innovation and service to their communities by heeding their inner musical voices.
Enrollment is limited, please register early to reserve your space!
This is a workshop for players with a background in classical music interested in exploring personal creativity through improvisation. (If you have questions about whether your instrument, background or proficiency level will be a good fit, please contact us.)
From Eugene Friesen:
"The twenty-first century calls for a new breed of musician.
Whatever the players’ background – classical, bluegrass, jazz, Celtic or Old Time –
contemporary culture demands musicians who are first and foremost creative
and collaborative.
"Since we each have a unique life story, there’s unique music in all of us.
With a balance between technique and free association, work and play, the goal is to reveal the music in YOU."
The Japan Improv Intensive includes class and private instruction, introduction to contemporary practice technologies, custom study materials, performance opportunities, jam sessions, and ensemble work.
Eugene Friesen
Vermont Improv Intensive director, cellist Eugene Friesen, “…takes the cello beyond its traditional home of the classical ensemble, opening the door to a new era for the soulful instrument" (Digital Audio). Through his unbridled improvisations, original compositions, and international workshops, Eugene Friesen has blazed new trails for classically trained musicians intent on discovering their creative musical voices. The recipient of four Grammy Awards as a member of the Paul Winter Consort, Friesen is a professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and an artist-in-residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
(More about Eugene here.)
(More about Eugene here.)
Preliminary Schedule
Thursday
5-7 pm – Registration/Orientation/Dinner
7PM – Introduction: Four Simple Rules of Free Improvisation
Friday
8:30-10 am – private lessons
10:00 am - 12:00 noon – Modal Improvisation - Diatonics: Keys, Chords, Scales & Arpeggios
12 noon – Lunch
1–3:45 pm – Hocketing (sharing the rhythm role) and Pentatonics
4–5 pm – Guest Masterclass: TBA
5-7 pm – Dinner/soundchecks/jamming/rehearsing
7:30 pm – Concert: Eugene with Guest Artist TBA
Saturday
8:30-10 am – private lessons
10:30 am–12 noon – Odd Meters/Polyrhythm/Africa
12 noon – lunch
1-2 pm - Private lessons
2:15–4:15 pm – Music of Brazil: Bossas and Choros
4:30–5 pm – Transposing/Transcribing
5-7 pm – Dinner/rehearsals/jams
7:30 pm – Free Open Concert: Student solos, duets, trios and quartets.
Sunday
8:30-10 pm – Private Lessons
10:15 am–12 noon The Art of Creative Collaboration
12 noon – lunch
1– 2 pm - Closing Circle & Conversation
5-7 pm – Registration/Orientation/Dinner
7PM – Introduction: Four Simple Rules of Free Improvisation
Friday
8:30-10 am – private lessons
10:00 am - 12:00 noon – Modal Improvisation - Diatonics: Keys, Chords, Scales & Arpeggios
12 noon – Lunch
1–3:45 pm – Hocketing (sharing the rhythm role) and Pentatonics
4–5 pm – Guest Masterclass: TBA
5-7 pm – Dinner/soundchecks/jamming/rehearsing
7:30 pm – Concert: Eugene with Guest Artist TBA
Saturday
8:30-10 am – private lessons
10:30 am–12 noon – Odd Meters/Polyrhythm/Africa
12 noon – lunch
1-2 pm - Private lessons
2:15–4:15 pm – Music of Brazil: Bossas and Choros
4:30–5 pm – Transposing/Transcribing
5-7 pm – Dinner/rehearsals/jams
7:30 pm – Free Open Concert: Student solos, duets, trios and quartets.
Sunday
8:30-10 pm – Private Lessons
10:15 am–12 noon The Art of Creative Collaboration
12 noon – lunch
1– 2 pm - Closing Circle & Conversation
From Past Participants ...
"Eugene's String Academy was the best pure music-making I have experienced in many years. His openness,
depth of knowledge, and mastery of the cello led everyone to unlock doors to personal expression
that will stay open for a long time. This weekend was a gift."
-- Crispin Campbell, Cellist / Educator, Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan
"A spa for your musicianship as well as your mind and soul."
-- Jeff O'Neil, cellist / music educator, Massachusetts
"Oh, I see how this works. Yesterday you couldn't get me to play a solo,
and today you can't get me to stop!"
-- Janet Haarvig, Cellist and Composer, Montana
"The inspiration from camp has stayed with me,
and I have even discovered a new part of myself that had been suppressed for a long time.
The workshop was the perfect environment for me to discover, be supported, and to explore
my uninhibited musical personality. It has changed my life forever. THANK YOU!!!"
-- Cindi Kornhaus, New Jersey
"Eugene ... thank you so much for sharing your phenomenal artistry!
I think all of the workshop participants came away with new and renewed spirits
and affection for our instruments and for pursuing our own voices. Brilliant modeling,
great practice tools, strong guidance and encouragement for personal reflection,
helpful feedback ... WOW!"
-- Beth Youngblood, Montana
depth of knowledge, and mastery of the cello led everyone to unlock doors to personal expression
that will stay open for a long time. This weekend was a gift."
-- Crispin Campbell, Cellist / Educator, Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan
"A spa for your musicianship as well as your mind and soul."
-- Jeff O'Neil, cellist / music educator, Massachusetts
"Oh, I see how this works. Yesterday you couldn't get me to play a solo,
and today you can't get me to stop!"
-- Janet Haarvig, Cellist and Composer, Montana
"The inspiration from camp has stayed with me,
and I have even discovered a new part of myself that had been suppressed for a long time.
The workshop was the perfect environment for me to discover, be supported, and to explore
my uninhibited musical personality. It has changed my life forever. THANK YOU!!!"
-- Cindi Kornhaus, New Jersey
"Eugene ... thank you so much for sharing your phenomenal artistry!
I think all of the workshop participants came away with new and renewed spirits
and affection for our instruments and for pursuing our own voices. Brilliant modeling,
great practice tools, strong guidance and encouragement for personal reflection,
helpful feedback ... WOW!"
-- Beth Youngblood, Montana
Registration
Full tuition, including dinner each day, is $575. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 will reserve your space.
Info/registration: Please fill out the contact form below:
Click "Buy Now" to submit a $100 Workshop Deposit