Faculty from the Cultural Traditions Department, chaired by Tregar Otton, are leading four months of free workshops exploring a rich selection of music topics. Participants of all levels can take a deep dive into jazz, Chinese-American, Latin, old-time, gypsy jazz, and genre-crossing styles. The sessions offer engaging discussions, inspiring demonstrations, and musical tips in a creative format. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the faculty through a Q & A. All levels of music students are invited to participate in as many workshops as they choose.
You’re invited to these free CMC Sessions:
- February 9 Maestro and Nola Curtis, The Impact of Black Culture on Ensemble Singing
- February 23 Jon Jang, Traditions in Transformation: The Musical Language of Jon Jang
- March 9 Charlie Gurke, Clave for Improvisers
- March 23 Miguel Govea, Community Arts and Education
- April 13 Omar Ledezma Jr., The Music of Rubén Blades
- April 27 Erik Pearson, Banjo History and Styles
- May 11 Scott Feichter, Gypsy Jazz Legacy: Past and Present
- May 25 Allison Lovejoy, Genre-crossing: From Classical to Blues to Rock
Starting on February 9, Maestro and Nola Curtis are launching the series by leading a workshop on the impact of Black culture on different traditions of ensemble singing. Their session will be eye-opening in its scope, weaving cultural and historical revelations on a range of styles and variety of genres. On February 23, Jon Jang will share his musical language reflecting on his formation as a Chinese-American jazz artist and his revolutionary compositional style that integrates jazz and Chinese traditional songs.
Charlie Gurke will lead a session on March 9 exploring improvisation and using the clave rhythmic groove to develop ideas for all types of instruments. Miguel Govea offers a workshop about the intersection between culture, community activism, music creation, and education on March 23.
Grammy-winning artist Omar Ledezma Jr. will teach a session on April 13 about the extraordinary life and career of the Panamanian singer Rubén Blades, analyzing selected songs musically and lyrically, and performing some of his music. April 27 will feature Erik Pearson with a session all about the banjo—from its African and Caribbean roots to the present.
On May 11, Scott Feichter offers a workshop on Gypsy Jazz with musical examples tracing the history of this music and offering a glimpse at the latest generation of players. Allison Lovejoy completes the series on May 25 with a session all about how learning multiple musical styles has been important to her development as a pianist, composer, and teacher.