SIMA is pleased to announce the third year of its Improvisation Workshops For Young Women. The 8 week course is open to young women musicians (aged approximately between 16 and 25) who are interested in developing their skills as improvisers.
The course will be taught and devised by Sandy Evans, who with twenty years of professional experience at the forefront of Australian jazz as a saxophonist, composer and teacher, is extremely well qualified to run such a course.
Sandy Evans writes:
Following the success of the course in 2003, I am delighted that SIMA is able to present the workshops again in 2004. The 8 Saturday mornings that Cathy Harley and I spent with the students last year were among the most enjoyable and rewarding of my career and I look forward to welcoming new students into this unique learning situation, as well as hearing the progress of any of last year’s students who would like to return. I would especially like to encourage bass players and drummers to apply for the course this year. There is a drum kit at the school, so this could even be your chance to start learning.
Through this course, SIMA hopes
Three lecturers who are professional musicians and teachers of the highest calibre will make guest appearances at the course :
Monique Lysiak- piano
Toby Hall – drums
Craig Scott – bass
The 3 hour workshop sessions will be on Saturdays at The Newtown High School For Performing Arts.
The dates will be May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th and June 5th, 12th, 19th
Course fee $220 including gst.
Numbers for the course will be limited and entry will be by audition.
Knowledge of jazz is not a prerequisite, but a strong interest in improvisation and in pursuing a career in some form of creative music is preferable. Students should have a reasonable degree of proficiency on their main instrument and should be able to play a major scale in all 12 keys.(not required for drummers)
Don’t be deterred from applying if you can’t read music. Unfortunately we are unable to offer this course to vocalists as we feel this group require special instruction that we are not able to provide.
The course is aimed at Year 11 and 12 students, but is open to young women who have recently left school and fulfil the other criteria.
For drummers – Demonstrate a few different feels eg. swing, bossa nova, rock, jazz waltz. (If you are in doubt give Sandy a call 9905 4996)
A piano accompanist will be provided for the auditions.
For additional information phone Jane March on 02 9938 2180 or email march@ozemail.com.au
“The experience of playing with a group of girls who are as excited about the music as I am is fantastic and really inspiring. I’ve got a really good idea now about where I want to go, musically, and that is invaluable.”
“I feel sure that jazz is the path for me and this course just made me want it even more. As usual it was super organised but lots of fun. It was great to meet more women into jazz.”
“It has been and probably will be the best course I have ever done. The course and materials that were provided were of such a high standard just for an eight week course, it was certainly far better than the two year diploma that I completed. The whole environment was so genuinely positive and enthusiastic.”
“Being classically trained, but wanting to reach into other areas, I have found that a mere interest in improvising is not enough for me, but previously didn’t know where to go from there. I found the course a very practical help in understanding the fundamentals of jazz and improvising music.”