Lessons
Offering in person (NYC) and/or Zoom Lessons on the following topics:
Composition and Arranging Techniques for all sized ensembles ranging from Trio to 17-piece Big Band including:
Orchestration Techniques and Instrument Ranges
Voicing structures - 4-way closed, Open/Spread Voicings, Clusters, Fourth Voicings
Pre-composition Techniques
Twelve-tone Technique
Music preparation
Band Leader and Conducting
Jazz Improvisation
Qualifications
Education
Masters in Jazz Performance, Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, Flushing, NY; diploma 2007.
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN; diploma 2000.
Experience
Berklee College of Music, Assistant Professor of Trombone
Molloy University, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music
Queens College, Guest Lecturer
Manhattan School of Music, Guest Lecturer
Temple University, Guest Lecturer
Boston University, Online Facilitator
York College
Clinic & Masterclass
Composition, Arranging, Orchestration
An open discussion of the process of composing a piece of music and how to approach developing a small fragment into a full work for any size ensemble (trio ranging to big band). Arranging for big band requires knowledge of instrument ranges, transpositions, timbre and technical considerations and traditional and modern big band voicing techniques. Piano skills are highly recommended.
Improvisation
(Including all instruments) Demonstration and discussion of concepts including building jazz vocabulary, scales and chords and approaches to practicing improvisation. Other topics include: compositional approaches to improv, motivic development and melodic, rhythmic, harmonic restrictions on your improvisation.
Brass Techniques
(Including all brass and wind instruments) Building a firm foundation of air stream, tone production, flexibility and sound projection is essential to the brass player. Techniques and approaches to practicing are demonstrated and tailored for ultimate benefit of all levels of experience.
