Workshops
To reserve you workshop space, please contact the Throckmorton Theatre online or by calling 415.383.9600.
John Jorgenson - Introduction to Gypsy-Jazz Guitar
"Introduction to Gypsy-jazz Guitar" will be geared towards the player who is just starting to learn gypsy jazz and swing guitar, and will cover both rhythm and lead techniques. For rhythm playing, various chord shapes and patterns that can be utilized in many different songs will be demonstrated along with elementary music theory behind these progressions. In addition, the right hand rhythm patterns that are the very life blood of swing playing will be taught. The beginning lead guitarist will again be shown various scale and arpeggio combinations and how to use them over the most common chord changes in gypsy jazz music. Along with left hand fingering (including the "two-finger" and "four-finger" approaches) various right hand picking techniques will be taught (including "gypsy-picking" and alternate picking). After having taken this workshop, the student should be left with a good understanding of the elements that make up gypsy jazz and swing.
Gonzalo Bergara - The Gypsy Swing Workshop
My main interest is to show you how to teach yourself to play this stuff, share all the advice that has helped me tremendously through all this time. There are two main subjects I'd like to cover, technique and knowledge.
During the technique section we'll talk about both right hand and left hand. We all know how important the right hand is for this style so we have to get that right. The left hand we'll cover fingering, ways to connect all together, vibrato, timing and whatever else we can think of.
The knowledge section is about getting really familiar with the notes on your guitar. You need to know the neck of the guitar better than you know your name. How to practice!!! There are many many tips on how to practice more efficiently. I also want to talk about swing!! Django was always swinging.
Finally we'll cover melodies, how to be more musical, to understand TENSION AND RELEASE and to start making music in a guitar solo.
Doug Martin - Rhythm Guitar Workshop: Swing and Latin Rhythm
In this workshop we’ll explore the art of the rhythm guitar in gypsy jazz.
The first half will essentially be about swing rhythm (le pompe) and the active role of rhythm guitar in a rhythm section. We’ll explore such topics as: swinging hard, the use of dynamics, accents, voicing chords for different purposes, proper form, playing rhythm with bass note movement, and how to accompany soloists (lay it down but not get in the way!). We’ll also look into other related swing rhythms such as jump swing, charleston and early American swing style rhythm guitar.
In the second half of the workshop we’ll look at various Latin rhythms used in gypsy jazz such as gypsy bossa, bolero and rhumba. We’ll also look into other rhythms you can use to spice up your Latin arrangements such as choro and tango rhythms. Time permitting we may also explore some ¾ rhythms as well.
Overall, my goal is that you’ll leave this workshop with: an expanded vocabulary of both swing and Latin rhythms, a better understanding of the role of the rhythm guitar and its possibilities, improved physical form and a more efficient right hand, a deeper appreciation of the rhythm guitar.
This class will be instructed by Doug Martin (Avatar Ensemble, John Jorgenson Quintet, Lulo Reinhardt Latin Swing Quartet) and Jason Vanderford (Avatar Ensemble, Café Americain, Hot Club of San Francisco).
Jason Anick - Violin Workshops
Jason Anick joined the John Jorgenson Quintet while still finishing up his jazz violin studies at the Hartt School in
Connecticut. An avid improviser since his early teens, Jason won top honors for improvisation in the ASTA Alternative
Styles competition and performed with the Robin Nolan Trio at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2007. This spring, Jason shared teaching responsibilities with Matt Glasier at the Django in June gyspy jazz camp, coaching students in the violin styles of all the great Gypsy jazz violinists from Stéphane Grappelli to Florin Niculescu and Didier Lockwood. (www.jasonanick.com)
Learn from the Masters
Ever wonder how the great gypsy jazz violinists like Didier Lockwood, Florin Nicolescu, and Stephane Grappelli get their unique “sound”? For this workshop I will compare the various stylistic, rhythmic, and harmonic aspects that give these respected players their unique sound. I will teach a part of each player’s solo over the classic tune “Minor Swing” as well as show some classic licks that will be great additions to your own “musical toolbox”. Finally, I will discuss ways on how you can start to develop your own unique sound. This workshop is open for violinists of all levels.
Perfect your Swing
Getting a solid and authentic sounding swing feel on the violin can often be extremely difficult. For this workshop I will provide some useful bowing and stylistic techniques that will help you perfect your swing. Everyone will take turns soloing over classic swing tunes like “Stompin’ at the Decca” and “Lady be Good” and I will provide individual feedback on how to obtain that special swing feel. This workshop is open for violinists of all levels.
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