A workshop for all solo instrumentalists
with Grammy-Nominated recording artist and performer Deborah Henson-Conant
Whether you play classical, folk or improvisatory jazz – whether you’re performing for an audience of thousands or at the bedside of a friend – the skill and art of arrangement is one of the most important skills you can have as a musician. Once you know the basics of arrangement, you can turn any melody into a ‘piece,’ you can vary the length and even change that arrangement on the spot if needed.
In this workshop you’ll learn the basics of arrangement structure, how to use that structure at any skill level, in any style and on any instrument. You’ll learn how to simplify a piece for situations where you want to sooth your audience – or how to make it more dynamic for situations where you really want to shine. You’ll learn how to expand – or condense - a piece from the front, back or middle. You’ll also learn how to create simple bass patterns to support a melody, and how to create a simple ‘vamp’ to use for anything from improvisation to meditation.
Deborah Henson-Conant is an award-winning composer and performer who specializes in the development and arrangement of music for harp, chamber ensemble, orchestra and music-theater. She’s the world’s foremost proponent of electric harp and has publishes works for solo harp, piano-vocal, chamber ensemble, symphony. She’s is also well known as an improvisor and collaborative musician, working in projects from Early-Music to Jazz.
This workshop is open all solo instrumentalists. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments. Auditors are also welcome.
And for musical-dessert you’ll come away with one cool jazz lick to impress your friends.