IPSWICH THINGS TO DO

Start to Sing or Play Jazz Day Course

The Suffolk Jazz School at Castle Hill Community Centre, Ipswich

Information - Start to Sing or Play Jazz Day Course

A Day Course run by Suffolk Jazz School.  www.suffolkjazzschool.co.uk

For players of all musical instruments as well as singers who’d like to explore jazz.  A very popular, exciting and enjoyable introduction to playing and/or singing jazz and improvisation or for those with some jazz experience who’d like to revisit the basic building blocks. If you play an instrument, you should have basic music reading skills and if you’ve studied music grades, have achieved Grade 3 or 4.  Singers don’t have to be able to read music.

Even if you don’t want to play or singe lots of jazz, learning how to play jazz will help your musicianship.  Two easier tunes with sheet music issued in advance.

Through practical exercises and guided sessions for melody instruments and rhythm section players, you will explore key jazz concepts such as scales, chord progressions, time-feel and phrasing, helping you build confidence in your improvisation. Led by experienced jazz musicians Anna Brooks and Iwan Van Hetten, this course will provide you with essential tools and techniques to unlock your creativity and take your improvisation to the next level.

Renowned saxophonist Anna Brooks is celebrated as a performer, educator and music arranger, known for her dynamic presence on stage and her dedication to teaching saxophone and improvisation.  Formerly a key member of The Brooklyn Funk Essentials, she now graces stages in the UK and abroad with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.  With a mission to demystify improvisation, Anna is also a tutor at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as well as leading numerous workshops across the UK.

Iwan VanHetten is a highly skilled trumpeter, keyboardist, musical director and producer with over 30 years of experience performing, touring and recording with renowned artists including Candy Dulfer, Paco Sery, The Yellowjackets, and the Brooklyn Funk Essentials.  A dedicated educator, he currently teaches jazz and music production at Royal Birmingham and Leeds Conservatoires, offering a straightforward, hands-on approach to music education.  As a multi-instrumentalist with expertise in band leadership, improvisation, composition and production, Iwan brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to his workshops, helping musicians of all levels refine their craft and expand their creativity.

Cost £65.