2 day Master class on Saxophone Sound and Jazz Time – this February

This master class is composed of two course days, where fresh and effective methods will be applied to two of the most important aspects of jazz playing:
Tone and Time

The first day, “Saxophone Sound”, addresses the wish of many aspiring saxophonists – to be able to produce a consistent, full and resonant tone that is dynamic, rich in overtones and effortless to make. For many players it is the embouchure where most energy is wasted. Often the tightening of jaw and lip muscles in an effort to stabilize the instrument and tone is a limiting factor. Participants will learn an alternative approach to building the embouchure, (inspired by the work of legendary woodwind teacher Joe Allard), to effortlessly achieve and maintain a liquid and free flowing sound. Posture and breathing are also addressed.

Course length: 3+ hours

Rhythm and syncopation form the basis of jazz music. The second day, “Jazz Time”, is dedicated to internalizing syncopation and swing. Here we clear up possible misconceptions about time, (timing), counting and syncopation by learning an easy-to-grasp approach to internalize poly meter and syncopation. All participants will experience the feeling of form without the need to count. The emphasis will shift from playing the “correct notes” in the right place to playing with solid time and perfectly felt syncopation. 

Course length: 3+ hours

Max. 6 active, 10 passive participants / day.

Active participants:
65 Euro for one day, 120 Euro both days.
Passive participants:
35 Euro for one day, 60 Euro both days. Positions are given on a
first come – first serve basis.
Active participants are expected to play.

Coming this spring:

A 2 day workshop on Jazz Ear-Training and Jazz Improvisation

Day one:
Ear training method based upon natural tuning – intervals and scales. We will be exploring singing and playing along with specially developed play-alongs that present 12 pure (natural tuning as opposed to equal tempered tuning) intervals occurring within one octave. With these interval play-alongs we will learn to sing and hear the basic tonal building blocks of jazz improvisation.
3 + hours

Day 2:
Modes and Harmonic Function (V7 -> I)  Two approaches to improvisation. The student is presented with a way to internalize and improvise over the most common modes used in jazz – with out an excessive dependence upon thinking while playing. Additionally the student will be presented with an approach for internalizing the most important harmonic function found in the standard song harmony – the V7 -> I  progression, in Major and Minor keys.
3 + hours

Please feel free to contact me for details
mail AT beecroft DOT de

 

Recent additions: Saxophone Tone Production, Simple Reed Preparation

Older posts:
Vimeo videos on the topic of saxophone tone with an emphasis on learning a technique that produces a big, liquid, warm and dynamic tone, effortlessly. The terms “open throat” and “voicing” will be reexamined and seen in a new light.

There is far too much emphasis put on the notes and almost nothing taught about rhythm, time and syncopation. The rich language of jazz is all too often reduced to the study of scales, licks and patterns – to be mindlessly practiced without any connection to syncopation or articulation. There is almost no material available on the conception of  “jazz time”. How one feels time and form in a jazz setting is very different than in more traditional musical settings.

It is my intention to help aspiring jazz musicians find their way to the music through curiosity and joy. Although repetition is an important aspect of practicing, mindless repetition of patterns or licks does not make the material accessible in real musical situations. This way of practicing is boring and bored people do not practice effectively or for longer periods. If there is a secret to rapid progress in music, it is to to practice in a way that makes one curious. Curiosity is a form of happiness and happiness improves personal performance like nothing else on earth.

So please stay tuned.

David Beecroft

 

(looking for David Beecroft – Photography?)