THE DORDOGNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SUMMER SCHOOL 2018

A GUIDE TO LEVELS

WEEK ONE - INCLUSIVE WEEK A basic ability to play one's instrument is required and music reading would be helpful but not essential. The styles of jazz will include standards, bebop, modal, latin and contemporary. We divide the tutor groups into six levels according to ability initially according to what you write on the booking form.  There are "Option Groups" such as BIG BAND / SALSA BAND / SOUL BAND / MINGUS BAND / SUPER SAX / MONK BAND etc. which break up the day . Tutors: Mark Lockheart, Andrea Vicari, Quentin Collins, Nic France, Jon Bratoeff, Jez Franks, Claude Deppa INDIVIDUAL TUITION Tuition on individual instruments is not available due to pressure of time. It's only a week's course. There will however be the opportunity for students to attend master-classes by a guest tutor and to receive tuition in small groups on their own instrument.

SAMPLE DAY - WEEK ONE
10.00 Improvisation workshop e.g. Pentatonics. Learning of the blues scales and it's relationship to the pentatonic family of scales; using pentatonics over chord sequences; pentataonic based harmonies and their wider use in jazz; chord make-up & voicings; swing rhythm vs. 'straight eights' (rock rhythm); and listening and analyzing performances from famous jazz artists who use this tool - such as McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea etc
	11.30 Coffee break 12.00 Group music making/small bands. This will involve putting into practice concepts studied that morning. e.g. Learning some blues tunes, rehearsing the numbers, constructive criticism of improvisation and the ensemble. Studying the role of each instrument within the particular style. 1.00 Lunch in the Chateau de Monteton restaurant 2.30 Different each day Previous years have included activities such as MASTER CLASSES / BIG BAND / SALSA BAND / SOUL BAND / MINGUS BAND / SUPER SAX /MONK BAND etc. example:

MASTER CLASSES Saxophone Masterclass led by (for example) Mark Lockheart A performance of some well known standards by the tutors' band with particular emphasis on the role of the saxophonist in jazz. Areas covered will include how harmony and melody are best interpreted on the instrument; improvisation, scales and patterns. Practical issues will also be covered such as breathing, embouchure, intonation and creating a good tone. All students will be encouraged to attend and ask questions. Particularly confident saxophone students will be invited to play with the tutors. 4.00 Free Time Left open for individuals to choose their own pursuits. These could include individual practice time; extra tuition in the areas covered that day; small group rehearsals for the evenings jam; classes in particular areas requested by students, or simply enjoying the area and relaxing with a glass of wine.

6.00 Aperitif Jam An informal session in which students can try out what they've learned (and maybe teach us a thing or two !) in a relaxed 'Jazz Club' atmosphere accompanied by fine wines of the region. Music will be drawn mainly from the standard jazz repertoire. This is also a chance for students to suggest music they would like to play, and for tutors to learn the strengths and weaknesses of course members in order to better structure lessons to their needs. 7.00 Tutor led performances Each tutor leads their workshop group in performing the pieces they've learned that day. 8.00-9.30 Dinner in the Chateau de Monteton restaurant or terrace. Often accompanied by tutor performances , dinner jazz sets and enthusiastic students who just can't stop playing !

9.30 Late night jam session Play all night (if you like) in the Cave . In past years students jammed far into the early hours with short breaks for drinks in the bar and a quick game of "Kinito", the local dice game. This session is unsupervised and students take responsibility for organising their own bands and music. NB the "Cave" where the jam sessions will be held is in the basement of a different tower to the sleeping accommodation, (and behind several feet of mediaeval masonry), so those students wanting an early night will be free to do so undisturbed.

Tutors Yazz Ahmed, Andrea Vicari, Jon Bratoeff, Duncan Eagles, Ian Bumstead, Noel Langley

No beginners please. No Vocalists - (see vocal course). You need to have been on the first week or a similar course before, or have a good grounding in the basics from another source. Please give details of your training and experience when applying. Places will be limited so priority will be given to people who book for both weeks and to more advanced players - and of course those who book early. Please be aware that we have no control over applicants self-assement of their own ability. Which is why we call it "intensive" as opposed to "advanced" week. So there may be some students who are a little out of their depth. We divide the course up into groups according to ability to ameliorate this but it will always be mixed ability. On the other hand if you feel at all nervous that you might be out of your depth - you won't be alone.

We generally have a theme each day which acts as a prism with which to view the day's tunes and how to improvise on them….