Led by David Darling with Dr. David Rudge, Mary Knysh, Julie Weber, Eric Miller, and Lynn Miller August 2 - August 7 , 2009 at SUNY, Fredonia On scenic Lake Erie, one hour from Niagara Falls

Join Music for People and an extraordinary group of advanced and professional musicians as you explore the Art of Improvisation with the kind of commitment, nuance, and profundity found in fine classical ensemble playing and the best jazz, rock and world music combos. In an energetic, humorous and open-minded environment, discover how to move beyond the inhibitions of musical training while playing at the peak of your technical and expressive ability in your preferred musical style.

World class cellist, improviser, recording artist and Grammy nominee David Darling, and the Music for People faculty join forces in this unique approach to music improvisation, using techniques drawn from around the world - from Bach to Boogie-Woogie and Brazilian to BeBop.

Art of Improvisation is for musicians and vocalists experienced in any musical tradition, including classical, jazz, theater, rock, ethnic, avant-garde, etc.; and all instruments including acoustic, electric, ethnic drums and percussion, and even homemade. Prior experience in improvisation is not necessary, as this workshop is based on the concept that there are no "wrong notes." This in-depth workshop is intensive, yet always fun and rewarding. The AOI workshop includes free time for jamming, as well as impromptu showcases, providing participants with the opportunity to improvise in front of each other while their performances are professionally recorded.

Vocal Track with Lynn Miller

Inquire about these unique workshop sessions specifically designed for vocalists.

Recording Studio Track with Eric Miller

This hands-on workshop, led by musician and recording engineer Eric Miller, is an opportunity to be in on the recording end of some of the best improv music you'll ever hear, while working with state of the art recording equipment. AND.. pick and choose what parts of the regular AOI you would like to participate in as well!

Learn how to record a live ensemble and have it sound great! Have creative input in the production of the MfP 2007 AOI Sampler. Learn the basics of a recording studio setup, or "What do you do with all of these wires?" Set up a live-to-two-track stereo mix, learn microphone placement to get the best sound, experience CD duplication.

Accommodations

Located in beautiful Chautauqua County, Fredonia State University of NY is the westernmost campus in the SUNY system. The region, home to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, is less than an hour from Niagara Falls and is a vacation destination for many interested in arts, culture, and all-season recreation.

Lodging: Fredonia offers dorm lodging at very reasonable rates. Single and double rooms are available.

Directions: Click here for directions on the SUNY Fredonia site.

Meals: A meal plan is included with the lodging. Commuters can purchase in individual meals at the cafeteria or purchase a meal pass for all 15 meals from Music for People.

Costs

Workshop Tuition: 2008 Prices: Only $425 by July 1st, $475 after July 1st. Full Time Student Rate is $325. Daily Rate of $100/day available for up to 3 days. 2009 PRICES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Housing with meals: Rates to be Announced

Arrival/Departure Information: Onsite check-in starts at 4 PM on Sunday, August 2nd and the first workshop session is on Sunday evening at 7 PM. The workshop ends around noon on Friday, August 7th.

CEU Credits

Continuing Education credits available via Expressive Therapy Concepts for music therapists and counselors. Additional fee applies. Please coordinate in advance by e-mail to Eric@musicforpeople.org

College Credit

Graduate Credit

New York State Resident
$337.45 for one graduate level college credit

Non-Resident
$504.45 for one graduate level college credit

Go to this website to register
www.fredonia.edu/summer/registration.asp

Information on Credit Options

You can take Art of Improvisation for 1, 2 or 3 credits.

• One Credit
  • Participate in all parts of the Workshop
• Two Credits
  • Participate in all parts of the Workshop
  • Everyone will take part in a group recording session during the week. You are to submit a CD or cassette copy of part of your session. This recording will be comprised of three tracks.
    • Track (1) A short (approx. one minute) melodic solo with very calm energy.
    • Track (2) A short (one minute) rhythmic solo with very high energy. A very simple accompaniment may accompany these solos.
    • Track (3) You, as part of a group of players, doing a free improvisation. During this improvisation you are to be featured as the soloist. Remember to be relaxed and keep it simple!
• Three Credits
  • Participate in all parts of the Workshop
  • Everyone will take part in a group recording session during the week. You are to submit a CD or cassette copy of part of your session. This recording will be comprised of three tracks.
    • Track (1) A short (approx. one minute) melodic solo with very calm energy.
    • Track (2) A short (one minute) rhythmic solo with very high energy. A very simple accompaniment may accompany these solos.
    • Track (3) You, as part of a group of players, doing a free improvisation. During this improvisation you are to be featured as the soloist. Remember to be relaxed and keep it simple!
  • You are to submit six lesson plans for the kind of students you usually work with, or imagine yourself working with in the future. These plans should incorporate the Music for People techniques that were explored during the workshop. I would suggest that you take notes during the week, and then write them immediately afterwards.

For workshop registration information, please contact:

"We have fallen into a place where everything is music."
-- Rumi