Using world rhythms and improvisation, Jay’s Rhythmprov workshops lead you in groovin’ and movin’ with voice and multi-instruments: soloing, composing, recording and inventive notating exploration.
The bulk of Jay’s workshop and residency work is with musician Steve Leicach in African Rhythms and World Music. Bringing a large collection of instruments, the percussion ensemble workshops are energizing, fun, and “hands-on.”
Participants experience playing African and African-style hand drums, balafon (African xylophone), bells, and shakers. Drumming technique, traditional rhythms, and improvisation are also explored. Everyone should be prepared to jam!
Jay Cook has spent much of his life creating, improvising and performing with a variety of instruments, including percussion, bass, guitar and voice. His studies have brought him deep into a variety of musical styles, as he has learned from jazz experts at the Vermont Jazz Center, talking drum masters in Nigeria, and classical music professors at Middlebury College. Whether walking a bass line, responding in rhythm to a master drum call, or writing music for the balafon (African xylophone), Jay’s musical presence is dynamic, playful, engaging and thoughtful.
A certified music teacher with a B.A. in music, Jay has brought his knowledge of rhythm and musical creativity to libraries, festivals and schools in and around New England. He is also certified with the organization Music for People, a group dedicated to teaching improvised self-expression through music.
| Website: | www.jaycookmusic.com |