loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Filling-in The Gaps — improv coaching for all instruments (berkeley)
QR Code Link to This Post
If you’re just starting out or already gigging or even teaching, you'll appreciate getting
a customized, step-by-step approach that will de-mystify how to improvise. You'll learn
how to not only deepen your concentration and ability to be creative in-the-moment,
but also how to use different kinds of focus that yields solid results every time you play
with people, or play on your own.
You'll also learn universal principles for efficient motion, breaking down technical problems,
and designing & tracking your practicing that ensures progress and prevents feeling stalled out,
regardless of the instrument(s) you play.
Style Options: jazz / funk / blues / rock / pop / folk / New Age / pattern / classical
"Michael has been able to detect my strengths and weaknesses
very specifically and pinpoint ways for me to improve. His approach
is systematic and a good mix between technical and artistic . . ."
— Alan Wick (clarinetist)
"I feel very grateful for the time we got to spend together.
You opened my ears and mind to the next logical steps in jazz
and other types of improvisation. My ability to explore more
interesting harmonic and melodic concepts has expanded into larger,
more interesting melodic leaps plus more effective use of altered
and whole-tone altered scales. As I come to terms with the role
of the cello in a jazz setting, I feel like everything we worked on
is very present in all my improvisational endeavors."
— Sam Bass (cellist/recording & touring artist with Les Claypool)
• HARMONIC THEORY
• SCALE & CHORDAL OPTIONS
• EAR-TRAINING
• RHYTHM & PHRASING ACCURACY
• COMPOSING & ARRANGING
• TRANSCRIPTION
Michael Smolens is a multi-instrumentalist & vocalist who has been teaching improvisation
for over five decades. He has published extensively and lead workshops on the art of practicing
and also teaches through the California Jazz Conservatory. He has recorded and/or performed
with vibraphonist Stefon Harris, tabla master Zakir Hussain; drummers Akira Tana & Alan Hall;
horn players Paul McCandless, Paul Hanson, Sheldon Brown & Erik Jekabson; string players
David Balakrishnan Evan Price & Aaron Germain; and vocalists David Worm, Bryan Dyer,
Rhiannon, Katy Stephen & Claudia Schmidt.
Great West Berkeley location, minutes from the Bay Bridge.
For more information call show contact info
Check out his articles and videos at https://www.secondsightmusic.net/library-1