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A single workshop normally runs 90 - 120 minutes. Workshops are often paired with a second session of the same theme - allowing for additional depth - or a different theme if a survey approach is desired.
Each session is tailored to the time and needs of the director. A series of sessions is most commonly booked, culminating in a concert for classmates and parents
Workshops fees range from $150 - $300 depending upon total bookings. Additional costs may be appropriate if additional personnel are needed, or a performance is arranged outside of the workshop time. Travel costs may also be charged.
This workshop can be presented as a series to allow for more depth, or as a single event providing an introduction.
Are you are a traditionally trained string player who wants to learn how to play jazz? In this session, Stanley demonstrates his step-by-step building process, introducing a typical 12 bar blues with repeated rhythmic figures and simple altered scales. Finally, you'll create a blues that all participants join in playing.
Bust the myth which says "you are either instantly successful at jazz or you never will be able to get it!" Learn how to trust the instrument - player - music connection which can only truly be experienced in improvisation, and leave your dependency on printed music.
For more advanced groups, Stanley demonstrates creative ways to use the bow, how to structure a solo, and how to integrate world music idioms and more advanced jazz styles into your playing. Additional instruments - guitar, piano, bass, drums - may be incorporated.
This workshop can also be structured to culminate in performance for parent groups, community festivals, outdoor fundraisers, or retirement centers.
SUGGESTED LISTENING: Duke Ellington's Jazz Violin Session, Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Where does jazz violin fit into the musical universe? Where is all this crossover going?
This session focuses on the emerging history of alternative string playing and includes a short survey of the diverse musical styles folded under the jazz umbrella. Stanley, a leader in the evolving role of jazz strings, discusses the various instrumental combinations jazzers have turned to in the past and describes the ever growing opportunities for strings.
As always, this hands-on workshop includes group participation - bring your instrument!
SUGGESTED LISTENING: Recordings by Joe Venuti, Stephane Grapelli, Stuff Smith, and Jean-Luc Ponty
"This is not just for improvisers, but for anyone interested in and open to new ideas about creative teaching, about learning." - SC
This workshop can be adapted for an audience of teachers or an audience of students.
Many of us believe in the benefits of improvisation, but don't know how to incorporate these skills into our own learning. In this workshop, Stanley shares his teaching philosophy enabling students to get their eyes and minds off the page and into the instrument - player - music connection. You will learn improvisational techniques to approach and master technical problems in string playing - how cross rhythms can help, how to use scales, and how to phrase.
Bring your instruments - this interactive session includes opportunities for all who wish to play along and try out the ideas being discussed.
SUGGESTED LISTENING: Recordings by Joe Venuti, Stephane Grapelli, Stuff Smith, and Jean-Luc Ponty
If you want practical advice on what pieces to program first, which repertoire to play with and without a rhythm section, or how to "jazz up" some existing pieces in your own library, don't miss this workshop.
The emphasis will be on creating music spontaneously - how to make arrangements of tunes from popular sources as well as from classical pieces, how to develop bass lines and inner voices, and how to exchange these roles within the group.
Stanley's original jazz compositions and arrangements for string quartet and other groups may be discussed and performed.
SUGGESTED LISTENING: Recordings by Turtle Island String Quartet and by the Modern Jazz Quartet
One of the most valuable experiences in life and in music is to have time with a master artist.
If you are interested in an appraisal of your strengths and areas to develop and if you need specific ways to improve and expand your personal playing, these private sessions are your answer.
$100 per hour