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Steve has taught classes in musical performance, composition and improvisation
to all age groups from elementary schools in the NYC public school system to Master Classes at renowned universities and festival
workshops in the US and Europe. He also teaches privately.
Topics covered are:
Fundamentals of playing your instrument (all instruments)--
A hands on demonstration with kids who have instruments to play, focusing on fingerings, positions, embouchure, good breathing
habits, posture and playing scales and songs. The main objective to be able to play songs from a lead sheet with a rhythm
section.
The class includes sheet music, taped examples and personal demonstrations of material covered.
Improvisation--
Lecture and participation on a variety of ways to approach improvisation from the blues to bebop and beyond. Taped examples
played, written handouts on various techniques and game pieces that can be used to foster improvisation as well as participation
in actual improvising no matter what level of proficiency the student has on the instrument. Instruments are not mandatory
for this workshop.
Composition--
Class participation in organizing and arranging original compositions. Short pieces are put together by choosing four
notes and a rhythm. How different melodies can shape a rhythm or rhythm shape a melody is discussed. Taped examples of different
approaches to writing for a jazz or improvising ensemble. Discussion and demonstration on how to put this together then demonstration
of individual compositions performed at end of class. A compressed way of getting students to figure out pieces in short amount
of time without them agonizing over it too much. Can be alot of fun.
Steve has taught in District 75 (special ed) public schools in NYC for the past 6 years as well as conducting master classes
at New England Conservatory, Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Tulane University, Hochshule fer Musik in Dresden,
Germany, and the Guimares Jazz Festival, Portugal. His band Fire Into Music did workshops in Houston, New Orleans, Albequerque
and Wisconsin while on a 3 week tour this past fall, 2004.
A full teaching resume available upon request.
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