Hidden Valley Music Seminars
June 30 - July 5, 2008
Carmel Valley, California

For information on attending the Ali Ryerson Jazz Flute Master Class in 2008 please contact Ms. Ryerson, alialto@aol.com, or Hidden Valley Music Seminars, hvms@aol.com.

The Jazz Flute Master Class is a one week program of intensive jazz study, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring jazz flutists to develop their jazz conception, with an emphasis on improvisational skills, jazz flute technique, and repertoire. Our goal is to explore and strengthen the role of the flute in jazz.

Registration will be open to high school and university students, and adults. Professional flutists and teachers are encouraged to attend.

A rhythm section (piano, bass & drums) will be in residence for the week, offering the students daily experience playing in a jazz ensemble. Sessions will also be offered by the members of the rhythm section, in order to broaden the flutists’ understanding of the inner workings of the jazz trio.

Rhythm Section in residence:
Mark Levine, piano
John Wiitala, bass
Akira Tana, drums

The Jazz Flute Big Band will rehearse flute ensemble arrangements daily. Alto and bass flutes will be supplied, when needed. Students will also participate in smaller ensembles.

Individual coaching sessions will be scheduled with Ms. Ryerson (included in tuition)

CURRICULUM

Daily master classes will be held, focusing on a variety of topics:

Practice techniques designed to strengthen improvisational skills
Intermediate & advanced jazz harmony
Understanding the relationship between chords and scales
How to create and develop jazz motifs.

Workshops on jazz articulation, phrasing, and tone quality
Developing transposing skills
Ear training

A study of different jazz styles; 'Bebop to Bossa Nova';
Building a jazz repertoire
CD listening sessions; building a jazz library

Jazz history
The jazz business
Discussing the challenges which face both jazz flute students in today's schools, as well as professional flutists in the jazz world.