Saying It: Developing Your Own Musical Voice With Joshua Breakstone at California Jazz Conservatory

How do we develop our own voice on our instrument? How do we learn to express ourselves in a unique and personal way? The dynamics we use in speaking are literally the same dynamics that allow us to communicate on a deep level and in a unique way in music. We’ll explore applying the dynamics of the voice - the dynamics of speech - to jazz improvisation and see how each of us can use these dynamics to develop a unique musical voice. All of this will be discussed within a framework of jazz history. We’ll also go into ideas about repertoire, practicing, control, phrasing, how to listen to jazz, the functioning of the rhythm section, etc. For guitarists in attendance, we’ll also briefly touch on some of the traps and pitfalls intrinsic to the guitar itself. Participants will be able to direct the focus of what’s covered at the workshop and we’ll concentrate on those topics of most importance to those present. Examples will be demonstrated and workshop participants will play as well — bring your instruments!...

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How do we develop our own voice on our instrument? How do we learn to express ourselves in a unique and personal way? The dynamics we use in speaking are literally the same dynamics that allow us to communicate on a deep level and in a unique way in music. We’ll explore applying the dynamics of the voice - the dynamics of speech - to jazz improvisation and see how each of us can use these dynamics to develop a unique musical voice. All of this will be discussed within a framework of jazz history. We’ll also go into ideas about repertoire, practicing, control, phrasing, how to listen to jazz, the functioning of the rhythm section, etc. For guitarists in attendance, we’ll also briefly touch on some of the traps and pitfalls intrinsic to the guitar itself. Participants will be able to direct the focus of what’s covered at the workshop and we’ll concentrate on those topics of most importance to those present. Examples will be demonstrated and workshop participants will play as well — bring your instruments!

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