Phil has taken the time to create a set of individually crafted workshops based on his experiences as a musician. his aim is to be concise and informative, with clear handouts explaining the information at hand.
All workshops contain practical elements to attain the groups interest and are either based on the importance of improvisation in all genres of music, an aspect of improvisation or the importance of understanding of the history of jazz and what defines the music.
He is also equipped to work cross-genre in performance masterclass settings working with individuals and helping them further their musicianship.
Below are a few of Phil’s workshop examples:
The Fundamental’s of Improvisation (perfect for all non-improvising musicians)
Many students find it hard to understand why improvisation is such a vital aspect of music. This workshop introduces improvisation to non-improvising musicians using different genres as focus points. (Jazz, Classical, Popular music.) It takes Miles Davis, Jimmy Hendrix and Johann Sebastian Bach and uses them as the three genre-specific pioneers. Through these musicians the students will learn how improvisation is key to the creation of new music, both notated and created on stage.
Ensemble Interaction (some jazz improvisation experience is vital)
Many Jazz students find it tricky interacting with their peers as their heads become bogged down in harmonic function. Phil hosts both one-off or full series of workshops on how to work together to create freedom and coherence within a group sound within both the arrangements and improvisations using melodic, rhythmic, aural and visual based approaches.
The Way Harmony Works (Jazz Specific, all levels):
Jazz harmony is a series of complicated chords creating baffling sequences. This workshop can be both one-off or a full series of workshops on Jazz harmony explaining where the common structures came from and what they contain, including both major and melodic minor harmonic structure. The more sessions or the higher the level of students the more in depth the workshops become.
Working in the industry (perfect for all aspiring professionals)
As a bandleader and event manager Phil is experienced in both running and rehearsing an ensemble as well as booking, promoting and running concerts. He has vast experience dealing with promoters, and creating contacts, invoices and press/promotional material. This workshop teaches musicians how to get themselves out there and reach audiences, musicians and promoters in their quest to become a ‘gigging’ musician.