On July 14, 2010 I facilitated a “Creative Music Making” workshop for 23 participating students as part of the week long Eastman Summer Percussion Institute directed by Michael Burritt. The 2-1/2-hour workshop focused on freeform improvisation, and was based on my book, “Creative Music Making” published by Routledge Books in 2005.
Each of the participants had the opportunity to perform …
Every so often I read an article in one of the local or national newspapers that motivates me to respond with a letter to the newspaper’s editor. A number of these letters in the past have gone to local newspapers responding to articles about the Rochester Philharmonc Orchestra. In my capacity as a past member of …
Last week (July 6 through 10) I participated in The Eastman School of Music’s first annual Summer Percussion Institute, directed by Eastman Professor Michael Burritt. On Thursday, July 9 I facilitated a “Creative Music Making” workshop for twelve participating students. The 2-1/2-hour workshop focused on freeform improvisation, based on my book, “Creative Music Making”.
In the workshop, each of the 12 …
Q. How did you come up with your book, Creative Music Making?
A. As decribed in the book, Creative Music Making is a practical process to develop musicianship through freeform improvisation. The process is simply based on my experience in creating improvised music with NEXUS. The group’s first few years of concerts consisted entirely of freeform improvisations, for which each player …
A lecture/demonstration on approaches and techniques applied to performance on standard orchestral small percussion instruments:
Included in the presentation are taped examples from the standard symphonic repertoire with simultaneous live performance.
Time: 90 minutes
Requirements: audio-cassette tape recorder (+ amp & speakers), 3 gooseneck cymbal stands), 6 music stands
A lecture/demonstration aimed at musicians who are already performing on acoustic instruments and who want to have a closer look at the possibilities for musical expression offered by the MIDI revolution. Topics may include:
An interactive discussion on various aspects of the music business of interest to those who want to pursue careers in music.
Topics may include:
Visiting Artist Residencies
Bill Cahn brings decades of experience world-wide in performance, education, arts administration, and community outreach to his residencies. Planned in collaboration with host organization(s), the goal of the residencies is to celebrate the power of music to enrich lives and the joy of music-making through skill development and the interactive sharing of ideas …
For a more detailed description, click here
What is Creative Music Making?
Creative Music Making is an interactive workshop in which musicians and music teachers of any age, student or professional, performing on any instrument will have the opportunity to deepen musicianship and expand individual expression through …
As one of the Eastman School of Music’s World Music Institutes in July 2008, Bill Cahn presented a week-long workshop on “Creative Music Making” for participants from Canada and the U.S.
The daily 3-hour sessions, based on Bill’s book (”Creative Music Making” - Routledge, 2005) gave participants - many of whom had never improvised on a concert before - the opportunity …
(Stressing The Fundamentals : Getting a Good Sound with a Relaxed Technique)
Presented by Bill Cahn - member of NEXUS
Time: 60 minutes
Requirements: bass drum on a cradle, xylophone, glockenspiel, 2 tables, 4 music stands
Fundamental Principles for Selection and Setup of Percussion Instruments:
1. Have a variety of instruments to increase musical options;
2. Select specific instrument(s) appropriate to the …
Bill Cahn brings decades of experience world-wide in performance, education, arts administration, and community outreach to his residencies. Planned in collaboration with host organization(s), the goal of the residencies is to celebrate the power of music to enrich lives and the joy of music-making through skill development and the interactive sharing of ideas and concepts. Residency activities selected by the …
EQUIPMENT NEEDED- audio cassette (or DAT, CD, MD) recorder, mic(s), amp, speaker(s), marimba(s), vibraphone, 5 pairs of marimba mallets
What is Creative Music Making?
Creative Music Making is an interactive workshop in which musicians and music teachers of any age, student or professional, performing …
an interactive discussion/demonstration
Presented by Bill Cahn
Techniques for Listening :
1. Relax (with a deep breath, body tension released, mind cleared)
2. Do not judge what is heard (whether it’s ‘good’ or ‘bad’, or what it means); set aside any
pre-conceptions and biases in order to hear.
3. Notice as much as possible about the sounds you hear:
* components (pitch, …
an interactive discussion/demonstration
Presented by Bill Cahn
Concert bass drum performance practices:
Concept 1: Setting up the bass drum
a) place the bass drum in a suspension cradle or on a cushioned stand;
b) remove unwanted rattles or noises (from the drum and the stand);
c) if the bass drum has calf skin heads, …