WORKSHOPS presented by Bill Cahn
CREATIVE MUSIC-MAKING
(Four Simple Steps to Cultivating the Inner Musician)
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 the creation of spontaneous, free-form music without the constraints of thinking about technique or watching printed music. All of the music created will be recorded live and then discussed in a non-judgmental group round-table. Bill Cahn, a member of the world-renowned chamber ensemble, Nexus, will guide the participants through the four simple steps of Creative Music Making.
Time: TBA
EQUIPMENT NEEDED- audio cassette (or DAT, CD, MD) recorder, mic(s), amp, speaker(s), marimba(s), vibraphone, 5 pairs of marimba mallets
INTRODUCTION TO WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING
A participatory workshop on the basic elements of West African (primarily from Ghana) drumming. Participants will learn how to hear and perform the sophisticated drum ensemble music for which the African continent is renowned.
- rhythmic cycles
- the concept of the “hidden beat”
- instruments – types and construction
- ensemble conversation within the musical form
- compositional forms and constructionsTime: 90 minutesRequirements: 12 arm-less chairs, (possibly bongos, congas, tomtoms, & shakeres)
THE INFLUENCE OF NON-WESTERN MUSIC IN WESTERN ART MUSIC
A Listening Workshop
THE XYLOPHONE IN ACOUSTIC RECORDINGS
A lecture/demonstration on early phonograph recordings of xylophone soloists in the years from 1877 to 1930.
- the history of the xylophone
- the history of the phonograph industry
- acoustic recording techniques
- backgrounds of the early recording xylophonists
- recorded examples of artists and stylesTime: 90 minutesRequirements: audio-cassette tape recorder (with amp & speakers), xylophone
CONCERT BASS DRUM PERFORMANCE
An interactive discussion/demonstration
click here for detailed information
SMALL PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS IN THE ORCHESTRA
A lecture/demonstration on approaches and techniques applied to performance on standard orchestral small percussion instruments:
- cymbals
- triangle
- tambourine
- wood block
- tam tam/gong
Included in the presentation are taped examples from the standard symphonic repertoire with simultaneous live performance.
Time: 90 minutesRequirements: audio-cassette tape recorder (+ amp & speakers), 3 gooseneck cymbal stands), 6 music stands
CYMBALS – WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
For more details on this topic and related Cymbal topics, click here
An interactive discussion/demonstration on cymbals.
Topics include:
- what to listen for in cymbals
- what is the difference between bright and dark cymbals
- what is the difference between “French” and “German” cymbal sounds
- cymbal techniques – suspended, crash, and moreTime: 60 minutes
Requirements: 3 gooseneck cymbal stands, cymbal tray-stand, various available cymbals
WHERE AM I GOING AND HOW DO I GET THERE?
For more details on Bill’s Workshop “Getting a Job”, click here
An interactive round-table discussion on self-awareness and self-evaluation in relation to pursuing goals in music, business, school, and life. Topics include:
- setting short and long term goals
- thinking about values and applying them
- analyzing strengths and weaknesses and how to take advantage of them
- thinking about resources and how to get help in achieving goalsTime: 90 minutesRequirements: chairs for all participants
INTRODUCTION TO THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC
To view Bill’s “Business of Music” Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, click here and scroll down
An interactive discussion on various aspects of the music business of interest to those who want to pursue careers in music.
Topics may include:
- advocacy for music – developing communication skills
- artist/management contracts
- auditions for symphony orchestras
- career planning
- copyrights
- ensembles – forming and operating them
- membership in unions
- music publishing and contracts
- music-related careers
- performing rights organizations
- preparing budgets/financial planning
- recordings – planning, production, and marketing
- self evaluation
- self management
- symphony orchestras
- where to get informationTime: 90 minutesRequirements: chairs for all participants
PERFORMING LIVE WITH MIDI
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:
- COMPUTER INSTRUMENT ENVIRONMENTS – Personal Computers, Dedicated Components, What Electronic MIDI Instruments Can Do, Limitations of Electronic MIDI Instruments
- HELPFUL CONCEPTS – Systems and Components, Interfacing, Internal Operating Systems, Value
- COMPONENTS – Sound Generators, Controllers, Processors, Mixers/Amplifiers, Speakers, Cables
- MIDI BASICS – Master/Slave, MIDI Connections, MIDI Commands, MIDI Channels, MIDI Modes
- LIVE PERFORMANCE – Phase 1 : Preparation, Phase 2 : PerformanceTime: 90 minutesRequirements: amp, mixer, & speakers; AC power cord & connection; AC surge-protector; 2 keyboard stands
