Presenter:
Ray Forster The NSW Board of Studies Music 1 Stage 6 syllabus states.. 'improvisation is the simultaneous creation and performance of music.. The improviser draws on known information and seeks to re-order it to produce something different'. The purpose of this workshop is to provide not only 'information' and insight into how to 're-order it' but also how to use this knowledge in the classroom to produce something different (improvise and/or compose). The classes are interactive with participants encouraged to bring their instruments or small keyboard. Although this course is mainly about the theory behind improvisation or 'known information', the classes are designed to include the 'hands-on' practical experience of actually playing the theory. This course is for all stages of experience and starts at a basic level. Comprehensive notes are provided which deal with the relationship between chords & scales as a means of understanding and teaching this theory.Music, CD & lesson plan provided.
What to bring:Please bring a keyboard or instrument for the hands on session.
| Rating | Comment |
|---|
  | Right level for me- reviewing fundamentals, then moving onto something more in-depth. Very good examples both written and practical. Very good resources. |
| Great mix of theory and practical - Ray is an excellent presenter. I thought it was fantastic. Excellent explanations. |
  | Heaps of knowledge - waffled on a bit but nice guy. |
| Good content, some of the demonstrations/ variations would have been nice to have in print form (heart and soul variations) and some more classroom applications/ activities. |
| I knew bits and pieces of the content. The course helped me understand the topic in a logical step by step. |
| A lot of time was spent of the basic stuff that we already knew (we're all music teachers). I can't speak for everyone else of course but I have learnt all of this stuff before. For me, I would have appreciated more of a 'how to each your students this' approach. |
| Info and booklet given out is very informative and beneficial to teaching Jazz. |
| Very knowledgable. Well presented. |
| Very enjoyable and knowledgable presenter. |
| Presentation good. LOts of info to take away, digest and use in teaching. Afternoon session went a bit too long, or could have included some more playing. |
| Maybe more scale building and practical with scales and chords - letting us apply what we use, being taught rather than just listening. (practical applications). |
| Ray has a fantastic understanding and knowledge of the course content. It was helpful and I was able to develop my knowledge of Jazz improv and harmony. |
| Ray was fantastic - he started from the beginning and then it got more complex as it progressed. Would have been great to have two separate days for beginners and advanced. Excellent resources provided. |
