Sandy Evans

jazz improvisation workshops

:: improvisation and composition :: SIMA jazz improvisation workshops for young women :: teaching ::

Workshops in improvisation and composition

Sandy is available to conduct workshops for musicians of all levels and instruments in improvisation and composition.

These can be organised in conjunction with the Sandy Evans Trio or any of the groups that Sandy is involved with.

SIMA workshop concert, 2003

Jazz Improvisation Workshops For Young Women

In 2004 SIMA is pleased to present this this course for the 3rd year.

An 8 week jazz improvisation course for a group of young women (aged between 16 and 25) who are interested developing their skills as improvisers.

Sandy Evans writes: "After 20 years as a professional jazz musician, it has concerned me greatly that there aren't more women in my profession. When I was a student at the NSW Conservatorium Jazz Course (1982-83), things seemed to be changing and I assumed that by the time I was 40 about 50% of musicians in the jazz field would be women. Here I am in my forties and that is certainly not the case. I love the music I play and would like to encourage more young women to consider a career in jazz and improvised music."

Course aims:

Through this course, SIMA hopes to:

develop the skills and confidence of young women in jazz and improvised music
broaden their knowledge of jazz and improvised music
increase their awareness of career options in jazz and related areas
encourage the students to audition for tertiary jazz courses and to prepare them for the audition process

Lecturers

Three lecturers who are professional musicians and teachers of the highest calibre will make guest appearances at the course :

Monique Lysiak - piano
Toby Hall - drums
Craig Scott - bass

The 8 three-hour sessions will be on Saturday mornings during May and June at The Newtown High School For the Performing Arts

Course fee - $220

Entry requirements:

Numbers for the course will be limited and entry will be by audition.

Knowledge of jazz is not a prerequisite, but a strong interest in improvisation and in pursuing a career in some form of creative music is preferable. Students should have a reasonable degree of proficiency on their main instrument and should be able to play a major scale in all 12 keys. Don't be deterred from applying if you can't read music. Unfortunately we are unable to offer this course to vocalists as we feel this group require special instruction that we are not able to provide.

The course is aimed at Year 11 and 12 students, but is open to young women who have recently left school and fulfil the other criteria.

Audition requirements

1. Major scale in all keys.
2. Play a blues head and improvise over the form.
3. Play a piece of your own choice that demonstrates what you are best at.
4. Sight reading of music and chord changes.

A piano accompanist will be provided for the auditions.

Contact Jane March at SIMA for more information. SIMA website >