The REAL Jazz Series Master Classes and Lectures
FREEDOM FROM THE WRITTEN PAGE: Beginning Improvisation for Pianists
Presented by award-winning jazz pianist-composer Mary Louise Knutson
Description:
Freedom From the Written Page is a 75-minute educational propgram presented in a master class format. The program is designed for intermediate to advanced level pianists and piano teachers looking for proven, results-driven methods for teaching improvisation to their students.
Summary:
• Solo piano performance showing the use of improvisation
• Story of presenter’s personal transition from classical to jazz
• Exercise 1 demonstration: “Getting to Know the Family”
• Exercise 2 demonstration: “Modulating”
• Exercise 3 demonstration: “Kid Play”
• How to improvise using fake book lead sheets
* A Question and Answer session is included in the presentation.
Reviews:
“Thank you for the wonderful presentation! You gave us practical and unintimidating ideas
for making first attempts to improvise with jazz harmonies.”
- Rebecca Daws, St. Paul Piano Teachers Association
“...your presentation was one of the best they (St. Paul Piano Teachers Association) ever saw!”
- Anne Helfman, St. Paul Piano Teachers Association
“Thanks for the inspiration and motivation. I've always loved jazz, but have usually felt like
it was so out of reach and overwhelming to really approach. I appreciated the accessibility
that you provided today for people who are interested but really didn't know a good way to
get started!”
- Becky Hanson, Association of Professional Piano Instructors
“I felt so energized by how clearly you explained yourself and how seemingly
straightforward your approach is - I want to dive in and get started.”
- Lucia Turner, Minnesota Music Teachers Association Conference
Partial List of Presenting Organizations:
• St. Paul Piano Teachers Association
• Association of Professional Piano Instructors
• Minnesota Music Teachers Association Conference
• Minnesota Valley Music Teachers Association
download technical rider | download printable flyer | Making Sense of Jazz
For more information or to schedule a program, call: 651.270.5510 or email us.