Blues & Beyond - Chord Theory, Improvisation & History
Workshop Dates:Sat & Sun Sep 27 - 28, 2008
Workshop Fees:$135
Workshop #:WS0809-15
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A practical and fun application of music theory as related to blues, R&B, Soul, & blues-related jazz progressions. Students will work with chords, scales, "riffs", rhythm, patterns and melody to understand, play, and improvise. Learn to play solos and jam in a group setting. Understand the structure of the tunes so that you can play by ear with other musicians and not get lost. Play different styles and substitute chord progressions that go beyond the I-!V- V 12 bar blues.
We will also listen to and learn from the great masters of this genre: work songs & gospel influences; early rural blues, vaudeville, urban blues, R&B, Rock, Motown through to jazz blues.
It is not necessary to be able to read music, but a familiarity with chords and a basic working knowledge of your instrument is needed.. This workshop is suited to all instruments as well as vocalists.
*When you are registering, please indicate what instrument (or vocal) you are bringing to class.
Examples of some styles we will explore:
- Work songs, gospel & early blues influences
- I, IV, V patterns
- I, Vl, ll / IV, V patterns
- 8, 12, & 16/ 32 bar structures
- Country, boogie & urban styles
- R&B, Soul, & Motown progressions
- Minor blues
- Jazz blues and rhythm changes
What do you need?A willingness to be creative and a love of music! No need to be able to read music.
What to bring:
Join us with your voice or bring along your own horns, woodwinds, strings, guitars ... any and all instruments are welcome!
A Piano will be available but keyboard players who own portable instruments should bring them. Electric guitarists and bass players will need their own amplifiers or bring acoustic instruments. Bring note paper and pencils and manuscript paper if you can read music.
All other materials will be provided.
Xeroxes of tunes and music theory: $1 donation at class for the Xerox costs
Location:Denman Island Arts Centre
Annie Siegel
Annie Siegel was born and raised in New York, came to British Columbia in 1970 and has lived on Denman Island since 1989. She has a BA in Fine Arts (music and art) from the University of New York at Buffalo, Associate in Arts & Science (Commercial Music) from Capilano College, and B.C. teaching certificates in Art & Music. She has been working as a professional artist, musician and art & music teacher for 35 years.
Classically trained in flute as a young child, Annie went on to sing and play folk and blues guitar as a teenager. She performed throughout her college years in New York where she graduated in music & art.
She continued her musical education at Capilano College in North Vancouver where she studied jazz piano and flute. She performed solo blues guitar & vocals as well playing piano, flute and vocals with various R&B and jazz bands in Vancouver for 20 years.
Since her move to Denman Island in 1989, she has been playing with her band every week at the Thatch Pub on Hornby Island as well as with various groups on Vancouver Island. She also teaches music in Courtenay and privately.