Learn to Play Klezmer Music
.What is klezmer music? Even those of us who play it are sometimes at pains to define it. Basically, it is the folk music of Eastern and Central European Jews, as well as countless variations, hybrids, syntheses, and sometimes debasements of the same. It is, unfortunately, a widely misunderstood music. It's almost easier to say what it is not. It is not Israeli music, as in "Hava Nagila", it is not "Jewish jazz", it is not cartoon music or tin pan alley. It is a musical hybrid of various styles, styles originally of European, but now of global origin, played with an idiomatically particular Yiddish accent. If you have ever wanted an introduction to this beautiful, emotionally rich music, please come, and we'll cram as much as we can into a short amount of time.
details
- when: saturday, april 18th, 2009, from 5:25 pm - 6:55 pm
- to attend: Please see the info page for more information on attending any of the workshops at the 2009 Boston Skillshare.
- facilitated by: David Symons
lesson plan
This will be a hands-on, highly participatory workshop. We'll learn a tune or two by ear (first singing, then playing), and also discuss the modes, melodic variation, harmony, ornamentation, and phrasing particular to the idiom. No music reading. Bringing a sound recording device is recommended.
facilitator experience
I, David Symons, have founded and led several successful bands primarily dedicated to Yiddish and other types Eastern European music. Two examples: www.myspace.com/innerfiredistrictband and www.myspace.com/blackseaquartet. I have introduced and taught Yiddish repertoire and instrumental style to many musicians over the years, and teach accordion privately. I have studied and played this music for over ten years, and am a four-time scholarship student at Klezkanada, a large Yiddish music and culture festival based in Quebec.
intended audience
Anyone with at least basic skills on any instrument. Bring your instrument to the workshop if you can!
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