Grafton Guitar Group

05/10/2024

Starting Sunday, May 19 and running for 5 weekly sessions, I am excited to be offering an online workshop version of my "Carving Out a Line" series. You can find student reviews of previous workshops held at the Vermont Jazz Center in the Comments section below.
Improvisation can have a steep learning curve: there are the chords and scales associated with major, harmonic minor, Melodic minor, harmonic major systems. Then there are the chord inversions of these systems - "Drop 3" "Drop 2 & 4". Then there's quartal harmony; there's the unending study of rhythm, a vast repertoire.... it is an ever expanding universe.
And it can be completely overwhelming and discouraging.
While all of the above information is certainly important, the sheer volume of information can prevent a person from enjoying the process of learning.
But what if we asked this question: is it possible to create interesting and melodic improvisations with a limited amount of information? And the answer is a resounding Yes.
This course is for the intermediate player who is passionate about music and learning, but has limited amount of time to spend in the practice room. We will take an in depth look at basic triads (vertical structures) and the Bebop scale (horizontal structures) and develop phrases -"Carving out a line". We'll take a close look at examples by some of the great improvisors in music, and discuss the essential elements that make for great melodic statements.
I already have a class in place but would be happy to include anyone with an interest in pursuing their music using the techniques we will be focusing on. I am sufficiently confident in this that I offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
The class is open to all instruments and includes PDFs, sound files (Concert, Bb, Eb & bass clef) and access to yours truly during the week while the course is running. We meet Sundays at 1:30 for five weeks (makeups available). The cost is $250.00.
Drop me a private message for more information.

12/02/2022

Looking forward to playing host to the incredible guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg on Dec 10. I’m very pleased to add that we’ll be joined by visiting guest artist Paul Asbell. Paul Asbell is and has always been a personal inspiration to me. in fact, along with Attila Zoller, Paul got me started on the path l have been on for the majority of my life. Paul’s resume is unique and amazing: in his early years in his hometown Chicago, Paul worked with the iconic blues artists Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters ,and many others space does not allow to mention here. Paul can be heard on one of the classic Blues albums by Muddy Waters, “Fathers And Sons”. As a jazz guitarist, Paul performed with Sonny Stitt. He founded the great fusion band “Kilimanjaro” - it just goes on and on.
When I told Jonathan that Paul was coming, Jonathan’s reaction was the same as my own:
“COOL!”
If we’re lucky, the two masters will play a tune or two for us - something which in the past classes has led to sparks flying.

11/22/2022

Still some available slots to learn and hang with

Jk!

10/20/2022

Greetings Everyone,
I’m happy to share with you the news that the great guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg will be giving a workshop at the Grafton Inn, Grafton, VT on December 10th at 4PM.
The price of the class is $125.00. JK will be addressing a variety of topics along with your questions, followed by a solo performance for participants. Dinner with Jonathan will take place across the street at the Phelps Barn following the class (dinner not included). Rooms at the Inn are available to those wishing to stay over at one of the great Inns in New England.
For more information drop me a private message on Facebook.

11/16/2019

Another great class in Grafton - this time with the sensational guitarist, composer, educator, and author
Steve Cardenas! Steve had so many great ideas about comping and improvising. It was a great experience for us all.

07/16/2019

Greetings!
The great guitarist Steve Cardenas will be here in Grafton on Sunday, November 10 for the 10th Workshop and Concert. Steve will be
giving us a workshop on his approach to the guitar and Jazz Improvisation. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Steve’s playing, he has been on the world stage for at least two decades, performing with a variety of great musicians. He was a member of Paul Motian’s “Electric Bebop Band” along with Kurt Rosenwinkle. He is currently on tour with John Cowherd’s Quartet, featuring John Patitucci on bass and Brian Blade on drums. As an educator, Steve is on the faculty at the New School in New York. He is the author of the definitive book on the compositions of Thelonious Monk (Hal Leonard, pub), a highly recommended book.
Steve is all over Youtube in every context. But I think this gives you a great idea as to Steve’s prowess, both as a guitarist and a composer. Here, he is playing duo with the great John Patitucci. Steve appears around 17:40 in the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2em05fA2FM

This will be a great learning opportunity for us all.
The class will be held at the Grafton Inn as usual, 11/17 from 2- 4PM. We will then eat dinner in the Main Dining Room ( we’ve upgraded!), and will have an informal concert following dinner. The Inn has made the great offer to close the Dining Room for these informal concerts, making them “Invitation Only”.
My original suggestion was for Steve to play solo guitar; but he wants to play duo. (Well, okay then!) We will also be performing a duo on Monday, November 11 in the Upper Valley (place to be determined).

The cost is $70.00 for the day, which includes the class and the concert. As always, $50.00 goes to the artist and $20.00 to me separately for my work organizing these. It is also my fervent hope that participants will join us for dinner and support the Grafton Inn - without
their very generous offer to give the artists a complimentary room at the Inn and provide the classroom - these classes would not exist. Thank you!!
More information to follow. Please let me know that you’re interested in attending so I can give Steve some preliminary numbers. You are not committing at this time!
Thanks, and have an awesome Summer!
Draa

Check out the great Steve Cardenas at 20:00 in this video with the great John Patitucci:

John Patitucci, bass Jon Cowherd, piano Steve Cardenas, guitar Recorded June 12, 2019 at Yamaha Artist Services Piano Salon David Tallacksen, audio engineer ...

06/03/2019

A few more photos from the Class with Peter Bernstein. It was a beautiful day and evening for all: