Guitarists love to “noodle,” a process that is rich, bearing tremendous fruit when one is guided structurally, resulting in flowing open (free) compositionally oriented improvisation that also reveals one’s truest musical voice. In this hands-on workshop we’ll not just honour ‘noodling’ but learn to craft wonderful music from it! All ages, levels and styles welcomed. Come with your guitar— and an open mind.
Brian Katz
Internationally acclaimed guitarist/pianist/composer/educator Brian Katz bridges modern jazz, classical and various world music to form his personal sound and is internationally lauded for his orchestral approach to solo guitar playing, his evocative compositions and fiery free (open) improvisations. Brian is a committed music educator, having held positions in Music Education and Performance at the University of Toronto and York University, Toronto, for over 25 years. In 2019 Brian was nominated for the prestigious University of Toronto teaching award. Brian is also a leading expert in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, an approach to music education that experientially examines the intrinsic relationships between physical movement and music listening and performance and teaches courses in jazz, classical, music education pedagogy, various styles of improvisation (including classical) and Music for Health and Wellness. Of his solo guitar recording, Leaves Will Speak, noted European music critic Alexander Schmitz wrote in Jazz Podium (Germany), “If you want music that speaks—here it is.” Brian has performed and recorded with many esteemed musicians.
Photo ©David Kaufman