JazzWorks’ Young Artist Workshops
May 3, 2025
Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa
1:00-3:00pm
Running concurrently, you can choose between one of the following Workshops:
Claire Devlin: "Improv Games for the Apocalypse"
In this masterclass, we'll explore the raw, untamed energy of free jazz—where improvisation becomes both artistic expression and act of resistance. Drawing from pioneers like Sun Ra, Butch Morris and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, we'll investigate how abandoning predetermined structures creates space for authentic musical connection. Through focused listening exercises, collective improvisation games and hands-on explorations of extended techniques, participants will challenge conventional notions of harmony, rhythm and form. Whether you're a seasoned improviser or curious explorer, this session invites you to push boundaries and discover how free improvisation can serve as a powerful tool for renewal in uncertain times.
For more about Claire, please visit her website here.
In this masterclass, we'll explore the raw, untamed energy of free jazz—where improvisation becomes both artistic expression and act of resistance. Drawing from pioneers like Sun Ra, Butch Morris and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, we'll investigate how abandoning predetermined structures creates space for authentic musical connection. Through focused listening exercises, collective improvisation games and hands-on explorations of extended techniques, participants will challenge conventional notions of harmony, rhythm and form. Whether you're a seasoned improviser or curious explorer, this session invites you to push boundaries and discover how free improvisation can serve as a powerful tool for renewal in uncertain times.
For more about Claire, please visit her website here.
Nick Maclean: "Problem Solving for Jazz: How to Practice with Clarity, Structure, and Direction"
Being a highly improvised art form, jazz poses unique challenges for those seeking to master its fluid and ephemeral nature, leaving many of its students asking the question, “How do I choose what to practice?” JUNO-nominated and 10x Global Music Award-winning pianist Nick Maclean leads a clinic answering that question and others by outlining a methodical framework for choosing & setting goals, breaking them down into actionable practice steps, and how to internalize lessons in an efficient and effective manner so that you can practice smarter, not harder. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, this is a "must-do" for anyone interested in bringing more independence, intention and control to their jazz journey.
For more about Nick, please visit his website here.
Being a highly improvised art form, jazz poses unique challenges for those seeking to master its fluid and ephemeral nature, leaving many of its students asking the question, “How do I choose what to practice?” JUNO-nominated and 10x Global Music Award-winning pianist Nick Maclean leads a clinic answering that question and others by outlining a methodical framework for choosing & setting goals, breaking them down into actionable practice steps, and how to internalize lessons in an efficient and effective manner so that you can practice smarter, not harder. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, this is a "must-do" for anyone interested in bringing more independence, intention and control to their jazz journey.
For more about Nick, please visit his website here.