MAGIC BALKAN MUSIC ACADEMY
BALKAN MELODY MASTERY
Learn great Balkan tunes and how to play them amazingly.
When? Wednesday evenings, 19:00 – 20:30h GMT
Where? Online on ZOOM, limited spaces in-person in Kenton, London HA3
This course will explore authentic Balkan tunes, emphasizing essential
techniques for playing with precision and expression. The curriculum is taught
via a mixture of by-ear learning and sheet music, allowing participants to delve
into dynamic phrasing, articulation, ornamentation, tone, and speed. The course
also offers exercises to enhance overall technique and flexibility.
DETAILS
Wednesday evenings, 19:00 – 20:30h GMT
Start on the 17th January 2024.
The course will run weekly throughout the year, expect school holidays. Booking
either annually on a 6-weekly direct debit or by booking 5-lesson units (more
info below)
Location: Online on zoom – limited in-person spaces in London HA3
Participants: players of melodic instruments from intermediate to advanced.
Fee: £60/£45 concessions for 1 Unit of 5 weeks (half a term).
Discounts when signing up until the end of the academic year
Booking Page: Click here to read details of payment and sign up for the course.
Read below for extra events, extra discounts and all-inclusive fees.
Watch Information Videos and including small demonstrations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETAILED INFORMATION
The Balkan region is known for its rich and diverse musical heritage, which has
been influenced by various cultures and traditions over the centuries. I am
launching this new course to share the finer things about Balkan music. The
correct notes can be played by any musician, but how often do I find myself in
tears when listening to a great musician who gets it so wrong, simply because
they did not have the opportunity to travel, listen, and learn from native
masters? Instead, they might have learned it third-hand or from a piece of sheet
music. Western classical music notation cannot fully capture the essence of
other types of music, and a metronome can stifle the authentic phrasing of
asymmetric Balkan rhythms. I am not a native Balkan music master either, but I
feel very privileged that I had the opportunity to learn from several of them,
and engage in endless, wild jam sessions. In this course, I aim to convey not
only the right musical feel but also the fervour and passion for this music.
The weekly course primarily targets melodic instruments. Tunes will be taught by
ear, initially using the voice (sheet music will be sent out beforehand), and
then practiced on the instrument. Special attention will be devoted to phrasing,
articulation, and, of course, the typical charisma of Balkan music to give it
that truly magical sound. Whilst I am a violinist and will demonstrate and lead
with the violin and voice, the course is suitable for any melodic instrument.
The level is aimed at intermediate to advanced players, although ambitious and
diligent lower-intermediate players will also do well.
We will briefly cover accompaniment aspects, including chord progressions,
rhythm patterns, and techniques. Dedicated workshops for chordal instruments and
percussion will be offered as we progress.
The course will run weekly and continuously, with no regular sessions during
usual UK school holidays. Booking will be in advance in 5-session units. Each
unit can be booked individually, or you can sign up for an annual booking and
pay in 6 instalments distributed over the whole year, receiving a 20% discount
on the total course fee. For precise dates and a detailed payment plan please
visit the BOOKING page.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFORMATION VIDEOS
about the general aims and philosophy of the course
how to achieve expressive ornamentation
how the accompaniments relate to the tunes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Balkan Academy Jam Session: A music making session, 3 times a year (towards the
end of each term), online and in person, where course participants and their
friends can play the studied material with a full-on group, including rhythm
section and vocals.
Fee: £9 for course participants, £12 for others - sheet music downloads
included Dates to be announced.
Chord Progressions and Accompaniment Special: A special workshop three times a
year for guitars, accordions, pianos, bass players, and similar instruments,
both online and in person. This workshop delves into the details of chord
progressions and accompaniment patterns, including riffs and breaks. It will be
co-hosted by an experienced guitarist.
Fee: £9 for course participants, £12 for others. Dates to be announced.
Balkan Percussion Special: A workshop designed for percussionists to study the
rhythm patterns and techniques related to the course material. This workshop
will be co-hosted by an experienced Balkan percussionist. It is tailored to
friends and bandmates of the Balkan Melody Mastery course participants, allowing
the pieces to be performed together in your own groups and jam sessions.
Fee: £9 for course participants, £12 for others. Dates to be announced.