Jazz Education Workshop
Juno-award winner, Brad Turner, and Vancouver’s top jazz musicians present the 2023 Jazz Education Workshop
The fifth annual Jazz Education Workshop in partnership with the Langley Community Music School (LCMS) is just around the corner and we can’t wait to welcome young and emerging musicians to participate in this incredible opportunity.
The workshop will be led by the enormously influential and in-demand jazz master, Brad Turner. Brad is a JUNO and National Jazz Award-winning pianist, trumpeter and composer, and resident artist at LCMS. He has performed and recorded with names like Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Dave Douglas, Peggy Lee and Kenny Werner, among many others. He's also a founding member of the multi-JUNO award-winning group, Metalwood.
“Being offered a jazz workshop of this calibre is a dream come true for our children,” says Zinat Melki, whose son and friends participated in the workshop last year.
“The four boys I took (in Grade 10/11) came out of the workshop so pumped up and excited by what they learned,” says Zinat. “The first thing they all said was “When can we do this again? We learned so many cool tips!”
“The most important part to me as a parent, was how our maturing teens noticed how these amazing musicians made it to where they are,” says Zinat. “They realized that these jazz masters had all become friends over the years, helped each other and worked together, that is how they succeeded.”
We sat down with Brad to discuss what participants can look forward to at the Jazz Education Workshop.
Learn from world-class professionals: "A musical picture worth a thousand words."
"There's so much information that goes into playing jazz that isn't evident on the page," Brad reflects. "There's a lot that the musician is responsible for that can only come through mentorship and learning by example."
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival Jazz Education Workshop offers an opportunity to learn directly from experienced musicians and educators who can provide valuable insights into style, approach and jazz culture.
"In-person experience with musicians and hearing the music played right in front of you paints a musical picture worth a thousand words," says Brad. "It's crucially important for young and emerging musicians to be around more experienced players, and this workshop will be a hands-on opportunity for them to work alongside Vancouver’s top jazz musicians."
The workshop will begin with a performance by the faculty followed by master class breakouts by instrument in the morning and ensemble groups later. Each group will rehearse and prepare music for a small concert later that afternoon that friends and family of participants are welcome to attend.
The incredible roster of faculty for this year's workshop includes André Lachance (Bass), Dave Sikula (Guitar), Jocelyn Waugh (Trumpet), Jennifer Scott (Voice), John Lee (Drums), Steve Kaldestad (Sax) and Brad Turner (Piano).
"It'll be a great day for talking about jazz, what makes the music important and learning about what goes into putting together a small program of music to perform," he adds.
Learn to reach inwards: "Music provides a reliable source of joy, self-esteem, love and community."
Brad's favourite thing about teaching is mentoring musicians on 'looking inwards' to find their voice through music.
"It's really neat to help people - especially young people - find a way to express emotions in a way that's positive, creative and contributes a bit of beauty to the world," Brad says while reflecting on the hectic nature of today's society. "Being a young person today is tricky, and it's nice to help them find a channel they can transmit on that they didn't know they had."
Collaboration, compromise and compassion are hugely beneficial attributes for any musician, and Brad loves to focus on these while teaching. "It benefits you as a jazz musician to know how to work with others and come up with solutions to making something better."
"It's rewarding to see people who were worried about being judged let down their guard and realize that there aren't any consequences. To realize that there's still trust in the world. That we're all here to create something together," says Brad.
Learn in an environment dedicated to the highest quality musical education.
Langley Community Music School was founded in 1969 and is a nonprofit organization that has earned national and international acclaim for its educational programming.
Brad began his musical journey taking an "Early Learning" program at LCMS at age five, then moved to learn the piano at seven. He attributes his musical foundations to LCMS and now directs the LCMS jazz ensemble on Monday evenings, runs workshops and teaches private lessons.
"I have an opportunity to give back a little of what was given to me when I was young," says Brad. "I have such fond memories of going to LCMS and all the things I got to do while I was there. It's neat to be on the other end of that now."
“Participating in a workshop can be transformative for musicians of all skill levels, and this Jazz Education Workshop will surely deepen your understanding and appreciation for jazz music,” says Brad.
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival Jazz Education Workshop will be held on March 26 from 9:30am to 4:30pm at Langley Community Music School, 4899 207 St, Langley.
Registration for the full day workshop is $95 and open until March 15. Register today before spots fill up! All levels of jazz instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome.