Gypsy Jazz Guitar Workshop with Paul Vernon Chester

13-19 May 2012

Study the guitar style of Django Reinhardt at Creative Vacances, France.

This Learning Holiday will be spent looking at the key ingredients that give Gypsy Jazz guitar its unique flavour, delivered by one of the top players of the genre.

We will consider the techniques and expressive dynamics that have been handed down as part of Django’s legacy. Students will be “supportively nudged” out of their comfort zone and equipped with tools they need to significantly improve their playing and with material to keep them passionately engaged with this wonderful and unique music.

Paul Vernon ChesterThe abilities of students are quickly established in order to focus on individual improvement agendas. Activities are designed to enable you to work in a group, duo and individual formats. Tuition provided is designed to challenge and will cover all of the key elements of Gypsy Jazz. The week will not be heavily theoretical and employs the ‘Gypsy Tradition’ of demonstration and assimilation. The course will also  appeal to those acoustic guitarists who wish to enrich their playing, irrespective of style.

Essential elements are enthusiasm, love of music, fun, and a real desire to improve your personal best.

Playing Gypsy Jazz is the driving force with plenty of time for jamming and developing skills. The whole programme is based on Paul’s own route to this music, which he invites you to follow – many others already have.

The week will be a great opportunity  to learn with like - minded musicians, led by a hugely experienced tutor and performer in a delightful environment( France)- highly conducive to our adopted style!

Some of the areas we will cover:

  • Right hand technique                                    gypsy jazz workshop
  • stroke variation
  • Gypsy Jazz chord voicing /progression
  • Triads
  • De – cluttering rhythm playing
  • Pick techniques
  • Arpeggios
  • Runs
  • Building a solo
  • Vibrato
  • Octaves
  • Dynamics
  • Building confidence

What will you need to bring?

  • Acoustic guitar -which doesn’t have to be a gypsy model
  • your love of guitar
  • enthusiasm
  • a desire to improve
  • an enjoyment for a holiday where you can combine playing with pleasure!

For more information about Paul visit his website http://www.paulvernonchester.com