Archive: Tuscany International Jazz Summer School & Arts Festival
Certaldo, Italy, 21 to 26 August 2006

An intuitive approach to making music and the opportunity to enjoy the experience of life in the heart of the Tuscany.

Aims • Teachers/Performers • Programme • Special Events/Workshops
Concerts • Prices • The Right Course For You? • Location/Getting There

Principal Aims of the course

• To offer high quality, inspiring tuition for instrumentalists and vocalists from all backgrounds.

• To provide a creative environment where musicians can share ideas and learn from each other.

• To develop overall musicianship - with particular emphasis on time, touch, tone and ensemble playing.

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Teachers/Performers

Peter King (UK) Saxophones
Val Keogh (UK) Alexander Technique
Greg Burk (Italy/USA) Piano and World Music Ear Training
Stephen Keogh (Ireland) Drums & Pulse Training
Alfred Kramer (Switzerland/Italy) Drums
Gilad Atzmon (Palestine) Saxophones and wind
Sandro Gibellini (Italy) Guitar
Chris Wiesendanger (CH) Piano
Kyle Gregory (USA) Trumpet
Arnie Somogyi (UK/Hungary) Bass
Frank Harrison (UK) Piano
Aidan O'Donnell (UK) Bass

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Provisional Programme

A very full and varied programme of events is available to participants.

The feedback we received after last years seminar was that participants wanted a longer course with a quiet day in the middle of the week. This year we have extended the course by a day and arranged that Thursday afternoon be left free. There will be the opportunity to arrange private lessons for those who want them. This should be done between the participant and the teacher.

Monday
10.00 - 12.30: Registration
12.30: Lunch and welcome
3.00 - 5.00: Special Activity (see "Special Activities" below)
Evening Concert

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
9.00 - 9.45: Alexander Technique
10.00: Pulse Training
10.45: World Music Ear Training
11.30: Coffee Break
11.45: Instrumental tuition
13.00: Lunch
15.30 - 17.00: Small band coaching

Thursday
9.00 - 9.45: Alexander Technique
10.00: Pulse Training
10.45: World Music Ear Training
11.30: Coffee Break
11.45: Instrumental tuition
13.00: Lunch
Afternoon free for excursions, private lessons, etc.

Saturday
9.00 - 9.45: Alexander Technique
10.00: Pulse Training
10.45: World Music Ear Training
11.30: Coffee Break
11.45: Instrumental tuition
13.00: Lunch
15.30 - 17.00: Final rehearsal of students' small bands
19:00: Final Concert - Students and teachers

Nights
Concerts every night at 9.00pm at the Palazzo Pretorio or the Garden at the House of Bocaccio. Jam sessions from 10.30pm - 1.00am venue tbc + spontaneous concerts at different locations during the seminarInformal and spontaneous events are encouraged. In addition to the daily timetable and there is a programme of concerts throughout the duration of the seminar. There are plenty of opportunities to play and listen at the course Jazz Club.

The Seminar culminates with a final concert in which the students and teachers participate.

Every GMF workshop features outstanding musicians who are also great communicators. Under their guidance, participants gain valuable insights and playing experience, rehearsing together towards a concert. There are classes in the various musical disciplines such as instrumental technique, harmony, ensemble playing and improvisation, and, as well as teaching individually and in groups, the tutors give performances themselves.

In addition, a unique sequence of activities is offered at a GMF workshop, which together stimulate self-awareness and creativity.

Alexander Technique - by Val Keogh
Many performing artists find the Technique an invaluable way of fine-tuning their posture and movement. These introductory classes concentrate on the relationship of the head and neck to the rest of the body. The physical and mental exercises help promote a sense of rediscovery and ease in day-to-day activities, and especially in music-making.

Pulse Training - by Stephen Keogh
Pulse lies at the heart of music, and developing one’s own inner pulse is the goal of these sessions. The work fosters awareness – of the pulse, of silence, of the other members of the group. This workshop is hugely beneficial to musicians of every kind.

World Music Ear Training- by Greg Burk
Musical traditions from around the world provide the material for this workshop. Participants learn to connect the voice to the body, singing melodies and rhythms while playing patterns with the hands – and feet! In a group, the layering of parts energizes each musician bringing about greater awareness in collective music making.

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Special Activities

We regret that due to transportaion difficulties, Neil Ferber will not be able to bring his exhibition of sculpture to Certaldo this year. We look forward to his participation in the 2007.

Jazz Panorama - an overview of the history of Jazz - by Arnie Somogyi

Visual Zone - A space dedicated to working with image - Laia Suñer

Concerts - A programme of concerts every night for the duration of the seminar with top international musicians.

Jam Sessions - Each night until midnight.

Arto - An exhibition of paintings by Arturo Doñate Gimeno and Antonio Porcar Cano. Click below for larger pictures.

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Prices

All price options include:

• Fee for the course
• Accommodation for the dates August 21 - 26 inclusive
• Entry into all workshops, special activities, concerts and jam sessions
• Lunch will be provided each day
• Free public transport within Certaldo

A discount of 10% is available on bookings made before 30 March (this discount only applies to thoses who do not hold a valid student card).

Budget €525
This is the ideal package for students or those coming in a group. Accommodation will be in shared rooms in the town of Certaldo within easy reach of the course. Students who hold a valid students card will be eligible for a discount of 15%.

Comfort €745
For those who want more comfort and to be able to experience the feeling of living in a Tuscan village. Accommodation will be in private rooms in apartments in Certaldo Alto's beautiful medieval quarter.

Luxury €1400
Very high quality accommodation in the form of luxurious villa or hotel in the beautiful Chianti countryside close to Certaldo. The price includes car service with chauffeur - 2 return journeys per day from your accommodation to the seminar at Certaldo Alto.

*We can also arrange accommodation for you if you want to arrive early or stay on for a few days after the seminar. Just let us know well in advance.

Applications
As places on the course will be limited we recommend reserving as soon as possible. Click here to apply.

Payment
To secure a place on the seminar send deposit of €250* using either of the following methods:

1. Send bank transfer to the following: IBAN GB50 BARC 20956140699314. Send a photocopy of the bank slip with your name to the address above and please state clearly which course you are reserving for.

2. Cheque or bank draft made payable to Global Music Foundation. Please enclose a note stating which course you are reserving for. Post to

144 Main Street
Shadwell
Leeds
LS17 8JB

UK residents please make your cheque out for the sterling equivalent. This helps us as the banks charges are very high.

* Deposit is non-refundable

Remainder of fee for chosen option must be paid before July 22nd 2006. You may also pay the full amount now using either of the two methods mentioned above.

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The Right Course For You?

The course is open to all keen musicians aged 17+. There is no upper age limit as our experience has shown that age difference isn't important where an enthusiasm for music is shared.

The course is not aimed at complete beginners. You will benefit most if you already have some experience playing in a group, brass band, big band, wind ensemble or orchestra.

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Location

Situated between Florence and Siena, and facing San Gimignano, Certaldo Alto stands on a hill-top in the heart of the Elsa valley. In this enchanting village, history and traditions run deep: the author of "Decameron", Giovanni Boccaccio, lived here.

The lanes and squares, dominated by the 12th century Palazzo Pretorio; the romanesque architecture; the 13th century paintings - all this makes an ideal setting for the arts and cultural events. The welcoming people of Certaldo, the convivial cuisine and the beautiful local crafts will all contribute to a delightful stay in Tuscany.

Getting there

By plane: the airports of Pisa (Galileo Galilei, connected to the railway) and Florence (Peretola) can be reached with a one-hour car-ride.

By train: Certaldo is situated on the Florence-Siena line.

By car: Take the highway Florence-Siena and exit at Poggibonsi Nord, then follow the direction "Empoli". Otherwise take the highway Florence - Pisa - Livorno, exit at Empoli Ovest and follow the direction "Siena".

By bus: The SITA busses connect Florence to Certaldo.

Distances
Florence 40 km/25 mi, Siena 30 km/20 mi, Pisa and Livorno 50 km/30 mi and San Giminiano 10 km/6 mi.

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