Tuscany International Jazz Summer School & Arts Festival
Certaldo, Italy, 11 to 19 August 2008

About this Summer School • Teachers/Performers • Course Timetable • Programme • Prices • Applications • The Right Course For You? • Location/Getting There

About this Summer School

This unique event is now in its fourth year. The spectacular setting, the team of outstanding performers and teachers and the varied schedule of activity all add up to an unforgettable experience for everyone who takes part.

• An exceptional roster of British, Italian and American artists/teachers, including Tina May, Scott Hamilton, Edward Simon and Julian Arguelles
• Intensive study, equivalent to a whole term at a music conservatory - some 6 hours tuition per day, including supervised rehearsals, instrumental classes and one-to-one lessons
• A wealth of opportunities to sing and play: two student concerts, nightly jam sessions and other spontaneous events
• Free admission to over 20 concerts given by members of the faculty and guest artists
• A range of complementary disciplines to broaden your horizons: Jazz Choir, Pulse Training, Ear Training, Samba, Alexander Technique
• A wonderful, atmospheric small-town setting with friendly, convivial people

The course provides first-class tuition and many opportunities to listen and perform. And, in keeping with GMF’s philosophy, the course takes a broad view of music-making; the instrumental, vocal, rhythmic and physical disciplines together lead the participant towards new levels of understanding, concentration and awareness.

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Teachers/Performers

Vocal Faculty
Pete Churchill, Tina May, Guillermo Rozenthuler, Nikki Iles

Wind and brass
Saxophone: Scott Hamilton, Julian Argüelles, Gilad Atzmon
Clarinet: Gilad Atzmon
Trumpet/Trombone: Kevin Dean

Rhythm Section
Piano: Edward Simon, Frank Harrison, Greg Burk
Guitar: Sandro Gibellini, Garrison Fewell
Bass: Arnie Somogyi, Aldo Zunino, Duncan Hopkins
Drums: Stephen Keogh, Alfred Kramer
Percussion: Felix Gibbons

Specialist workshops
Alexander Technique: Val Keogh
World Music Ear Training: Greg Burk
Understanding Latin Music: Edward Simon
Vocal and Body work: Guillermo Rozenthuler
Samba workshop: Felix Gibbons
Pulse Training: Stephen Keogh

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Course Timetable

Mon 11 August
Arrival and welcome
Evening Concert followed by Jam Session

Tue 12 - Mon 18 August (except Friday 15 August)
1000 - 1140 morning workshops
The first session will feature a different combination of activities every day: expect regular workshops on Pulse, Alexander Technique, and Vocal/Body warm-up, along with sessions on World Music Ear Training, Samba and Understanding Latin Music.

1200 instrumental and vocal classes
1330 - 1430 lunch
1530 instrumental and vocal classes and individual tuition
1700 ensemble
1830 finish

Concerts in the evening are followed by a jam session every night.

Friday 15 August is a free day for all course participants.

Tuesday 19 August is check out and departure.

The Programme

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.

This year the Tuscany International Summer School and Jazz Festival will bring together tutors and students participating in vocal, percussion and other instrumental courses in a single learning community. As the percussionists train and learn the various different calls and rhythms, singers on the vocal course will learn some of the traditional songs as performed at the carnivals of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. On the last day of the course there will be an open air public performance during which we will bring the joy and the spirit of carnival to Certaldo. Every night at the jam sessions there will be opportunities to play Samba Cançao in a small group setting.

Morning workshops
At the beginning of each day, students on all the courses come together to participate in a unique sequence of activities which collectively stimulate self-awareness and enhance 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.

After the morning sessions, instrumentalists and vocalists divide into separate course streams for the remainder of the day (12.30 - 18.30).

Notes on the vocalists' course
The course for singers this year at Certaldo will focus on working as a large group. Various aspects of the singer’s craft will be covered in classes that range from the study of song-form and lyric writing to issues of time and feel. There will be help with finding repertoire and guidance on working with the text in performance. Over the week the students will also gain skills in chart preparation (including transposition) and how to connect with the rhythm section.

Whilst there will be some opportunity for singers to work on repertoire through the song class and a chance for them to sing individual songs in the evening, a strong component of this course will be the work done as a vocal group. In the course choir students will be working on a wide range of repertoire, including Gospel, South African, Brazilian and Folk music. In addition there will be an opportunity to sing some unique choral arrangements of music by Kenny Wheeler, Ralph Towner and James Taylor.

This course is ideal for those singers who are serious about improving their skills. Sight-reading is certainly not a pre-requisite (much of the choir music will be taught by ear) and likewise, an understanding of music theory, whilst useful, is not a requirement for coming on the course. It is more important to come with an open mind, a love of jazz and a desire to improve.

Throughout the week each singer will also have a chance to work on their piano skills with Nikki Iles in a one-to-one session. This is a ‘supportive study’ for each student to give them an opportunity to review what they have gathered from the course and to devise appropriate ways of practising their skills.

Tina May
Tina's special involvement in this year's course will focus on 1 to 1 lessons. We will require advance booking for this as, based on past experience, we expect that demand will be high. There is no extra charge for this. Tinas first session will be for all the vocalists after which she will have her own room where vocalists can visit her for a 30 minute 1 to 1 session.

Some additional details regarding the vocalists' course timetable:

• The ensemble session before lunch (1200 - 1330) will be dedicated to group singing led by both Pete Churchill and Guillermo Rozenthuler. Each day we will feature a different genre of choral music - some taught by ear and some from notation and the focus will be on the appropriate learning process for the music in question. For some this session will also serve as a master-class in vocal arranging.

  Group singing is an important part of the day. Learning to blend as an ensemble raises important issues of time and feel not to mention aspects of intonation and diction. It is hoped that as well as serving to foster a feeling of community amongst the participants each singer can also take what they learn from this session and apply it to their individual song performances.

• The skills session (1430 - 1600) will cover different aspects of the singer's craft. There will be a strong focus on the ‘song’ itself and through analysis we will gain a greater appreciation of the available repertoire. With a greater understanding of the ‘song’ - especially the text - singers can, if they so wish, progress to writing their own lyrics to existing instrumentals.

  In this session we will also learn where to look for the best songs and how best to prepare them for the rhythm section. This ‘skills’ session is all about becoming more self-sufficient.

• The song masterclass (1630 - 1830) offers the chance for all singers to take what they have learned from the Ensemble and Skills classes and to apply this to their individual performance. In a ‘Master-class’ situation each singer will work with an expert accompanist (Nikki Iles and Pete Churchill on piano and/or Guillermo Rozenthuler on guitar) to prepare repertoire for the evening ‘jam-session’.

  It is in this session that we have the opportunity to deal with the practicalities of working with the rhythm-section including count-ins, intros and endings. Also there is a chance here to focus on the text, to talk about believability and how to connect with your material in performance.

Evening concerts at the end of each day are followed by nightly jam sessions which provide opportunities to listen and play with others. The week culminates with a final public concert in which students and teachers participate.

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Prices

To attend the course as a vocalist or instrumentalist please choose Option A, B or C.

To attend the course as an observer/listener (not singing or playing an instrument) please choose Option L1 or L2.

To attend as a concert goer, with the days free to spend as you wish, please choose Option V1 or V2.

We also offer a luxury option which is available to vocalists, instrumentalists, listeners and concert visitors. Please see Option SL.

Price options A, B and C include:

• Fee for the course
• Accommodation as described below for 8 nights on the dates August 11 - 18 inclusive
• Entry into all workshops, concerts, jam sessions, special activities, and any GMF exhibitions
• Lunch will be provided each day
• Free use of the funicular connecting Certaldo Basso and Alto

Price options L1 and L2 include the above, but without access to one-to-one music tuition.

Price options V1, V2 and L include the above, but without lunch or any workshops/activities during the day.

Option A Budget: 699 euros

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 10%.

Option B Castello: 999 euros

Accommodation is at the historic Albergho Il Castello in the heart of Certaldo Alto. Old-fashioned and charming, the hotel has pleasant gardens and a fine restaurant serving traditional Tuscany dishes.

Option C Comfort 1059 euros

For those who want more comfort and to be able to experience the feeling of living in a Tuscan hill-town. Accommodation will be in private rooms in apartments in Certaldo Alto's beautiful medieval quarter. The apartments, in restored town houses and palaces, are furnished and decorated to a high standard and have fully equipped kitchens. All are located within a couple of minutes of where the course takes place.

Option L1 Listener 1: 809 euros

An opportunity to come along to observe and listen on all activities except 1 to 1 lessons. Accommodation as described in Comfort Option. Lunch is included each day.

Option L2 Listener 2: 1290 euros

An opportunity to come along to observe and listen on all activities except 1 to 1 lessons. Accommodation 8 nights in a luxury four star hotel - plus entry into all of our nightly concerts and jam sessions (approximately 22 events). Lunch is included each day.

Option V1 Concert Visitor 1: 759 euros

We also offer the possibility for people to come who would just like to be with us on holiday while the summer schools and festivals are on. Accommodation will be in private rooms in apartments in Certaldo Alto or Certaldo Basso depending on availability, plus entry into all of our nightly concerts and jam sessions (approximately 22 events).

Option V2 Concert Visitor 2: 1120 euros

We offer accommodation - 8 nights in a luxury four star hotel - plus entry into all of our nightly concerts and jam sessions (approximately 22 events).

Flights are not included.

Option SL Luxury: 1775 euros

Accommodation in a four star deluxe hotel with swimming pool and golf course (6 holes).

• Good Morning News
• Internet Point
• Welcome Drink
• Sat-TV
• Pay TV
• Free water and soft drinks in fridgebar
• Coffee Maker
• Room Fragrance Menu
• Selection of pillows to choose from.

This new state of the art hotel is in Certaldo Basso (the lower part of Certaldo).

The price includes:

• Entry into and reserved seating at all of our nightly concerts and jam sessions - approximately 22 events.
• a limousine service (Mercedes) to take you to your hotel each evening. Order it in advance from us to take you back to the hotel after the evening concerts or jam sessions.
• Airport pick up and drop (Pisa or Florence airports only).

* Excursions to vineyards for wine tasting can also be organised for an extra cost. Please contact us in advance and we will let you know what is available according to your dates and budget.

Important Notice

* The events that we run outside of the UK are costed in euros. Due to currency fluctuations we reserve the right to alter the total price of any chosen option. If you live outside of the euro currency zone the remaining balance owed after payment of your deposit maybe be more or less than the price shown at the time when you paid your deposit. The total price stated in euros for any chosen Option will not change.

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Applications

Places on the course will be limited. We strongly recommend reserving as soon as possible. Click here to apply.

Payment

To secure a place on the seminar send deposit of 250 euros using one of the following methods:

1. Send bank transfer. We will send you the details when you are ready to make the transfer.

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.

3. send money by PAYPAL

* Deposit is non-refundable

Remainder of fee for chosen option must be paid before July 10th 2008. You may also pay the full amount now using either of the two methods mentioned above.

Click here to go to booking and payment

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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.

The course is not aimed at complete beginners. You will benefit most if you already have some experience playing with other musicians - the type of group or ensemble doesn't matter.

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Who Should Apply

The Jazz Summer School is designed for singers and instrumentalists eager to expand their musicianship, technique and ensemble skills under the guidance of expert teachers. If you are looking to develop and improve as a musician, enjoy being challenged and exploring new concepts, and are prepared to contribute wholeheartedly, this course is definitely for you. Join us for a great musical adventure.

PLEASE NOTE: The event takes place in a beautiful setting and we have a lot of fun and make new friends, but it is nevertheless hard work so don't expect a holiday! If this all sounds too "serious" and you are hoping for a gentle vacation playing a few standards with like-minded people, please think twice before applying

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Fees and scholarships

As Global Music Foundation is a non-profit company our fees reflect the cost of the events and are exceptional value for money. However we don't want to exclude talented musicians who cannot afford the full or discounted fee. If you would like to participate on one of our courses but because of circumstances (such as being in full-time education, a young professional on low income, unwaged, in receipt of benefit, retired etc.) you may wish to apply for a scholarship.

To apply for a scholarship please write to

GLOBAL MUSIC FOUNDATION
144 MAIN STREET
SHADWELL
LEEDS LS17 8JB
UK (nb email applications won't be considered)

with:

• Your name, contact details, instrument/voice, age
• The course for which you wish to apply
• How much of the fee you can afford to pay
• Include your CD/DVD (see below) or state availability for audition in London (see dates below)
• Together with a brief note detailing your musical experience so far, your aspirations for the future and a summary of the financial circumstances which make it impossible for you to pay the full fee.

Tapes/auditions To accompany your application, please send a CD or DVD of yourself performing, preferably with other musicians, a short programme (10 mins max) to demonstrate your ability. As an alternative you are welcome to come in person to perform for the Directors or their representatives at one of our GMF events in London. Dates for auditions are June 2008 19th, 21st & 28th.

Small print Full or part scholarships are offered at the discretion of the Directors of GMF, based on the applicant's ability/potential and personal circumstances. We may request to see certain evidences in support of your scholarship application. The Directors' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. You will be informed of the decision and any offer of Scholarship will be made by the 15TH JULY 2008. In the case of a scholarship being offered, travel to/from the event will remain the participant's responsibility.

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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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