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I organise and lead workshops for saxophone players wishing to develop their general playing and jazz improvisation skills and in conjunction with other professional musicians I am involved in  jazz workshops for players of all instruments. I am also able to run workshops in jazz improvisation in schools.

Coming Up:

Afternoon Taster Workshop: Sun 21st March 2pm to 5pm, Exeter Phoenix - £10!!!

In conjunction with Exeter Phoenix and the Exeter Vibraphonic Festival

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Jazz Improvisation Workshop (Intermediate level) Sax & Brass players and Performance with Rhythm Section

Workshop 11am to 6pm, Performance 6.30pm to 8pm

Led by popular and accomplished tenor saxophonist Pete Canter the workshop is for intermediate saxophone and brass players wanting to develop their understanding of the jazz improvisation process and turbo charge their skills. Working in a small group (max 10), we will look at what to practice and how to approach soloing on a selection of jazz standards. The workshop will run from 11.00 am through to 6pm with a lunch and afternoon coffee break and will continue with an evening performance in the Plough Bar with a rhythm section. Participants should have good basic facility on their instruments, some previous experience of jazz improvisation and be able to read and play melodies for intermediate level jazz standards. All music including melodies, chords and a scale syllabus needed for the workshop will be emailed to participants in advance. Expect a day of hard work and good fun in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis for a cost of £50. Talk to Pete first to discuss the suitability of the workshop for you and to request a booking form on 07966 034 884.

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Previous Workshops:

In conjunction with Wessex Music, Sherborne.

Pete Canter’s Jazz Improvisation Workshop for Saxes & Brass and Evening Performance with Rhythm Section.

(For beginner/intermediate improvisers on Bb/Eb saxes and brass) Castle Cary, Somerset, Saturday 20^th February 2010

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"The connection between chords and scales suddenly became crystal clear. The appearance of a min7b5 on a leadsheet no longer frightens the living daylights out of me. I now see just how important scale practice is and the methods suggested of practising take out a lot of the drudgery as it sounds like jazz, relevant, in fact my first practice session after the workshop did not include any ‘tunes’ at all." Alun P (baritone sax)

"I enjoyed the day, and I’m sure I benefited from attending. I felt a bit out my depth on occasions, mainly because I needed more time to absorb some new concepts. Now that I have had time to reflect and put some ideas into practice, it has started to make sense, and I’m sure my improvisational ability will improve as I work on what I have learned. In summary, the content was fine, with some excellent handouts which will be very useful." David B (tenor)

"Demystifying and such fun! Haven’t played for years, LOVED IT, can’t wait to start playing regularly again and found it liberating. In the supportive atmosphere I didn’t feel nervous at all. Not that I didn’t care what it sounded like, but I was there to learn and I didn’t mind making ‘mistakes’. Demystifying: just doing it - with a great rhythm section and pianist; using a couple of scales to cover numerous chord changes - I have done this by ear before, but using music theory to do this was enlightening; the performance, with the band - sounded better than I had expected. Your enthusiasm and facilitation as a teacher were excellent and I enjoyed meeting the other players." Lindis L (alto)

Jazz Improvisation Workshop for Frontline & Performance with Pro Rhythm Section, Sun 1st November. Exeter Phoenix

Exeter Autumn Festival Event

"Excellent Stuff!" Harry P (tenor sax)

"I thought this was an excellent day’s workshop. It was well paced and I understood most things that were taught. The worksheets were excellent. It was good to meet up with you and all the other musicians on the course. The opportunity to give a performance with a pro rhythm section was a huge bonus." Julian (tenor sax)

"Because I’d had lessons with you before I felt that I had a head start on some of the other people who weren’t as familiar with modes and were less used to improvisation, so it was bordering on slightly too easy but only because I was used to the material and had done some of the exercises in my lessons. Even so, it showed me how much more I need to practice as I was nowhere near perfect even though I’d done some of the exercises before! Overall it was a really good day, definitely well worth doing so thanks very much!" Cat (tenor sax)"

A very interesting experience—no pressure but musically stimulating. Useful improvisation handouts, too." Miles (tenor sax)

"I found the workshop very enjoyable and it was very good to hear other saxophonists play. I feel that I had to much to eat for dinner and it may have affected my evening playing but apart from that it was very good. Hoping there will be another one sometime in the near future." Jack (alto sax)

"Very good workshop and a highly enjoyable day. Would love to hear the final performances again, shame they weren’t recorded (actually they were! Pete). The area for performing was a little too small… Overall it was a very enjoyable, helpful day. When’s the next one?" Harry C (tenor sax)

"The workshop was above my level, but I enjoyed the opportunity to ‘have a go’ and brought back some useful suggestions which I have tried to implement whilst trying improvisation with the rehearsal band I play with .........  The concert was fun but I did feel ‘inadequate’ against the level of players on the workshop.  Personal circumstances had prevented me doing much preparation for the workshop, but this hasn’t put me off.  I would welcome the opportunity to attend another workshop in the hope that some of your ‘energy’ and ‘enthusiasm’ is catching!!" Claire (alto sax)

"You have a talent for communicating and put the points across in a very accessible way.  You also made it a lot of fun. I gained from having to play in front of the others, both during the workshop and at the evening performance. At my level of experience this put me out of my comfort zone but in a constructive and helpful way.  Everyone was very supportive and I gained a lot of confidence. The workshop focused me on some of the things I need to work on.  Now I need to go away and practice!! There was quite a wide range of abilities but I felt that the atmosphere generated at the workshop allowed everyone to play to their ability and learn.  I would have thought that everyone went home having had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and feeling a better, more confident player. The worksheets were great and you had obviously put a lot of work into preparation, which allowed us to concentrate on learning. " Tony K (tenor sax)

Jazz Saxophone Workshop & Performance with Pro Rhythm Section, Exeter Phoenix, 14th June 2009.