sax, saxophone, jazz, improvisation workshops, Exeter, Devon
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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
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Previous Workshops:
Sun 27th March 2011. Workshop for Beginner Improvisers on Saxes and Brass plus Performance with Rhythm Section at Exeter Phoenix. Part of Exeter Vibraphonic Festival.
Suitable for those new to jazz improvisation but with basic facility on their instruments. You should be able to play major scales in common keys and be able to play melodies of easy to intermediate jazz standards with some practise. The day will look at what to practise for jazz improvisation, basic jazz harmony, modal playing and blues and give participants the opportunity to solo on a selection of jazz standards chosen for the day. In the evening we will be joined by a rhythm section to give a performance in the bar of Exeter Phoenix.
"I learned a huge amount and had a lot of info to take away. I know the music and notes will be useful – I went to one of Pete’s workshops 2 years ago and have been working on the notes I took away from that since then. It’s taken some time to sink in but things are making much more sense now. I understand what I’m doing much more and could feel a definite improvement. The scales and exercises are good to know and it all gave me inspiration to move on and keep plugging away with these new ideas. I thought the workshop tunes were well chosen so everyone was able to have a go in a ‘safe’ and supportive space. I thought Pete judged everyone’s ability really well and I felt that the feedback and ideas I got all day were really helpful to me. I loved playing in the bar in the evening and I’d like to do that again." (Carron - tenor sax)
Sun 31st October. Exeter Phoenix.
Jazz Improvisation Workshop for Progressing Sax and Brass Players and Performance with Rhythm Section
An Exeter Autumn Festival Event
Led by popular and accomplished tenor saxophonist Pete Canter the workshop is for progressing saxophone and brass players wanting to develop their understanding of jazz improvisation 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 11.30 am through to 5.30pm with a lunch and afternoon coffee break and will continue with an evening performance with a rhythm section in the bar at Exeter Phoenix 7.00pm to 9.30pm. 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.
Sat 12th June 2010.
Plough Arts Centre, Torrington.Jazz Improvisation Workshop (Intermediate level) Sax & Brass players and Performance with Rhythm Section
"I loved it – the participants were so helpful too and I learnt a lot even though it let me know I have so much more to learn!" Julie (alto sax)
"I very much appreciate being offered a place on this workshop given that I am not hugely experienced as a sax player, the day was a very positive experience, thank you. I found the excellent organization and carefully planned structure of the day maximized learning and made the best use of time. The handouts provided before the course were invaluable, as the pieces could be practiced for some weeks prior to the day at a pace that fitted with busy lives. The teaching on the day used the material provided for prior learning and took this to the next level of understanding about the use of many types of chords and chord structures. In addition, there were many opportunities to practice. I really liked the balance between theory and practice and that everyone had equal chance to play, no matter their skill level in learning the new material. I also appreciated being in receipt of, and witnessing your direct help when a student stumbled or struggled with the task momentarily. To be taught in a such friendly and supportive context has a positive impact on the learning experience. I learned masses – not just about improvisation and my own skill level, but I also began to actually feel more confident as the day progressed – much of this through playing with the group and at the end of the workshop in a small, informal setting. I thought the rhythm section was great and realised (given I’ve never played with a band before), just how wonderful it was to have competent and flexible musicians ‘behind’ you. Thanks for a great day." Katrina (tenor sax)
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I really enjoyed the workshop. The idea for me was to refresh my knowledge and get me back on the right practice path. I know a lot of the theory but there was a lot of new stuff. It was nice meeting the other players, some of whom I’d come across before. A great day. Let me know if you do it again." Mike (baritone sax)"Enjoyed meeting players who were of a higher level from the previous workshop as this was helpful in sharing ideas and listening to others play. Building confidence in understanding the different chord structures is critical to become fluent, seeing each of the workshop attendees at different levels in this journey was encouraging. This is a great learning environment to build confidence with jazz improvisation. The pre workshop materials were great. I think with all things in life if you put more in, you get more out…for me, more pre-workshop practicing would have been useful..!" Neil (tenor sax)
"I thought the charts and material you sent out beforehand were extremely well prepared – I was very impressed by the trouble you had taken. The handouts given out during the workshop were good, too. I thought ‘Rhythmic Gears’ was particularly good." David (trumpet)
"Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, can’t wait for the next one." Graham (alto sax)
"Well prepared and delivered. Gave us plenty to work on before the workshop and lots to think about after the workshop. Excellent!" Jim (tenor sax)
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Afternoon Taster Workshop: Sun 21st March, Exeter Phoenix. In conjunction with Exeter Phoenix and the Exeter Vibraphonic Festival f
or Beginner Improvisers on Saxes and Brass.
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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 20th 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.
"Great workshop! Well organised, fun and certainly improved my knowledge of jazz theory. It was fantastic playing with the professional backline in the evening" Tim (alto)
"It was a really great workshop and such an amazing experience to play with a pro rhythm section for the first time. I can not think of anyone else I know who has done this so thanks so much for the opportunity." Jack (alto)
"I learned a huge amount in one day and had a real treat to play with such a great band in the evening performance. I had been worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up but Pete pitched everything just right to cater for different abilities and he repeated exercises with each of us as many times as we needed. There were handouts to take away and improvising is making much more sense now." Carron (tenor)