CMS Spring Workshop June 6—10, 2016

Composer/bassist/vocalist and educator Meshell Ndegeocello, Moroccan gnawa master Hassan Hakmoun, and percussionist/composer/bandleader Adam Rudolph join Creative Music Studio Artistic Directors/Co-founders Karl Berger and Ingrid Sertso as Guiding Artists for the CMS Spring 2016 Workshop intensive, June 6 – 10, at the ear-inspiring Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY. As in workshops past, bassist Ken Filiano will be on hand.

GUIDING ARTISTS

Meshell Ndegeocello

Hassan Hakmoun

Adam Rudolph

Ken Filiano

Karl Berger

Ingrid Sertso

“I like that it wasn’t just about becoming a better musician, but also about becoming a better human being and an artist.The whole thing felt more intimate than any other program.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:29:08+00:00 “I like that it wasn’t just about becoming a better musician, but also about becoming a better human being and an artist.The whole thing felt more intimate than any other program.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=i-like-that-it-wasnt-just-about-becoming-a-better-musician

“I am still digesting what happened on the marvelous week and I probably will spend my whole life understanding more and more.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:30:22+00:00 “I am still digesting what happened on the marvelous week and I probably will spend my whole life understanding more and more.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=i-probably-will-spend-my-whole-life-to-understand-more-and-more

an inspirational delight

…general philosophy and ‘packaging’ of musical concepts is an inspirational delight…his words helped me reconnect with and respect the natural musical tendencies we all have! He is a gifted teacher… creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:31:09+00:00 …general philosophy and ‘packaging’ of musical concepts is an inspirational delight…his words helped me reconnect with and respect the natural musical tendencies we all have! He is a gifted teacher… http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=his-general-philosophy-and-packaging-of-musical-concepts-is-an-inspirational-delight

The Full Moon Resort was in a beautiful location in the mountains

“The Full Moon Resort was in a beautiful location in the mountains and the food was of high quality with many options. There was no shortage of coffee. Having the basics covered in this way seemed to give everyone great morale.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:36:28+00:00 “The Full Moon Resort was in a beautiful location in the mountains and the food was of high quality with many options. There was no shortage of coffee. Having the basics covered in this way seemed to give everyone great morale.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=the-full-moon-resort-was-in-a-beautiful-location-in-the-mountains

My gratitude runneth over.

“This workshop should be a prerequisite before entering the real world of performing. My gratitude runneth over. I have my own band and they noticed a significant change in my playing and leadership. The workshop helped me acquire a higher standard in how I approach music.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:37:03+00:00 “This workshop should be a prerequisite before entering the real world of performing. My gratitude runneth over. I have my own band and they noticed a significant change in my playing and leadership. The workshop helped me acquire a higher standard in how I approach music.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=my-gratitude-runneth-over

the best musical experience

“I left this workshop inspired to play and inspired to trust the music instead of listening to criticism from the jazz police. It was the best musical experience I have had. I learned a lot on an emotional level, not just an intellectual level, which is difficult to put into words.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:37:37+00:00 “I left this workshop inspired to play and inspired to trust the music instead of listening to criticism from the jazz police. It was the best musical experience I have had. I learned a lot on an emotional level, not just an intellectual level, which is difficult to put into words.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=it-was-the-best-musical-experience-i-have-had

It’s a chance to nurture one’s musical self

“It’s a chance to nurture one’s musical self, and be thoughtfully guided to touch on key aspects of music making skills – additive rhythm, body, voice, and instrumental skills. It’s an opportunity to focus on playing with other sophisticated musicians who appreciate music as an endless exploration.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:38:18+00:00 “It’s a chance to nurture one’s musical self, and be thoughtfully guided to touch on key aspects of music making skills – additive rhythm, body, voice, and instrumental skills. It’s an opportunity to focus on playing with other sophisticated musicians who appreciate music as an endless exploration.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=its-a-chance-to-nurture-ones-musical-self

I feel like I’ve been given the key to a special language

“I feel like I’ve been given the key to a special language shared by a few select musicians and artists in the world. I will always remember and use this special gift whenever possible. Thank you!” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:38:51+00:00 “I feel like I’ve been given the key to a special language shared by a few select musicians and artists in the world. I will always remember and use this special gift whenever possible. Thank you!” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=i-feel-like-ive-been-given-the-key-to-a-special-language

CMS workshops are rare and treasured events.

“CMS workshops are rare and treasured events. I’m not aware of any other opportunity for a musician (or other artist) to meet, work and live with and learn from such an array of creative, generous people. At each CMS workshop I’ve attended, I’ve come away inspired to delve more deeply into a couple of areas to which I conclude I haven’t been paying the proper amount of attention — this time it was polyrhythms and Marilyn Crispell’s compositional strategies, but next time I’m sure it’ll be something different. Participation in the workshops has enhanced my confidence and willingness to trust myself; it’s extremely rewarding to take chances and try new things with such talented, supportive musicians, and to be able to communicate and connect on such a deep level.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:39:50+00:00 “CMS workshops are rare and treasured events. I’m not aware of any other opportunity for a musician (or other artist) to meet, work and live with and learn from such an array of creative, generous people. At each CMS workshop I’ve attended, I’ve come away inspired to delve more deeply into a couple of areas […] http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=cms-workshops-are-rare-and-treasured-events

a workshop for musicians of all backgrounds

“This is a workshop for musicians of all backgrounds to come together and make music that exists solely in the moment. It’s a chance for a musician to free themselves from the bonds of musical style and just play, while keeping their voices fully intact.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:40:34+00:00 “This is a workshop for musicians of all backgrounds to come together and make music that exists solely in the moment. It’s a chance for a musician to free themselves from the bonds of musical style and just play, while keeping their voices fully intact.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=this-is-a-workshop-for-musicians-of-all-backgrounds

brilliant, visceral, challenging

“Workshop content was brilliant, visceral, challenging if you wanted it to be, worldly and very interesting.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T03:41:07+00:00 “Workshop content was brilliant, visceral, challenging if you wanted it to be, worldly and very interesting.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=brilliant-visceral-challenging

be a part of something bigger than oneself

“The conversation is stimulating. The atmosphere is great and the people are friendly. It’s an opportunity to be heard, but also be a part of something bigger than oneself.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T00:09:12+00:00 “The conversation is stimulating. The atmosphere is great and the people are friendly. It’s an opportunity to be heard, but also be a part of something bigger than oneself.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=be-a-part-of-something-bigger-than-oneself

It’s kind of like a spiral going upward

“CMS always gives a chance to see what is old in a new light. It’s kind of like a spiral going upward, returning to familiar places over and over, but at an ever higher level, a higher perspective.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T22:13:58+00:00 “CMS always gives a chance to see what is old in a new light. It’s kind of like a spiral going upward, returning to familiar places over and over, but at an ever higher level, a higher perspective.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=its-kind-of-like-a-spiral-going-upward

I loved all of the workshops.

“I loved all of the workshops. But the number-one thing for me is to be in an environment where my sole purpose is to play music. The little bits of impromptu sessions before and after the workshops are great.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T22:15:27+00:00 “I loved all of the workshops. But the number-one thing for me is to be in an environment where my sole purpose is to play music. The little bits of impromptu sessions before and after the workshops are great.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=i-loved-all-of-the-workshops

“CMS provides an environment in which anyone can discover whatever music is within and discover the thoroughly natural process of letting it come out.” creative music studio 2016-02-21T22:15:58+00:00 “CMS provides an environment in which anyone can discover whatever music is within and discover the thoroughly natural process of letting it come out.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=4651

I really don’t know how it could have been better.

“The bottom line is, I really don’t know how it could have been better. It just felt perfect to me. I just would have liked more. I am deeply grateful to all who are responsible for keeping CMS alive.” creative music studio 2016-02-21T22:16:37+00:00 “The bottom line is, I really don’t know how it could have been better. It just felt perfect to me. I just would have liked more. I am deeply grateful to all who are responsible for keeping CMS alive.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=i-really-dont-know-how-it-could-have-been-better

It was the best musical experience I have had.

“I learned how to listen better and how to listen for the music instead of my ego trying to make something happen. At the Jamey Aebersold camp, I had a lot of people telling me things like, “You can’t play those voicings, play it this way, etc.” I left this workshop inspired to play and inspired to trust the music instead of listening to criticism from the jazz police. It was the best musical experience I have had. I learned a lot on an emotional level, not just an intellectual level, which is difficult to put into words. So it’s hard to say more.” creative music studio 2016-02-21T22:17:21+00:00 “I learned how to listen better and how to listen for the music instead of my ego trying to make something happen. At the Jamey Aebersold camp, I had a lot of people telling me things like, “You can’t play those voicings, play it this way, etc.” I left this workshop inspired to play and […] http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=it-was-the-best-musical-experience-i-have-had-2

“I loved seeing how great musicians approach new music, and playing alongside them is very educational.” creative music studio 2016-02-21T22:18:06+00:00 “I loved seeing how great musicians approach new music, and playing alongside them is very educational.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=4654

“I learned the value of listening in collaborative composition, a most wonderful experience, all around.” creative music studio 2016-02-21T22:18:33+00:00 “I learned the value of listening in collaborative composition, a most wonderful experience, all around.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=4655

“I loved it all.

“I loved it all. I was really pleasantly surprised by the whole event. The location was beautiful and the food was great. All of the artists were great. It was great to be able to have informal conversations with them at meals. The other participants were all great. Karl an Ingrid were absolutely wonderful.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T22:19:12+00:00 “I loved it all. I was really pleasantly surprised by the whole event. The location was beautiful and the food was great. All of the artists were great. It was great to be able to have informal conversations with them at meals. The other participants were all great. Karl an Ingrid were absolutely wonderful.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=i-loved-it-all

“The vibe was probably the best thing. It always felt positive.” creative music studio 2016-02-21T22:19:40+00:00 “The vibe was probably the best thing. It always felt positive.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=4657

“Thanks for everything!”

“It’s a workshop where you get to learn from some really amazing musicians in a really beautiful environment along with like-minded people that you get to know, all with a really positive/engaging vibe. Zero competitiveness among participants. It was an amazing learning experience. Thanks for everything!” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T22:20:15+00:00 “It’s a workshop where you get to learn from some really amazing musicians in a really beautiful environment along with like-minded people that you get to know, all with a really positive/engaging vibe. Zero competitiveness among participants. It was an amazing learning experience. Thanks for everything!” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=thanks-for-everything

“I learned to think in terms of the whole ensemble as a unit. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of all the participants, as well as the instructors.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-02-21T22:20:44+00:00 “I learned to think in terms of the whole ensemble as a unit. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of all the participants, as well as the instructors.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=4659

It was a life changing experience

“It was a life changing experience, which opened windows on a variety of modalities of music improvisation. The jazz idiom was central, and most participants were fluent in it, but it was not the only idiom. World music (which could have been developed further) and contemporary classical music lurked around in everything we did.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:02:10+00:00 “It was a life changing experience, which opened windows on a variety of modalities of music improvisation. The jazz idiom was central, and most participants were fluent in it, but it was not the only idiom. World music (which could have been developed further) and contemporary classical music lurked around in everything we did.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=it-was-a-life-changing-experience

“Striking to me was the human, and almost spiritual aspect of the workshop, as incorporated in the music practice and the relationship between participants and some of the guiding artists. “ creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:02:47+00:00 “Striking to me was the human, and almost spiritual aspect of the workshop, as incorporated in the music practice and the relationship between participants and some of the guiding artists. “ http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=5231

“I was challenged and inspired

“I was challenged and inspired by the different approaches taken by the guiding artists, and I thought all were outstanding. I also enjoyed meeting the other participants and sharing in their ideas, experiences and perspectives.” creative music studio 4.0 2016-03-06T22:03:24+00:00 “I was challenged and inspired by the different approaches taken by the guiding artists, and I thought all were outstanding. I also enjoyed meeting the other participants and sharing in their ideas, experiences and perspectives.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=i-was-challenged-and-inspired

gets to the heart of things

“I will most remember the incredible music played by the guest artists. Great to hear such virtuosity, feel, and originality. I can’t express it clearly, but there is something about this way of playing that gets to the heart of things rather than just recreating a style. No museum music here. There were moments when the hall lifted off the ground.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:04:18+00:00 “I will most remember the incredible music played by the guest artists. Great to hear such virtuosity, feel, and originality. I can’t express it clearly, but there is something about this way of playing that gets to the heart of things rather than just recreating a style. No museum music here. There were moments when […] http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=there-is-something-about-this-way-of-playing-that-gets-to-the-heart-of-things

“I’m revisiting the GAMALATAKI material with renewed vigour, even using it to improve my swim stroke. Try doing the elementary backstroke in 5/4. it works! I’ve learned that the approach to the down stroke – sweeping your arms up from your sides to above your head – is just as important as the down stroke itself, which is just what Karl emphasized in attending to all aspects of the pulse equally.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:04:54+00:00 “I’m revisiting the GAMALATAKI material with renewed vigour, even using it to improve my swim stroke. Try doing the elementary backstroke in 5/4. it works! I’ve learned that the approach to the down stroke – sweeping your arms up from your sides to above your head – is just as important as the down stroke […] http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=5234

a very rewarding experience for me!

“This was a very rewarding experience for me! I enjoyed being in nature and around people of like mindsets – no ego, no notions of what music is or isn’t. I was very excited and left so inspired, filled with encouragement.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:05:56+00:00 “This was a very rewarding experience for me! I enjoyed being in nature and around people of like mindsets – no ego, no notions of what music is or isn’t. I was very excited and left so inspired, filled with encouragement.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=a-very-rewarding-experience-for-me

“I liked the way that workshops seemed to be geared to just about everyone in the room. So a professional might gain as much as an intermediate player. Getting to immerse myself in the thinking and practice of playing more freely gave lots of knew ideas that I am already using in my practice (and trying to incorporate into performance).” creative music studio 2016-03-06T22:09:24+00:00 “I liked the way that workshops seemed to be geared to just about everyone in the room. So a professional might gain as much as an intermediate player. Getting to immerse myself in the thinking and practice of playing more freely gave lots of knew ideas that I am already using in my practice (and […] http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=5236

one of the most engaging musical experiences I have ever taken part in.”

“The improvising orchestra was not only a highlight of the workshop, it was one of the most engaging musical experiences I have ever taken part in.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:09:55+00:00 “The improvising orchestra was not only a highlight of the workshop, it was one of the most engaging musical experiences I have ever taken part in.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=one-of-the-most-engaging-musical-experiences-i-have-ever-taken-part-in

“I wanted to start to understand how musicians who play more freely (for lack of a better term) prepare to do what they do. I got that and more.” creative music studio 2016-03-06T22:11:23+00:00 “I wanted to start to understand how musicians who play more freely (for lack of a better term) prepare to do what they do. I got that and more.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=5239

“I have attended many jazz music camps, CMS was the most intimate and engaging. I learned things that I am sure I will continue to try to apply for a long time. “ creative music studio 2016-03-06T22:11:56+00:00 “I have attended many jazz music camps, CMS was the most intimate and engaging. I learned things that I am sure I will continue to try to apply for a long time. “ http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=5240

it was rewarding

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play with experienced, talented musicians dedicated to improvisation and seeing how I could contribute to and become part of a collective musical expression with them; it was rewarding (and, at least to some extent, validating), and I can already sense the effect that experience is having on my playing, both individually and with others. creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:13:19+00:00 I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play with experienced, talented musicians dedicated to improvisation and seeing how I could contribute to and become part of a collective musical expression with them; it was rewarding (and, at least to some extent, validating), and I can already sense the effect that experience is having on my […] http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=it-was-rewarding

“I have a closer relationship with music and my role in it than I had before, which may not have been exactly what I was looking for when I signed up, but which I’m delighted to have.” creative music studio 5.0 2016-03-06T22:14:14+00:00 “I have a closer relationship with music and my role in it than I had before, which may not have been exactly what I was looking for when I signed up, but which I’m delighted to have.” http://creativemusicstudio.org/?testimonial=5242

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Register Here!

This workshop, during long spring days and short nights, features one Guiding Artist working with participants in two workshops each day, creating multiple opportunities for artists to work directly with participants as individuals and in ensembles.  As in the past, there will be daily CMS basic practice (body movement, breath work, rhythm and vocal training), as well as 90 minutes each day with Karl Berger leading orchestra of improvisers.   Additional Guiding Artists will be on hand to work with participants on a more personal level, informally coaching, playing and tutoring daily.  These will be named soon.

CMS Workshops feature four days of intensive workshops, master classes, intimate concerts and informal jam sessions that inspire active listening, personal expression, improvisation and musical exploration. Musicians of any instrument, including voice, are welcome as are non-musicians.  Adults who played music earlier in their lives can benefit from this lifelong learning opportunity that offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from and play with music masters, and to simply spend time with them in an informal, personal setting.   The non-traditional atmosphere of the Creative Music Studio Workshop encourages participants to experiment, push beyond limits, genres and categories, to take risks, and to develop their own deeply personal musical expression.

“This workshop promises real fireworks,” said Karl Berger, CMF’s artistic director. “CMS has always been renown for creating a space where artists from widely different backgrounds mix, teach and play. I can think of no better example than having Meshell, Hassan and CMS veteran Adam.”

Daily Schedule (subject to improvisation)

Monday, June 6

4:30 – 6:30           Orientation/cocktails

  • Opening orientation in the main building, hosted by Karl Berger, Ingrid Sertso and other Guiding Artists
  • Introducing featured artists and any special guests
  • Brief review of daily workshops, activities, performances
  • Meet and Greet with Open Bar and Hors D’Oeuvres

6:30 – 8                  Dinner

8:15 – 10                Performance

10 – ?                       Jams

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, June 7 – 9

8:00 – 9:30                  Breakfast

9:30 – 10:00                Body Awareness

10:15 – 11:00              Rhythm/Voice Training 

11:30 – 1:00                Master Class/Workshop

1:00 – 2:15                  Lunch

2:30 – 2:45                  Body Awareness

2:45 – 5:00                  Master Class/Workshop

5:15 – 6:45                  Improvisers Orchestra

6:45 – 7:00                  Listening Meditation

7:00 – 8:15                  Dinner

8:30 – 10:00                Performance with Guiding Artists

10:00 – ?                      Participant concerts and jams, unscheduled sessions

Friday, June 10

Breakfast

Farewell and Departure

WORKSHOP DETAILS