Klezmer Kapelye

Klezmer music has long provided the beat to joyful celebrations, and this weekend deep-dive course offers you the opportunity to learn the melody, harmony, rhythm and history of this iconic sound. Your tutors, Ilana and John, are expert klezmer musicians who will share their extensive knowledge and skills of traditional Jewish wedding tunes with you, whether you are a musician from a classical, folk, or jazz background.

This course is all about interactive learning, concentrating on repertoire and attention to melody, accompaniment and ornamentation. There will also be a focus on developing ensemble and arrangement skills, including leading, following, and signalling endings. Where appropriate, dance elements may also be introduced to the course.

Playing alongside your fellow musicians, you’ll create soulful and energising music through traditional notation, oral and aural learning methods. You’ll learn how to place the music into its historical context, its history, and hear the stories of musicians past and present.

On this course you will cover:

• Klezmer modes
• Different types of tunes and dances
• The sound of traditional klezmer
• Basic accompaniment in the genre
• Ensemble and arrangement skills

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognise a common klezmer mode
• Understand how rhythm and tempo work in klezmer dance and music
• Play some traditional ornamentation
• Understand the role and skills involved in being a band leader

The course will be taught in groups of various sizes, including instrumental sections and large and small ensembles.

Those of Improver, Confident and Skilful levels, as detailed in the Benslow Guide to Ability Levels. Applicants should be at least Grade 4 or equivalent and able to read music.

Tunes for the course and a modes sheet will be emailed to you in advance, though no course preparation is required. 

Participants should bring a recording device and a pencil.