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We welcome Dan Mar-Molinero, Head of Jazz and Pop Performance and a Senior Teaching Fellow in Music at the University of Southampton, for a two day jazz improvisation workshop using pentatonics.
Ever listened to any improvised music? In any genre? Chances are that the good old pentatonic scale will be at the heart of it. From funk to rock, jazz to dance music, find out what makes these 5 note combos so irresistible for anyone when soloing. By the way, it's not just solos either - you'll find pentatonics in melodies from Stevie Wonder to Herbie Hancock. This course will take you through the multitude of uses for the pentatonic approach. From how to create and apply pentatonic shapes and patterns over your favourite tunes; to using them for creating back ideas; to manipulating them to sound like contemporary jazz soloists like Micheal Brecker. From beginner to seasoned improvisers, there's something in this course for everybody. You'll never think of them the same again!
Whether you are into Jazz, Ibiza style dance or Pop, this workshop has something for you.
As Head of Jazz and Pop performance, Dan helps students develop real-world performance skills - anything from working as an ensemble to developing your own artistic 'voice' to understanding how to soundcheck effectively.
Dan also teaches the Jazz Theory module which explores jazz harmony and improvisation from 'The Great American Songbook' to modern jazz composers such as Wayne Shorter and Jacob Collier. Students have found that this helps develop their understanding of modern popular and jazz music in both performance and composition.
Away from his University role, Dan works as a professional performer and composer within the music industry in both the jazz and pop worlds, performing as a saxophonist and conductor/musical director in bands with leading jazz and pop artists. As a songwriter, Dan has had top twenty singles (including hit records) and albums both in the UK and abroad, and has have written and produced for a number of major artists.
Dan has been involved in education for over twenty years and has taught in many different settings. Recognised as one of the leading jazz educators in the country and lead tutor for the National Youth Jazz Collective. In 2017, Dan was the first individual to receive a 'Will Michael Diploma' for 'Services to Jazz Education' by Jazz Services and the Music Education Council, an award normally reserved for civic authorities and music services.
Dan studied for my undergraduate degree in Contemporary Classical Music at the University of Sussex and then completed his postgraduate studies in Jazz at the Guildhall School Of Music, studying saxophone with Jean Toussaint and composition with Scott Stroman and Pete Churchill.