Instructor: Jim Guttmann
Ages 9 - Adult
Fridays, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Tuition (28 weeks total per academic year): $476 ($238 per semester)

In this introduction to Klezmer music, students learn tunes reflecting three of four circle dances: Slow Rumanian Hora, Freylekhs, Chusidl, and Terkisher. The tunes are presented first in their simplest form and, once the melody is mastered, with ornaments, as played byklezmorim in Europe and America may have played them in the first half of the 20th century. In addition, ensemble members are introduced to harmonic and rhythmic accompaniment techniques as performed by the "contra" players in gypsy-style string band or brass players in a Rumanian-style brass band. Finally, students are introduced to the art of the doyne, or improvised lament, and encourages to develop their own improvisations.

Download a Fall 2012-Spring 2013 Registration Form here.