Students on the BA (Hons) Music course created a very special piece of music when they were joined by London-based quintet, Valia Calda, for a unique music masterclass last Friday.
The band, which draws inspiration from Jazz, Free Improvisation, Electronic and Greek Folk Music, spent the afternoon with the students, introducing them to the concept of free improvisation where musicians refuse to constrain themselves by following set rules.
Following a demonstration by Valia Calda, the inspired students took over, developing their free improvisation skills to create their very own musical masterpiece which was recorded by fellow Audio Production students.
The workshop was arranged by Dr Cassandre Balosso-Bardin, a lecturer in the School of Fine and Performing Arts.
“I wanted the students to experience something completely different,” Dr Balosso-Bardin explained. “Most of the students play popular or classical music so I wanted them to break down the barriers and see what happened. By learning the techniques behind conducting for improvisation the students will have the skills they need to play an improvised piece, not just as an individual artist but as a group.”
Zach Pritchard (20) was one of the students who took part in the workshop. Speaking ahead of composing their own piece, he said: “The demonstration and whole concept of free improvisation is really interesting as we’ve not done anything like this before. It will take some getting used to but it’s going to be fun seeing what we can come up with. As musicians we have a natural pull towards the limelight but it’s really important that we listen to each other, using our instruments to compliment and contrast with what is being played.”
Audio Production student James Capel (21) added: “When our tutor offered us the opportunity to get involved in the session I jumped at the chance. Extra-curricular activities and getting some hands-on experience is really important in this industry and it’s also fun for us to be able to mix the recordings and see what we can produce.”
Valia Calda led the workshop ahead of their free concert at the LPAC’s Zing Café on Friday evening as part of the regular Jazz Commuter Series.
To listen to the improvised compositions created by the music students during their workshop, recorded and mixed by the Audio Production students, click here. You can also watch a short video of the session here.