Music for People, an international not-for-profit organization of musicians and music educators, is presenting the "Art of Improvisation" music workshop with David Darling, at SUNY Fredonia. The week-long workshop, which runs from August 1 through 6, will be facilitated by world class cellist, improviser, recording artist and Grammy-nominee David Darling.
 
Open to all intermediate, advanced and professional musicians, the Art of Improvisation workshop will allow participants to explore musical and vocal improvisation with the kind of commitment, nuance and profundity found in fine classical ensemble playing as well as the best jazz, rock and world music combos.
 
In an energetic, humorous and open-minded environment, musicians and singers will discover how to move beyond musical inhibitions and be encouraged to play at the peak of their technical and expressive ability, while maintaining their own unique musical style.
 
Facilitator David Darling, who uses techniques drawn from around the world — from Bach to Boogie-Woogie and Brazilian to BeBop — is known for his unique improvisational style, and humanistic approach to teaching music. In addition to being an original member of The Paul Winter Consort, he has also performed and recorded with Bobby McFerrin, Glen Velez, Spyro Gyra, Arlo Guthrie and R. Carlos Nakai.
 
Also leading portions of the workshop are Music for People faculty Mary Knysh and Lynn Miller; and David Rudge, professor and orchestra director at the SUNY Fredonia School of Music.
 
Art of Improvisation offers something for all musicians and vocalists experienced in any musical tradition, including classical, jazz, folk, theater, rock, ethnic, bluegrass and avant-garde; and all instruments including acoustic, electric, ethnic drums and percussion, and even homemade. Prior experience in improvisation is not necessary to participate.
 
SUNY Fredonia, which is hosting the workshop, is nationally-known for its music school, which offers artistic and professional degree programs in music education, music theatre, performance, therapy, sound recording, and composition. The 249-acre campus of SUNY Fredonia is located in the center of a Chautauqua County village, surrounded by wooded areas, and comprised of traditional academic buildings dating back to the first half of the 20th century, as well as contemporary structures designed by I.M. Pei and Partners.
 
Tuition for the Art of Improvisation is $450 U.S., and housing and meals are $280 per person, double occupancy or $350 single. Student discounts and daily rates are available.
 
For more information, or to register for Art of Improvisation, call Music for People toll-free at 1-877-44MUSIC (860-491-3763 outside the U.S.), e-mail: mfp@musicforpeople.org, or access the website: www.musicforpeople.org.
 
Participants interested in earning graduate or undergraduate credits may call Richard Goodman at SUNY Fredonia, 716-673-3177 or email: richard.goodman@fredonia.edu.