Lessons at JWA
Here at Jazz Workshop Australia
you can take individual lessons on a wide range of jazz instruments. All our teachers are leading professionals: world - class educators and performers. Lessons are available in thirty minute and one hour slots. Students of all ages and standards are welcome. Jazz Workshop caters to students who want to learn to play jazz or who are looking for an alternative to traditional exam-based teaching methods.
thank you once again for the brilliant responsibility and joy you imparted to your charges.
Saxophone
Matthew Ottignon, B.Mus Hons (Jazz)
Matthew Ottignon was born in London, grew up in New Zealand, and graduated at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with first class Honours. He has been performing since the age of 13 and plays the tenor alto and soprano saxes as well as flute and clarinet. He has been part of the Sydney jazz secene for many years now, adding his individual tenor sound to many outifits. Some of the musicians Matthew has performed with are Lou Reed, Mike Nock, Jackie Orszackzy, James Morrison, John Pochee and Phil Slater. Matthew can be seen performing in trio Informal Troupe, Java Quartet, Exotica, the Space Cadets, the Splinter Orchestra, the Hipstones, Monseiur Camembert, and Mucho Mambo.
"Ottignon's saxophone, meanwhile, can cry sadly, compound itself with digital loops or fill the foreground with a classic tenor sound that's as wide as a double-frontage terrace." John Shand, SMH 2007
Peter Farrar is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a degree in Jazz Performance.
He has wide experience in performance from mainstream settings through to cutting-edge contemporary improvised music. He is known for his combination of dazzling technique and sublime tone, and is one of Australia's most respected young saxophonists.
Peter has a passionate interest in teaching, to which he brings a unique, but effective, improvisation-based approach. He has experience not only as a private teacher, but also tutoring outstanding student ensembles and coordinating exciting mentoring projects for younger musicians.
Peter has performed with leading Australian and international artists including Mike Nock, Dale Gorfinkel, Jim Denley, Amanda Stewart, Wadada Leo Smith and Cor Fuhler. He also works with such groups as Splinter Orchestra, 8-ball, Dave Panichi Septet and Farfinkel Pugowski.
Peter Farrar on alto nearly stole the show with his solo on "Lieb". He has a tone reminiscent of Ornette Coleman and an expeditious array of ideas. Peter Wockner, Jazz and Beyond 2006.
Originating from Darwin, Australia, James Ryan has performed extensively throughout Australia and Europe, basing himself in London for four years. In 1995 James was the first person to graduate with a Masters of Music majoring in Jazz from an Australian University. He has taught jazz performance, improvisation and composition at the Canberra School of Music (A.N.U.), The Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Griffith University) and the Queensland University of Technology.
James Ryan's fascination with improvisation and original jazz composition is reflected in his teaching, recordings and performances. The James Ryan Quartet released its self titled debut in 1997 and the James Ryan Trio released Long Way Home on Jazzgroove Records in 2006. January 3rd 2009 will see the release of the Trio's second recording Bitter Sweet on the ABC Jazz label. James also leads and writes for The Subterraneans and The Lost Cosmonauts.
For further information and live recordings:
http://www.myspace.com/jamesryan08
http://www.myspace.com/thelostcosmonauts08
http://www.myspace.com/thesubterraneansoz
http://www.jamesryan.com.au
Gai arrived in Sydney after graduating from the University of Adelaide where she studied Jazz Performance. She has worked with Carl Orr, Mark Simmonds, Paul McNamara, Sandy Evans, Jackie Orzaczky, Jann Rutherford, Lloyd Swanton, Janet Seidel, Don Burrows and Roger Frampton and others.
In 1996/7 she studied with soprano saxophonist and composer, Jane Ira Bloom in New York. Upon her return to Sydney she formed the Gai Bryant Quartet. From 1997-2000 the Quartet toured throughout Australia, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan performing concerts and conducting workshops. In October and November 1999 the Quartet completed a series of live performances with poets in Hyde Park as part of a vision to access Sydney’s open spaces for small acoustic and cross-art form performances.
Early 2000 Gai studied Taegum at the National Korean Performing Arts Centre in Seoul with WON Hyang-Juan, master of traditional Korean music. In September the Quartet toured Korea with WON Hyang-Juan and his family performing compositions by Gai and Won Hyang-Juan for a combined ensemble at the Korean Performing Arts Centre, Seoul. The combined ensemble toured Australia performing and giving workshops at the Brisbane Festival, Sydney’s Carnivale, the Opera House Studio, ABC and SBS radio programs as well as recording for the University of Western Sydney contemporary music program.
Gai attended Lake Placid Institute's advanced composition and improvisation seminar in 2001 where she was tutored by jazz greats Jim McNeely and Joe Lovano. In October/November 2002 Gai’s large ensemble performed with Jim McNeely at the Sydney Opera House Studio and Wangaratta Festival playing Jim’s compositions and arrangements for tentet. During 2003 she sought out Jim McNeely and Mike Gibbs to delve further into composition and arranging via lessons and correspondence. In 2005 Gai composed and recorded the soundtrack for previously unseen Frank Hurley footage of SS Aurora 1911-13 expedition to the Antarctic, which screened at Longest Night Film Festival. In July performed with Arkadiy Figlin Trio at the Pori Jazz Festival, Finland and mentored the Sisters in Jazz ensemble through her original compositions/arrangements for the IAJE. In September she performed with Swedish musicians for an Australian design presentation. 2007 Gai collaborated with the Tiwi Womens Choir to create some jazz-based arrangements for tiwi song forms. In 2008 she was artist-in-residence in Armidale and reunited with Jim McNeely and Spare Parts Big Band to present Jim's music on a short tour of Australia.
Her commissions include works for the Seymour New Music Group, Bernie McGann Trio, Liverpool Council, National Archives and the Sydney Spring Festival. She has released three albums as a bandleader. Quartet albums, "High Jinx" (1998) and "Music" (2002) and large ensemble album "Two Degrees East" (2005).
Richard Savery is recognised as one of Australia's finest young baritone saxophonists and bass clarinetists. He plays and teaches all the saxophones and clarinet, but his specialty is in bari sax and bass clarinet.
He is also an educator and a composer/arranger; performing and composing in a diverse range of styles and contexts. Richard is currently completing a B.Mus in Jazz Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He has studied with Gary Smulyan, Michael Lowernstern, Dr Gene Aitken, Bill Motzing, David Baker, Bob Mintzer and Dale Barlow.
Richard has toured the UK, USA and the Caribbean Islands, has performed in a variety of settings around Sydney and has recorded his own CD with John Morrison. Some of the musicians Richard has worked with include Alan Cumming, Lance Horne (Emmy Award winner 2008), Phil Stack (bass), Tim Davies, Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls), Bob Downe, Meow Meow, James Waples, and many others.
American master bari sax player Gary Smulyan described Richard as playing with a "a strong concept and a developed sense of lyricism; Nice sound!"
Guitar
Saul Richardson, B.Ed (Hons), MACE
Saul Richardson is a guitarist and bass player who graduated from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours in Education and the University Medal in 1995. He studied Jazz guitar under Steve Brien and Steve McKenna, and conducting with Jerry Nowak. He is an internationally recognized Jazz educator, and is the serving Australasian representative on the Executive Board of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE).
Richardson established and developed the renowned Jazz program at North Sydney Boys' High School, now widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in its field in Australia. He was recognized by the (IAJE) at their January 2004 conference for his outstanding service to Jazz Education.
As a performer he has worked with many of Australia's leading Jazz artists and groups including Ed Wilson, John Morrison and Swing City Big Band, Andrew Firth, Roger Frampton, Don Burrows, Col Nolan, Keith Stirling and Tony and Bob Barnard. He has performed throughout Australia, the UK and Europe and in the USA. Mr Richardson is also director of the NSW Department of Education and Training Arts Unit Stage Band and has previously directed the Blue Riff big band and the Powerhouse big band. He is a founding member of IAJE in NSW and works as a clinician, consultant and adjudicator.
Some of Saul Richardson's past students have included Simon Ferenci, National Jazz Award winning pianist Jackson Harrison, Dale Gorfinkel, Jeremy Rose, Jamie Castrisos, Scott Simpkins, Robert Sidaway, Andrew Brooks, Martin Wieczorek, and many other fine young musicians now making their own mark on the Australian Jazz scene. Graduates of his programs and ensembles can be found studying tertiary music across Australia, working professionally as performers and educators, or simply appreciating and hearing Jazz with discerning ears.
Trumpet
Ellen Kirkwood is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Performance. She is now highly in demand as a private trumpet tutor for students across a broad spectrum of abilities, as well as directing several secondary level Stage Bands in Sydney. Ellen also tutors trumpet students at various Music Camps around Sydney, including the NSW Department of Education and Training Junior State Music Camp. She is tutor and co-conductor for the NSW Arts Unit Stage Band.
Ellen leads the successful EQ Jazz Quartet, featuring many of her original modern Jazz compositions. She is also a member of Latin American group Son de Tagua, popular regulars at several of Sydney's major Latin Music Festivals.
Ellen has been playing with big bands since she was in high school. As a student she was a member of the NSW Schools Jazz Orchestra, Australia's premier student jazz ensemble. She has worked with well-known Sydney bands including the Sydney Metro Big Band and the Rhino Factory big band.
While Ellen's main musical passion is for jazz, she also has a strong background in concert and orchestral music, and is happy to teach the AMEB exam syllabus if needed.
Paul Murchison is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the NSW Education Department Arts Unit where he played lead trumpet in the acclaimed Arts Unit Jazz Orchestra. He studied jazz trumpet under Don Rader and lead playing under the late Dick Montz.
Paul has worked with big bands including Spare Parts Big Band featuring Jim McNeely, John Morrison’s Swing City and the Jazz Connection big band. He is a regular member of the successful jazz/funk/hip hop group Alamode.
An experienced freelance teacher, Paul is also the director of jazz ensembles at Normanhurst Boys’ High School.
Mr Murchison is happy to teach AMEB syllabus to students who feel they really need it.
Piano and keyboard
American-born and raised, John Harkins, who moved to Sydney in 1994, is one of the most sought after jazz pianists in Australia today. John majored in classical piano at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City and has worked with tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, singer Mark Murphy, and trumpeter Warren Vache (with whom he recorded Easy Going on the Concord Jazz label in 1987) to name a few.
In recent years John has been the Musical Director and pianist for the annual Australian tours of US singer Barbara Morrison. He is featured on her biggest selling CD, Live Down Under.
John was a soloist on Australian CD recordings of Blaine Whittaker's Hard Bop Cafe featuring James Morrison and The Andrew Speight Quartet, the 1999 ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album of the Year.
He also played and arranged on singer Danielle Gaha's debut CD titled You Don't Know Me on Sony/BMG label. He has been praised by jazzandbeyond.com.au for his arrangements and playing on singer Karlie Bruce's recent CD release on the LaBrava label.
In mid 2005, John was the pianist for the legendary Cleo Laine on her sold-out 3 week tour of Australia. The final concert was documented by the TV programme 60 Minutes.
In 2005, John released his self-titled CD. It highlights his vocal and arranging talents in addition to his swinging piano playing. Through extensive radio play, this CD has set a milestone in John's career, by establishing him as one of Australia's best singer/ piano players.
John has many successful years of experience as a teacher from primary school through tertiary levels. Many of Sydney's leading young professional pianists studied under John during his time teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of music.
Greg Burgett, BMus (Jazz)
Greg Burgett is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he majored in Jazz Performance. He also undertook additional studies in Jazz Pedagogy. He has built a reputation as one of Sydney's premier keyboardists and is one of the city's most in - demand jazz piano teachers.
He has worked extensively in the Sydney jazz and theatre scene as well as playing for corporate clients across all styles of music, from covers bands and jazz combo's, through to Trio's, duo's and solo work in Hotels and private functions. He is currently recording, writing and gigging with his band, The Scarletts, an acoustic rock/pop band.
Trombone
Jeremy Borthwick, B.Mus, M.Mus(Jazz)
Jeremy Borthwick has been playing trombone professionally since 1988 and has performed throughout Queensland, NSW and Europe in that time. He graduated from the Brisbane Conservatorium in 1992 and performed in many festivals throughout Queensland backing many jazz artists. He also led his own group on a regional touring program for the Queensland Arts Council. In 1994 Jeremy moved to Europe to gain a broader perspective on the international jazz scene and had the opportunity to hear and play with many world-class players. His time overseas eventually led to a performance at the Montreaux Jazz Festival with the UK trio "Jealous."
Jeremy moved to Sydney to begin his Masters degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 1999 and graduated in March 2001. He has since established himself in Sydney as a regular in the jazz scene, working with artists and groups including "The Catholics", "Steve Hunters' Nine Lives", "E.O.N", Blaine Whittaker, Barney McCall, "Swing City", James Morrison, Johnathon Swartz, Phillip Johnson and Monica Trapaga. He has also received recognition for his own band "Exposed Bone" which features his original compositions.
Jeremy is always busy in the commercial music scene and holds teaching positions in several h3 school music programs.
Voice
Jo Fabro has been performing in the Sydney Music scene since 2004. Jo began training as a vocalist as a teenager, focusing on Jazz studies, and completed a Bachelor of Music degree, from the University of New South Wales in 2003. Recently, Jo has been performing at some of Sydney's top venues such as The Basement, Winebanq, Will & Toby's, The Marble Bar, Pontoon Bar, Soup Plus, The Vanguard and Star City Casino. In 2005, Jo complated a four month residency, Singing in Kawasaki Japan. Upon her return, Jo was selected as a top 10 finalist in the Wangaratta jazz Festival, Vocalist of the Year competition. Jo can currently be seen around Sydney performing with her own bands, as well as vocal group Jubilation, and currently has a Sunday afternoon residency at Pontoon Bar in Darling Harbour.
Jo's debut album, Save My Soul, is available now. This stunning album brings together influences which hark back to jazz and soul singers of the 50's and 60's, and then hit you with a contemporary sound all of their own. Recorded at the famous Paradise studios, Jo brings together a band of some of Sydney's finest young jazz musicians including the versatile keyboard stylings of Nick Southcott, captivating guitarist Franco Raggatt, and the sensational brother-sister team of Zoe and James Hauptmann on bass and drums respectively.
Jane Irving has a willingness to explore a wide dynamic vocal range. This combined with her unique phrasing and rare ability to interpret a lyric has won her acclaim from audiences and respect from her fellow musicians.
Born in Sydney in 1971, Jane began classical piano studies at six. Her first teacher, Jenny Rumsey, an extraordinarily encouraging and devoted influence, became the reason for Jane's continued classical study to the age of eighteen. For her Higher School Certificate classical piano performance Jane was awarded third in the state.
Irving's family were all music lovers but says ..."it wasn't until my brother introduced me to the blues that I started trying new things on the piano. My ears really started to open up and then I heard Sarah Vaughan. She stirred so much inside me and was the reason I seriously started thinking about singing. Then I heard Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Anita O'Day, Shirley Horn, Mark Murphy, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Thelonious Monk and so on. There are so many wonderful artists to draw information from and this was the very beginning of the journey to discover my new passion - the history, the roots and the meaning of jazz."
With a solid musical foundation already behind her by age 17, Jane got her first gig playing piano and singing two nights a week at an inner city hotel in Sydney. Although she continued to work in the piano/vocal environment for a few years, the voice was quickly becoming Janes instrument of choice. With just a microphone in front of her and a trio behind her, a newfound freedom was discovered and Jane formed her first quartet. Since then Jane has played with Matt McMahon, John Harkins, Andrew Dickeson, John Morrison, Phil Stack, Craig Scott, Alan Turnbull, Brendan Clarke, was vocalist with Evan Lohning's Jazz Orchestra, The Lost Cosmonauts, Michael Bartolomei, James Waples and Ben Waples, Bobby Gebert and Don Rader.
Jane's new recording, Beams, released late 2007 features Don Rader (trumpet and flugelhorn), Brendan Clarke and Ashley Turner (double bass), Michael Bartolomei and Matt McMahon (piano), James Waples (drums) and Fabian Hevia (percussion).
Jacki Cooper
Jacki Cooper joins us for workshops, masterclasses and Jazz Camp
Jacki Cooper has been singing in Adelaide since 1990. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice from Adelaide University. Besides private functions, corporate functions, and weddings, Jacki has also participated in jazz festivals around the country. While working for a jazz workshop at Stanford University in the USA, Jacki studied with US jazz singers Mark Murphy, Kitty Margolis, Madeline Eastman and Nancy King, and gigged regularly with local musicians. She recorded a radio program on Fog in the City Radio, and was also invited to San Antonio, Texas, to sing with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band at the famous Landing Jazz Club on the Riverwalk. In 2003, Jacki was the featured resident vocalist on the inaugural season for the cruise ship, Oceania Regatta, cruising around Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean. In 2005, Jacki invited to perform at Sax n Art Jazz Club in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with world-class saxophonist, Tran Manh Tuan.
In Adelaide, The Jacki Cooper Jazz Quartet performed regularly on the local jazz circuit. Jacki is also an actor and has featured in several commercials on television. In 1998 she was the presenter of CityScene, a lifestyle show promoting events in Adelaide.
Since moving to Sydney in July 2006, Jacki has been collaborating with Swing City's John Morrison. Together they formed "New Generation" which is a forum for young players. Currently "New Generation" features Tim Fisher on piano, Karl Dunnicliff on double bass, and Bernard Winetroube on vibraphone. In July 2007, Jacki and John are touring China where they will be joined by Tim Fisher to perform with the Shanghai Symphony Big Band.
Flute
Gai Bryant, B.Mus.
Gai arrived in Sydney after graduating from the University of Adelaide where she studied Jazz Performance. She has worked with Carl Orr, Mark Simmonds, Paul McNamara, Sandy Evans, Jackie Orzaczky, Jann Rutherford, Lloyd Swanton, Janet Seidel, Don Burrows and Roger Frampton and others.
In 1996/7 she studied with soprano saxophonist and composer, Jane Ira Bloom in New York. Upon her return to Sydney she formed the Gai Bryant Quartet. From 1997-2000 the Quartet toured throughout Australia, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan performing concerts and conducting workshops. In October and November 1999 the Quartet completed a series of live performances with poets in Hyde Park as part of a vision to access Sydney's open spaces for small acoustic and cross-art form performances.
Early 2000 Gai studied Taegum at the National Korean Performing Arts Centre in Seoul with WON Hyang-Juan, master of traditional Korean music. In September the Quartet toured Korea with WON Hyang-Juan and his family performing compositions by Gai and Won Hyang-Juan for a combined ensemble at the Korean Performing Arts Centre, Seoul. The combined ensemble toured Australia performing and giving workshops at the Brisbane Festival, Sydney’s Carnivale, the Opera House Studio, ABC and SBS radio programs as well as recording for the University of Western Sydney contemporary music program.
Gai attended Lake Placid Institute’s advanced composition and improvisation seminar in 2001 where she was tutored by jazz greats Jim McNeely and Joe Lovano. In October/November 2002 Gai's large ensemble performed with Jim McNeely at the Sydney Opera House Studio and Wangaratta Festival playing Jim's compositions and arrangements for tentet. During 2003 she sought out Jim McNeely and Mike Gibbs to delve further into composition and arranging via lessons and correspondence. In 2005 Gai composed and recorded the soundtrack for previously unseen Frank Hurley footage of SS Aurora 1911-13 expedition to the Antarctic, which screened at Longest Night Film Festival. In July performed with Arkadiy Figlin Trio at the Pori Jazz Festival, Finland and mentored the Sisters in Jazz ensemble through her original compositions/arrangements for the IAJE. In September she performed with Swedish musicians for an Australian design presentation. 2007 Gai collaborated with the Tiwi Womens Choir to create some jazz-based arrangements for tiwi song forms. In 2008 she was artist-in-residence in Armidale and reunited with Jim McNeely and Spare Parts Big Band to present Jim's music on a short tour of Australia.
Her commissions include works for the Seymour New Music Group, Bernie McGann Trio, Liverpool Council, National Archives and the Sydney Spring Festival. She has released three albums as a bandleader. Quartet albums, High Jinx (1998) and Music(2002) and large ensemble album Two Degrees East (2005).
Matthew Ottignon, B.Mus Hons (Jazz)
Matthew Ottignon was born in London, grew up in New Zealand, and graduated at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with first class Honours. He has been performing since the age of 13 and plays the tenor alto and soprano saxes as well as flute and clarinet. He has been part of the Sydney jazz secene for many years now, adding his individual tenor sound to many outifits. Some of the musicians Matthew has performed with are Lou Reed, Mike Nock, Jackie Orszackzy, James Morrison, John Pochee and Phil Slater. Matthew can be seen performing in trio Informal Troupe, Java Quartet, Exotica, the Space Cadets, the Splinter Orchestra, the Hipstones, Monseiur Camembert, and Mucho Mambo.
James Ryan, M.Mus.
Originating from Darwin, Australia, James Ryan has performed extensively throughout Australia and Europe, basing himself in London for four years. In 1995 James was the first person to graduate with a Masters of Music majoring in Jazz from an Australian University. He has taught jazz performance, improvisation and composition at the Canberra School of Music (A.N.U.), The Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Griffith University) and the Queensland University of Technology.
James Ryan's fascination with improvisation and original jazz composition is reflected in his teaching, recordings and performances. The James Ryan Quartet released its self titled debut in 1997 and the James Ryan Trio released Long Way Home on Jazzgroove Records in 2006. January 3rd 2009 will see the release of the Trio's second recording Bitter Sweet on the ABC Jazz label. James also leads and writes for The Subterraneans and The Lost Cosmonauts.
For further information and live recordings:
http://www.myspace.com/jamesryan08
http://www.myspace.com/thelostcosmonauts08
http://www.myspace.com/thesubterraneansoz
http://www.jamesryan.com.au
Clarinet
Matthew Ottignon, B.Mus Hons (Jazz)
Matthew Ottignon was born in London, grew up in New Zealand, and graduated at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with first class Honours. He has been performing since the age of 13 and plays the tenor alto and soprano saxes as well as flute and clarinet. He has been part of the Sydney jazz secene for many years now, adding his individual tenor sound to many outifits. Some of the musicians Matthew has performed with are Lou Reed, Mike Nock, Jackie Orszackzy, James Morrison, John Pochee and Phil Slater. Matthew can be seen performing in trio Informal Troupe, Java Quartet, Exotica, the Space Cadets, the Splinter Orchestra, the Hipstones, Monseiur Camembert, and Mucho Mambo.
James Ryan, M.Mus.
Originating from Darwin, Australia, James Ryan has performed extensively throughout Australia and Europe, basing himself in London for four years. In 1995 James was the first person to graduate with a Masters of Music majoring in Jazz from an Australian University. He has taught jazz performance, improvisation and composition at the Canberra School of Music (A.N.U.), The Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Griffith University) and the Queensland University of Technology.
James Ryan's fascination with improvisation and original jazz composition is reflected in his teaching, recordings and performances. The James Ryan Quartet released its self titled debut in 1997 and the James Ryan Trio released Long Way Home on Jazzgroove Records in 2006. January 3rd 2009 will see the release of the Trio's second recording Bitter Sweet on the ABC Jazz label. James also leads and writes for The Subterraneans and The Lost Cosmonauts.
For further information and live recordings:
http://www.myspace.com/jamesryan08
http://www.myspace.com/thelostcosmonauts08
http://www.myspace.com/thesubterraneansoz
http://www.jamesryan.com.au
Richard Savery is recognised as one of Australia's finest young bass clarinetists and baritone saxophonists. He plays and teaches all the saxophones and clarinet, specialising in bari sax and bass clarinet.
He is also an educator and a composer/arranger; performing and composing in a diverse range of styles and contexts. Richard is currently completing a B.Mus in Jazz Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He has studied with Gary Smulyan, Dr Gene Aitken, Bill Motzing, David Baker, Bob Mintzer and Dale Barlow. He studied classical clarinet in New York with Michael Lowernstern and in Sydney with Jason Noble.
Richard has toured the UK, USA and the Caribbean Islands, has performed in a variety of settings around Sydney and has recorded his own CD with John Morrison. Some of the musicians Richard has worked with include Alan Cumming, Lance Horne (Emmy Award winner 2008), Phil Stack (bass), Tim Davies, Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls), Bob Downe, Meow Meow, James Waples, and many others.
American master bari sax player Gary Smulyan described Richard as playing with a "a strong concept and a developed sense of lyricism; Nice sound!"
Drums
Jamie Cameron, B.Mus (Perf-Jazz)
Jamie grew up in Sydney studying with Martin Highland and Andrew Gander, followed by Gordon Rytmeister and Andrew Dickeson at the Sydney Conservatorium, and later Chad Wackerman and Simon Barker. He also travelled to South Korea in 2007 to study traditional percussion, in part with master percussionist and educator, Kim Dong-Won.
Jamie has played, among others, with Sean Wayland, Elana Stone, Steve McKenna, and Greta Gertler. Current projects include Cranky Pants, The Adorables, Medium Brown, live drum'n'bass act Ghost Solaris, Dave Reaston's 10 Guitar Project, and songwriters Luke Escombe and Joe Kelly.
Dave Goodman, B.Mus (Jazz, Honours: 1st Class), PhD (current)
Dave Goodman is a professional drummer and educator with over twenty years of experience. He studied drum set with Joe Morello, Billy Hart, Jim Chapin, Chad Wackerman, Jim Piesse, Gordon Rytmeister, Andrew Gander, Barry Stewart, Peter Harkins and Steve Fuller.
Dave has taught drums on the faculty of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Australian Institute of Music. He also has considerable experience tutoring younger musician, in school bands and individually. He is currently working on a PHD in Jazz Studies.
As a performer and recording artist Dave has an extensive and impressive list of credits. Artists he has performed and/or recorded with include: Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Cecil McBee, Bob Berg, James Williams, Paul Bollenback, Daryl Grant, John Sneider, Thelma Houston, Deni Hines, Tim Rogers, David Campbell, James Morrison, Vince Jones, Don Burrows, George Golla, Galapagos Duck, James Reyne, Jimmy Little, Richard Clapton, Joe Camilleri, Melanie Oxley, Stephen Cummings, Matt Moffett, Lily Dior, Emma Pask, Craig McLaughlin, Martin Plaza, Dave Faulkner, Jackie Orszaczky, Tina Harrod, Billy Field, Johnnie Johnson, Venetta Fields, Glen Tilbrook, Greg "Wiggle" Page, Geoff Harvey, Rhonda Burchmore, Normie Rowe, Mark Trevorrow, Paul Capsis, Mike Nock, Bernie McGann, Dale Barlow, Sean Wayland, Cathy Harley, Ten Part Invention, Roger Frampton, Julian Lee, Bob Barnard, Judy Bailey, Matt McMahon, Hamish Stuart, Andrew Robson, Sandy Evans, Carl Dewhurst, Mark Isaacs, James Muller, Shelley Scown, Bruce Paulson, Chris McNulty, Gordon Brisker, Phillip Johnston, Riza Arshad, Hakuei Kim, Andy Walton, Mike Rivett, Rory O'Donoghue, James Valentine, Jess Green, Wesley Carr, Steve McKenna, Bertie Blackman, and Inga Liljestrom. And many others!
Currently Dave can be heard playing with Matt Keegan Trio, Sean Coffin Quintet (SCQuint), Ron Philpott Quintet, Glenn Doig Trio, The Doig Collective and The Reaston Kay Effect as well as the occasional performance with David Campbell, James Morrison, Jeff Duff, Gerard Masters, Chuck Yates and others.
John Morrison
John Morrison joins us for workshops and masterclasses
John Morrison has delighted audiences for more than 25 years with his humor and dedication to sounds that swing. Equally at home in a small group or big band setting, his musical facility runs the entire spectrum from traditional jazz, swing, Bebop, R&B, Soul and commercial jazz rock.
The eldest of the Morrison family, John has spent much of his musical life playing and recording with his younger brother James Morrison. At age 8, John began playing cornet in the school brass band and by the age of 10 had built his first drum set from pots and pans. In these early few years he played many different instruments and styles but jazz drumming was to be his calling.
After living in New York for over 12 months in the late eighties, John and James returned home to form Australia's premier jazz big band "The Morrison Bros Big Bad Band". John widened his exposure and experience also playing with a variety of other well-known artists including James Moody, Scott Hamilton, Richie Cole, John and Jeff Clayton, Garry Dial, Jimmy Whitherspoon, Eartha Kitt, Don Burrows, George Golla, and Bob Barnard.
Bass
Brendan Clarke, Dip Mus. (Jazz)
Double bass and Electric Bass
Brendan Clarke is a graduate of the Canberra School of Music at the Australian National University. He was the 2001 winner of the prestigious National Jazz Award at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival.
With over 15 years professional experience he is one of the most in-demand bass players on the Australian jazz scene and has played with a wide range of international and national artists including Kirk Lightsey, Barbara Morrison, James Morrison, Vince Jones, Renee Geyer, Bernie Mcgann, Dale Barlow and George Washingmachine.
Brendan teaches both the double bass (specializing in jazz) and the electric bass and can cover all contemporary styles, theory, improvisation and reading for beginners to advanced students. He is also available as an accompanist.
Saul Richardson, B.Ed (Hons), MACE
Saul Richardson is a guitarist and bass player who graduated from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours in Education and the University Medal in 1995. He studied Jazz guitar under Steve Brien and Steve McKenna, and conducting with Jerry Nowak. He is an internationally recognized Jazz educator, and is the serving Australasian representative on the Executive Board of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE).
Richardson established and developed the renowned Jazz program at North Sydney Boys' High School, now widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in its field in Australia. He was recognized by the (IAJE) at their January 2004 conference for his outstanding service to Jazz Education.
As a performer he has worked with many of Australia's leading Jazz artists and groups including Ed Wilson, John Morrison and Swing City Big Band, Andrew Firth, Roger Frampton, Don Burrows, Col Nolan, Keith Stirling and Tony and Bob Barnard. He has performed throughout Australia, the UK and Europe and in the USA. Mr Richardson is also director of the NSW Department of Education and Training Arts Unit Stage Band and has previously directed the Blue Riff big band and the Powerhouse big band. He is a founding member of IAJE in NSW and works as a clinician, consultant and adjudicator.
Some of Saul Richardson's past students have included Simon Ferenci, National Jazz Award winning pianist Jackson Harrison, Dale Gorfinkel, Jeremy Rose, Jamie Castrisos, Scott Simpkins, Robert Sidaway, Andrew Brooks, Martin Wieczorek, and many other fine young musicians now making their own mark on the Australian Jazz scene. Graduates of his programs and ensembles can be found studying tertiary music across Australia, working professionally as performers and educators, or simply appreciating and hearing Jazz with discerning ears.
violin
Anna Okunev, B.Mus (performance), L.Mus.A.
Russian born, Anna Okunev started playing violin at the age of five. After migrating to Australia, Anna studied on a full scholarship at the Australian Institute of Music with Sophie Rowell (Australian String Quartet) and Charmain Gadd.
Anna has toured nationally and abroad with Sydney Youth Orchestra and Australian Youth Orchestra. In 2006, Anna received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Medowmount School of Music in New York. Anna is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under the guidance of Dale Barlow and Craig Scott.
As a performer Anna has also worked with well known musicians including John Foreman, Phil Stack, Adrian Cunningham and Daniel Weltlinger. Anna has worked in on Australian Idol, Battle of the Choirs, toured nationally with Kanye West (Good Vibrations tour, 2008) and recorded albums for David Campbell, Shannon Noel, Damien Leath and FIFA international congress anthem.
Jazz Improvisation
All of the teachers at the Jazz Workshop can give lessons in jazz improvisation to any student, regardless of their instrument. Saul Richardson specialises in teaching improvisation to beginners and young players. Other JWA teachers, such as Jeremy Borthwick, Gai Bryant and James Ryan love to teach very advanced concepts.
So, whatever instrument you or your child play, one of our teachers can give lessons in jazz improvisation. Lessons can be either ongoing, occasional, or a short series. Call or email for details