Aims
\nWorking and playing with high-profile musicians can form an inspiring and motivating part of the ongoing development of any musician\u2019s artistic skills. Such experiences, however, are rarely offered in the typical main instrument curriculum at the music academies. This project investigated if recurring participation in concerts with professional guitarists from different musical backgrounds would increase and strengthen the artistic and professional level in guitar students as well as in their main instrument teacher.<\/p>\n
The concerts
\nA total of six concerts were organized by Kwella in collaboration with the Center for the Danish History of Jazz. Each concert featured a visiting professional guitarist, all of whom were experts within a specific musical style. At each concert, 2-3 of Kwella’s guitar students participated together with a rhythm group consisting of soloist programme students and Kwella himself. The repertoire was selected in collaboration with the guest soloist and the participating students. Concerts were prepared in the preceding lectures and in a single rehearsal with the soloists.<\/p>\n
The soloists
\nSept 2, 2019: Klaus Lorenzen (DK) – funk and soul
\nOct 7, 2019: John Stowell (US) – modern jazz
\nNov 4, 2019: Ronni Boysen (DK) – urban blues
\nFeb 3, 2020: Heikki Ruokangas (FIN) \u2013 open improvisation
\nMar 2, 2020: Uffe Steen (DK) – modern blues and standards
\nMay 25, 2020: S\u00f8ren Addemos (DK) – Bebop<\/p>\n
Reflections
\nTo evaluate the potential learning outcome, the students were required to provide oral or written reflections after each concert on their experience with taking part in the concerts.<\/p>\n
Outcome
\nThe student feedback indicates that the concerts provided the participants with an increased knowledge about different instrument techniques and thereby increased creative and pedagogical competences. Furthermore, the students were able to increase their own performative and professional skills by participating in the concerts.<\/p>\n
The concerts also led to new collaborations, both between the teacher and the guests and between the visiting musicians and the guests. Finally, they generated a mutual sharing of knowledge which may have long-term benefits for both students, the soloists and the teacher.<\/p>\n