Workshops/Private Instruction
 
Studies on How to Follow the Music in a Small Ensemble Context
David Friesen is now accepting bass students for lessons and students on any instrument for workshops.

Contact Info


Music Studies Book Series
David Friesen now has available a book based on his workshops:

Music Studies Series- Learning To Follow The Music in a Small Ensemble Context.
Price: $10
Goals of the Lessons and Workshops

The lessons and workshops offer hope, encouragement, eliminate fears, improve technical skills and establish confidence in the student's musical life style. Each student will gain self respect and confidence in their playing and will be a more musical player with more depth.

The intent is to help broaden the student's ability and vision of music by explaining:

  • What to Practice
  • How to organize a practice schedule
  • Practice techniques
  • Composing
  • How to reveal the special qualities and uniqueness of each individual student/musician
  • Overcoming fears while playing music
  • Establishing confidence
  • How to listen and what to listen for
  • Strengthening the time feel
  • How to participate in a small group format, where the music becomes the focus of attention rather than the individual
  • Purpose and Commitment

Workshop Format

Residents of Oregon and Washington
If you live anywhere in the state of Oregon or Washington the class will meet twice a month. The first meeting, each student musician receives a private lesson, the second time all participants meet to play together in duo, trio, quartet and quintet group formats. There is a 5 student minimum for all cities other than Portland and vicinity. I will pick 2 days in a month, one in the 1st and 3rd weeks or the 2nd and 4th to drive to each city other than Portland to conduct the private lessons and group playing. The duration of the private lessons and group playing is not necessarily based on an hourly schedule. Most of the time the private lessons are longer than 1 hour and the group playing can last 2 hours or more.

Residents of Other Areas
For students living in other parts of the United States or even other countries, the studies can still be taught using cassette tapes, e-mail and telephone (my expense) twice a month in the following manner: In the very beginning I will need a cassette of each student's playing with a group that he or she is a member of, and if possible (but not crucial) as a sideman playing with other musicians for the first time. I need from each student a written statement why music is important to them and what their primary goals are concerning music. This is important information because I need to tailor the studies to fit each individual's needs. The written and verbal correspondence between me and the student will involve studies pertaining to ear training, musical exercises to establish good intonation, time and patience, an effective way to compose music, structure, story telling and many other disciplines.

Thomastik-Infeld
School Clinics have been sponsored by the Thomastik-
Infeld Musical String Co. Vienna, Austria as part of the on going Thomastik-Infeld Clinic/Jazz Workshop series.

Thomastik-Infeld

Some Schools Visited
David Friesen has taught his work shop in over 120 schools throughout the United States and Internationally.

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Comments from Students
David Friesen, thank you most sincerely for the most incredible musical experience of my life. I was indeed fortunate to be allocated to your combo and must repeat myself by saying that it was a privilege and an honor to be "a member of your band."
Lionel Kramer/drummer

David, man, you set me straight on a few things and cleared up my understanding on practicing and phrasing. You have inspired more awareness and focus in me towards music and my relationship with music. I feel free, happier and my playing is more honest and alive. Thank you for your attention and support.
Brett/Fairbanks, Alaska

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Comments from Schools
I was so impressed not only with David Friesen's playing and musicianship, but also his ability to relate personally to musicians of all ages and levels of playing.
Lisa Little/Director of Jazz/Friends University/Wichita, KS

I have known David since 1979 and his sincere interest in the students' progress in their music and in their development as creative people has always been a joy for me to observe...
Fred Hamilton/Associate Professor/Jazz Studies Division/University of North Texas

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