We had a fantastic workshop last Saturday, 21st March, kindly hosted by Access To Music (ATM) at their Hackney premises, the British Academy of New Music (BANM). The day was led by international jazz piano star, Julian Joseph, and the inspirational jazz educator and musician, Richard Michael.

More than 20 teachers attended, including some of ATM's own teaching staff, and were joined by class and instrumental teachers from as far afield as Hampshire and Bucks! In his 35 years or so of teaching jazz, Richard's philosophy has always been to keep it simple. Considering that jazz improvisation is psychologically challenging for good musicians who come to jazz later in their musical careers, this approach was very welcome!

With some great piano accompaniments from Julian, Richard led an energetic physical workout at the beginning of the day, with shouts, stamps, claps and body movements, all designed to get us really feeling the rhythm which, as he says, is central to playing with a true jazz feel. Everyone felt energised after this and it really helped us all get into the swing of the vocal improvisations that followed.

Later in the day the workshop focussed on the business of leading improvisations with 11-19s and some brave volunteers, who ventured to try the approach Richard had modelled, were surprised at how well they had done in such a short time!

Richard Michael and Julian Joseph will run further workshops in this series. Others will be led by Andrea Vicari and Neil Cowley. Teachers relatively or completely new to jazz impro may join any of the remaining workshops, free, by booking with Angela Whittington.