The Creative Violinist: Integrating Technique and Music through Improvisation - Paperback

by Christopher N. Brooks (Author)

A new approach to studying the violin in order to become a well-rounded and creative musician Written for violin and viola students-and their teachers-this book is a hands-on, write-all-over-it, spill-coffee-on-it workbook for integrating musicianship and technique through improvisation. It will benefit beginners through advanced players, even professionals. The creative approach to musical elements and technique in this book can help improve facility and expression for written music; empower participation with musicians playing in improvisation-based approaches such as blues, country, or rock; and even provide a springboard to dive into the deep waters of jazz.

Author Biography

Christopher Brooks was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He began studying the violin at PS 8 in Brooklyn Heights, moving on to private lessons at the Third Street Music School in Manhattan, back when a subway token cost 15 cents. In high school, Mr. Brooks attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Department and during the summer attended the arcadian Kinhaven Music School. Attending the New School of Music in Philadelphia (a conservatory founded by members of the Curtis Quartet) Mr. Brooks studied violin with Jascha Brodsky and Geoffrey Michaels. He has played chamber music and been a member of numerous orchestras in the USA and Europe including Orquesta Bética Filarmónica de Sevilla (concertmaster), the Frysk Orkest in the Netherlands, and the Reading, York, and Harrisburg Symphonies (concertmaster). In addition to his broad experience in orchestral and chamber music, he has performed with numerous improvisation-based ensembles: including folk, rock, jazz, Klezmer, and freely-improvised accompaniments for modern dance. Here is a link to one example: http: //vimeo.com/33471779 Throughout his performing career he has continued to teach privately (in English, Spanish and Dutch) and to lead classes and workshops in improvisation for classical string players.