Michele Gori

THE MASTERCLASS

A practical approach to jazz flute

The masterclass explores the flute as a fully expressive jazz instrument, combining the study of jazz vocabulary with improvisation, articulation, sound, rhythm and creative practice.

Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a performer and educator, Michele Gori works directly with participants through playing, listening, analysis and guided improvisation.

The goal is not simply to learn phrases or exercises, but to develop a personal and flexible musical language.

TOPICS

Topics can include

Jazz language & bebop
Building vocabulary, phrasing, rhythmic placement and melodic development.

Improvisation on standards
Understanding harmony, creating melodic lines and developing solos through practical strategies.

Jazz articulation for flute
Tonguing, accents, ghost notes, dynamics and phrasing inspired by the language of jazz.

Sound & flute technique
Developing projection, flexibility, timbral control and an individual jazz flute sound.

Transcription & listening
How to use transcription and active listening as tools for developing vocabulary and musical awareness.

Practice methods
Strategies for organizing daily practice and transforming technical material into real improvisational skills.

Contemporary & electronic flute
When appropriate, the masterclass can also include approaches to effects, electronics and the expanded possibilities of the flute in contemporary music.

FORMATS

Flexible formats

Masterclasses can be organized as a single session, a half-day or full-day workshop, an intensive multi-day program, or a combination of individual lessons, group work and ensemble practice.

The content can be adapted according to the participants’ level, from students approaching jazz improvisation for the first time to advanced jazz musicians.

Masterclasses can be held in English, Italian or French.

Over the years, I have taught jazz flute masterclasses at numerous conservatories, universities, and music schools, including the Real Conservatorio Supérior de Madrid (Spain), conservatorio “G.Cantelli” (Novara, Italy), conservatorio “G.Marenzio” (Darfo, Italy), conservatorio “F.Cilea” (Reggio Calabria), CRR de Cholet (France), EMDI de Chamonix (France), Cambridge Jazz Coop (UK), Flute School London (UK), Croatia Flute Academy (Karlovac), West Virginia University (Morgantown, USA), Kentucky University (Bowling Green, USA), Associazione Musicale Fiorentina (Firenze, Italy), CRR de Paris (Convention Français de la Flûte, France), Mid-Atlantic Flute Fair (Washington DC, USA).