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Seminars, Concerts and Rehearsals
with your school ensembles “Our goal is to enhance the program educators’ focus for their students through our own message, while leaving behind something that can be built upon after we’ve left.” POWER PRACTICING WORKSHOP - based on Jack's famous book. Get unstuck. Practice efficiently. Move ahead of your competition. ELECTRONIC INNOVATIONS IN MUSIC Using 1929 Roy Smeck video, the 1953 Les Paul & Mary Ford recordings, Jack Grassel in 2016 uses his triple neck and looper to instruct and demonstrate LIVE what Roy, Les and Mary did laboriously with equipment available to them in the 30s, 40s & 50s. THE ART OF ACCOMPANYING A VOCALIST by Jack and Jill together. A 75 minute demonstration / concert. Techniques for presenting a singer in the best way possible. What a vocalist needs to be great. IMPROVISATION TECHNIQUES - From 1920 to the present • Scott Joplin creating jazz solos from a compositional foundation - Charlie Parker's rhythmic foundations of Be Bop - Ornette Coleman's Jack explains the Harmelodic Theory • John Coltrane & Eric Dolphy polytonal systems for improv - Thelonius Monk, Bud Powell, McCoy Tyner chord substitutions on standards THE REHARMONIZED REAL BOOK SEMINAR Learn to vertically harmonize single notes while creating contrapuntal settings for melodies with horizontal harmony movement. CHORD THEORY • Melody harmonization, chord soloing, sight reading chord charts • Alterations, substitutions, extensions, polytonality, 4th structures UNDERSTANDING THE MUSIC BUSINESS • Career promotion - Creating an onstage identity, image and personality - Introducing songs and speaking effectively to audiences - Making money with music. COMPOSITION, THEORY AND HARMONY • Interaction of melodies to harmonies and song forms EAR TRAINING RELATED DIRECTLY TO LIVE PERFORMANCE • Solfeggio-free ear training . Transcribing techniques - melodies and chords - Help for those with perfect pitch in navigating the world. COMPING FOR VOCALISTS AND INSTRUMENTAL SOLOISTS • Altered chords, polytonal chords, chord substitution EQUIPMENT CHOICES • Guitar choice / setup / maintenance / adjustment • Creating your best sound / amp adjustment / placement / purchase - Creating an effects rack to enhance your music PLAYING SOLO, DUO, TRIO, QUARTET, BIG BAND • Walking bass lines, chords and melody simultaneously • The art of accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists MODERN GUITAR TECHNIQUE • Horizontal and vertical movement on the guitar neck • 12 keys in one position / 1 key in twelve positions • Soloing with octaves and harmonics • Playing effectively in any size ensemble • Treatments & prevention of instrument induced pain . Using looper technology to enhance practicing and performance. - Creating better right and left hand techniques |
Jack in 2005 teaching a music business class as the guest artist at Western Illinois University. He travels anywhere to teach (and play) music.
Improvisational techniques to classical guitarist David Elias Compusano in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. January 19, 2011
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From Guy Gregg, Director of Bands - Oak Creek High School
"We were extremely fortunate to be able to host Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen as guest artists for our High School Jazz
Ensemble Concert. Jack and Jill are consummate professionals who brought an incredible breadth of experience, knowledge,
musicality and kindness to our classroom. They related to students and told incredible stories of their own musical journeys.
They came to rehearsals and collaborated seamlessly while performing with our students. Jill offered sensitive musicality and
advice that students do not get from anyone other than a passionate professional. Jack's virtuosity exposed elements unknown
to our students and opened their eyes to so many future possibilities. Above all, Jack and Jill are class acts
and were shining role models for our students on how to treat each other and our music."
From Vernita Lord, student - Milwaukee Area Technical College
"I would like to thank you Mr. Grassel for your encouragement and patience. I have learned so many wonderful skills from you. I was never bored in any of your classes and it was a pleasure having you as a teacher and supervisor."
"We were extremely fortunate to be able to host Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen as guest artists for our High School Jazz
Ensemble Concert. Jack and Jill are consummate professionals who brought an incredible breadth of experience, knowledge,
musicality and kindness to our classroom. They related to students and told incredible stories of their own musical journeys.
They came to rehearsals and collaborated seamlessly while performing with our students. Jill offered sensitive musicality and
advice that students do not get from anyone other than a passionate professional. Jack's virtuosity exposed elements unknown
to our students and opened their eyes to so many future possibilities. Above all, Jack and Jill are class acts
and were shining role models for our students on how to treat each other and our music."
From Vernita Lord, student - Milwaukee Area Technical College
"I would like to thank you Mr. Grassel for your encouragement and patience. I have learned so many wonderful skills from you. I was never bored in any of your classes and it was a pleasure having you as a teacher and supervisor."