The Nash Presents Futures: Workshop For Student Jazz Musicians

The Nash is set to premiere a workshop specifically for novice musicians (ages 10-17) who want to learn how to solo in jazz combos or bands.

The Nash Futures Workshop is designed to teach students the skill of jazz improvisation- a language developed over time through the process of listening and imitation.

Students will learn to improvise small phrases and melodies which, eventually, can be linked together into longer musical sentences that can communicate ideas and feelings.

The Nash Futures Workshop will be held Monday evenings from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at The Nash for 15 weeks, from January 14, 2019 - April 22, 2019.

Registration is $150.00 and is available at www.thenash.org.

Nash pianist and educator Pam Morita will lead the Nash Futures Workshop. Morita has worked with middle and high school students across the Valley specifically in the context of solo work, and has a passion for teaching young musicians to bridge the gap between classical and jazz music. Morita is the former director of City Jazz, as well as an instructor at Paradise Valley Community College.

"Improvising is challenging, especially as most children from the middle school age are just learning to play their instruments. Young musicians need guidance in how to improvise jazz solos, and once they get it, it's quite rewarding. Nash Futures is perfect for the aspiring player who would like to learn how to solo on their instrument and play in jazz combos or bands," says Pam Morita.

Musicians on all instruments are welcome to participate in the Nash Futures Workshop. Knowledge of Major Scales is helpful for students but not required.
The Nash offers several programs designed to support emerging jazz musicians in the Valley as well as encourage public appreciation for the American art form.
For more information, visit the 'Education' tab on the Nash website at www.thenash.org/education.
The Nash is located at 110 E. Roosevelt St on Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix.

The Nash, owned and operated by Jazz in Arizona Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is an education and performance venue named in honor of world-renowned drummer and Phoenix native, Lewis Nash. Since its opening in 2012, The Nash has grown to present more than 300 events annually including jazz performances, jam sessions and educational programs - featuring students, top local and regional musicians, national and internationally acclaimed jazz artists and jazz royalty. For 5 years running, DownBeat has included The Nash in its prestigious "List of Great Jazz Venues" in the world.

Internationally acclaimed jazz drummer Lewis Nash, named the most valuable player in jazz by Modern Drummer Magazine, was described by Ira Gitler of The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz as "Perhaps the most talented drummer of his generation." Lewis grew up in south Phoenix and by the early age of 10 years old began playing drums. At age 21 he moved to New York City, where he became the drummer of choice for an incredible array of artists - from jazz masters to the hottest young players of today. His 30-year career includes performance on 10 Grammy award-winning albums and an impressive discography of over 400 recordings with jazz legends such as Betty Carter, Tommy Flanagan, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, Hank Jones, Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins, Ron Carter and Clark Terry, as well as such contemporary jazz artists as Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Joe Lovano and Roy Hargrove.