Rich DeRosa is the Director of Jazz Composition and Arranging at the University of North Texas. He is the son of Clem DeRosa, one of the first educators to create a curriculum for teaching children about America’s musical art form – jazz. Clem transformed his knowledge and professional experience into simple, effective methods that yielded quick results for students. DeRosa carries on his father’s vision and love for music through The DeRosa Method.
Rich DeRosa’s bio reads like a “Who’s Who” in the jazz field with arrangements written for some of the top big bands in the world: the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the WDR Big Band, the Mel Lewis Orchestra, in addition to writing arrangements for a wide variety of vocalists ranging from Norah Jones, Kurt Elling, Patti Austin, Reneé Fleming, and Susannah McCorkle. Details: www.richderosa.com
The DeRosa Method Master Classes for Music Educators
Can be tailored for specific needs and schedule. For one school or as part of an adjudication or a festival.
- Improvisation | For all levels from absolute beginners to advanced players
- Scat Singing | For vocalists and instrumentalists, the syllables that are the gateway to jazz interpretation and the concept of swing
- The Rhythm Section | Drum set performance, interpreting written drum parts, chord symbols, creating simple voicings, bass lines, etc. Cultivating clarity and a “groove” with the entire rhythm section
- Small Group Performance | Integrating improvisation with arrangements
- Achieving a Unified Ensemble Sound | The importance of tone, balance and blend
- Choosing Appropriate Repertoire | Selecting music that fits your band and adjust presently-owned music to fit your players
- Conducting | When to use traditional techniques and when to use jazz techniques
- Effective Rehearsals | Ensemble set up, pacing of energy, time management, etc. Chronology of jazz styles and their interpretation. Iconic jazz artists to engage your students
- Bring Your Questions | Practical advice and solutions to address specific problems
- Anyone Can Improvise | Designed specifically for directors with little or no improv experience. Discover creative, easy ways to get started and receive materials to continue your journey. Notice immediate results during the session and ultimately enjoy the process. You will have improvised effectively before you leave the workshop! With that knowledge and ability, you can now inform your students and get better results with them as well.