The Expansion of the Rhythmic Language of Jazz

Duration: Minimum 3 hours, but should ideally be done over one or two days.

Aimed at: Intermediate to advanced level jazz students. Students studying for a jazz diploma or a B. Mus. in jazz. Ideally the students should be comfortable with the orthodox rhythmic practices of jazz ‚ playing comfortably in 4/4 swing with good voice leading.

Content: This will introduce the students to the most recent developments in the rhythmic language of jazz. Unusual subdivisions, how to use metric modulation, playing comfortably in odd metres, being creative with rhythmic devices ‚ all of these, and more, are covered in this clinic.

Structure: This depends on the length of time available. In the case of a three-hour time span, the clinic will take the form of a lecture/demonstration.

In the preferred two-day format, the morning of the first day will be taken up with an outline of the philosophy behind using these rhythmic techniques, followed by a detailed explanation of various subdivision possibilities, and detailed examination of the creative use of metric modulation. The afternoon will be devoted to an exposition of how to play comfortably in odd metres.

The second day will give some hands-on experience to the students. This can be done in one of two ways ‚

1) A class in which all of the students are together and in which students try out the techniques in front of their classmates. This is useful in that a lot of the problems encountered in working with this material are seen, and worked through, by the whole class.

2) The students divide up into different ensembles and Ronan works with each ensemble individually. The students will have a chance to work on both standards and original compositions, which will contain the various techniques outlined the previous day.

The Development of a Secure Rhythmic Foundation

Duration: 3 hours

Aimed at: Intermediate to advanced level students ‚ jazz or classical.

Content: This clinic will demonstrate how to develop a secure sense of time through vocal and physical means. It will introduce the students into simple but effective exercises for developing a strong sense of time and a security in all matters rhythmic. Items covered will include working effectively with metronomes and drum machines, clapping and singing simultaneously, and developing a sense of rhythmic relationships through the clapping of polyrhythms. There will also be an introduction to the use of the Konnekol ‚ the South Indian syllabic system ‚ a form of rhythmic solfeggio. Students do not necessarily need their instruments, but they can be used from time to time if desired.

Structure: This will take the form of a participatory lecture/demonstration. Techniques will be clearly explained but students will then try them out for themselves in the class.

Small Group Jazz Composition

Duration: Minimum 3 hours, but should ideally be done over one day.

Aimed at: Intermediate to advanced level jazz students. Students studying for a jazz diploma or a B. Mus. in jazz.

Content: This will cover the area of writing creatively and effectively for a small jazz group ‚ up to 6 musicians. All of the following subjects are discussed in this clinic - Structural considerations, effective use of available instrumental forces, creative use of instrumental variety within the group, effective positioning of solos within the overall form of the composition, motivic development, reharmonisation of melodies, possibilities for intros, and effective use of the rhythm section.

Structure: This clinic is in two parts - a lecture/demonstration of various techniques, and then a section in which the students bring in their compositions and perform them. The compositions, and possible ways in which they could be developed, will be discussed after each performance.

Ronan also gives clinics in bass and improvisation.