New! 2-day jazz composition workshop

Register now for the Jazz Composition Virtual Workshop with Sam!

Upcoming workshop on 9/14 and 9/21

Join award-winning composer Sam Blakeslee in this 2-day virtual workshop which will give you practical skills to becoming a better big band composer and band leader. With Sam’s 13 years of experience leading his own big band and writing original compositions, he will provide you with real-world examples from his own library of work and experiences in the NYC big band scene.

Each day is structured into 2 sections:

  1. a masterclass by Sam with real-world examples from his own compositions and experiences as a big band leader

  2. a group forum where participants will bring in one of their own compositions for individualized feedback

This workshop will be held over Zoom. Register below by 9/12.

If you are participating in both days of the workshop, please register for each day separately at the links below to receive each day’s Zoom meeting link.

This workshop is designed for participants with a college-level or higher background, though high school students will be considered for enrollment on a case-by-case basis.

Not ready to share a piece or need more foundational composition training? Don't be discouraged! Here are two options:

Jazz Composition Virtual Workshop Schedule

Day 1 - Sunday 9/14

Register here for Day 1 (Zoom)

  • 1:00-1:50pm: Using the Three Note Module Approach on Ephemeral

    • We will take a deep dive into my big band composition Ephemeral which was created using Bob Brookmeyer’s Three-Note Module Approach. This masterclass will include insights into the compositional process, in-depth analysis of form, and how to keep ideas unified, yet exciting throughout the piece.

  • 1:50-2:20: Recording and Post Production Observations

    • Will include strategies for selecting a studio with the technical needs of big band recording in mind, what is possible and practical during the edit process, what to listen for in the mixing process, and balancing the micro and macro aspects of editing and mixing.

  • 2:20-2:45: Open-Ended Q+A

  • 2:45 - 3:00: BREAK

  • 3:00-5:00: Individualized Feedback from Sam in a Group Forum

    • Each participant will have a 30 minute time slot to share one composition and receive feedback. Pieces can range from lead sheet compositions to big band instrumentation. Original compositions are encouraged, but not required. More time slots will be added depending on number of participants and as participant schedules allow.

Day 2 - Sunday 9/21

Register here for Day 2 (Zoom)

  • 1:00-1:50pm: Orchestration Techniques in Another Day In Which To Excel

    • This masterclass will analyze the orchestration of my composition Another Day In Which To Excel and what worked and what didn't during the editing and mixing process. We'll explore how to balance the timbres you want with the practicality of them being heard and discuss strategies to create the most acoustically balanced music possible.

  • 1:50-2:20: How To Lead A Big Band

    • We will discuss strategies for finding suitable musicians, creating good ensemble morale, and part preparation techniques that set you and the band up for success.

  • 2:20-2:45: Open-Ended Q+A

  • 2:45-3:00: BREAK

  • 3:00-5:00: Individualized Feedback from Sam in a Group Forum

    • Each participant will have a 30 minute time slot to share one composition and receive feedback. Pieces can range from lead sheet compositions to big band instrumentation. Original compositions are encouraged, but not required. More time slots will be added depending on number of participants and as participant schedules allow.

Workshop costs

  • 1-Day Participant - $150

    • Select either 9/14 or 9/21

    • Includes individualized feedback on your piece for 30-minutes as part of the group forum

    • Includes additional compositional resources from Sam

  • 2-Day Participant - $300 $250

    • Attend both days 9/14 and 9/21 for a discounted rate ($125/day, $250 total)

    • Includes individualized feedback on your piece for 30-minutes as part of the group forum

    • Includes additional compositional resources from Sam

    • If you are attending both days, please register separately for both days at the links above to receive each day’s Zoom meeting link.

  • Observer 1-day - $75

    • Select either 9/14 or 9/21

    • Listen in to the entire day’s content

    • Does not include individualized feedback on a piece

    • Does not include additional compositional resources from Sam

  • Observer 2-day - $100

    • Listen in to the entire 2-day workshop

    • Does not include individualized feedback on a piece

    • Does not include additional compositional resources from Sam

Payment can be made via Venmo (@Sam-Blakeslee) or Zelle (samblakeslee@gmail.com) before the 1st day you are participating in the workshop.

Please contact samblakeslee@gmail.com for any further questions about the workshop.