Acclaimed Multi-Instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily Leads the New Improvisers Studio
Coastal Jazz and Western Front are pleased to present the inaugural year of the New Improvisers Studio, a week-long educational initiative for 12 young musicians ages 17 to 24 from any musical background who are interested in building their improvisation skills. The New Improvisers Studio supports collective explorations in musical improvisation through the mentorship of a world leading improviser and invited guests from the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. This year the Studio will be led by the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily, with invited guests Sakina Abdou, Matthew Ariaratnam, Meredith Bates, Claire Devlin, Aviva Endean, Milli Hong, Sunny Kim, and Peggy Lee.
Shahzad Ismaily is a Brooklyn-based musician, composer, engineer and founder of Figure 8 Recording. Born to Pakistani immigrant parents, he grew up in a wholly bicultural household. Exploring improvisation, tonal shifts and rhythmic movement, the Grammy nominated artist often referred to as the “Musician’s favorite Musician” has worked with a number of avant-garde musicians and composers including Laurie Anderson, Anthony Coleman, Milford Graves, Eyvind Kang, Butch Morris and Marc Ribot. Over the last thirty years he has played electric bass, drums, percussion, guitar, synthesizers and all manner of sound-makers procured in life’s travels.
The closed Studio workshops will take place June 24 – 27 and culminate with a live performance that is open to the public on June 28 beginning at 11am.
Please note, participants are responsible for bringing their own instrument and managing their transportation to and from the workshops. All participants will be provided with lunch daily and a free festival pass for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
How to participate:
The New Improvisers Studio is open to young musicians aged 17 to 24 at all levels of experience. To participate, please submit an expression of interest to [email protected] with the subject line “The New Improvisers Studio EOI” no later than May 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Expressions of interest can be submitted in the form of a written letter, video, audio recording, or visual presentation, of no more than 1 page or 3 minutes length. In your expression of interest, please include an overview of your musical background, chosen instrument or voice, experience with improvisation, and your ambitions as a musician.
Successful applicants will be notified in early June.
Presented in partnership by Coastal Jazz and Western Front, with the support of the Deux Mille Foundation, the Dr. Hari Sharma Foundation, and the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation at the University of British Columbia with support from the Government of Canada.
