Sonic Meditations & Embodied Improvisation - Fall 2020
4:30pm-5:30pm in a spacious outdoor location, to be disclosed after registration
Email lakebottomsound@gmail.com to enroll
Fee: $100 for 4 week series (scholarships and sliding scale available)
Limited enrollment.
This 4 week series is an opportunity to dive into Pauline Oliveros’ Sonic Meditations and take part in communal improvisation in an outdoor, socially-distanced setting. Sonic Meditations are text pieces that bring in our entire sonic environment as part of the artistic experience. These meditations were created as an “attempt to return the control of sound to the individual alone, or with groups, especially for humanitarian purposes; specifically healing.” (Oliveros)
No special musical skills are required except for a deep dedication to listening and a willingness to make sound using acoustic instruments or your body. This class will be facilitated by Naomi Siegel.
We will use Oliveros’ pieces as launching points to improvise individually and collectively, practicing awareness of embodiment as we make sound. Finally, we will explore the question of how deep listening and improvisation relate to social justice work. This c
Registration for this ensemble requires payment in full by the first meeting of the session (unless special arrangements have been made). Payments can be made via PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/naomisiegel. Tuition not received in full by the first meeting of a session will incur additional $10 charge per week. Refunds cannot be given once classes/ensembles have begun, unless a student is having Covid symptoms or has been exposed to somebody who is Covid positive
Due to Covid, participants must be aware of and agree to adhere to the following:
- Maximum enrollment is 6 people.
- Maintain a distance of 10 feet from other people.
- Masks must be worn at all times including when coming and going and whenever not making sound.
- No amenities or bathrooms are available at this outdoor space. Must bring your own chair and anything else needed to participate. No electricity available.
- Masks can be removed to make sound if necessary. Those playing wind instruments will turn away from the group when playing.
- Do not come if you have any Covid symptoms or have been exposed to anybody who is Covid positive.
- If there is bad weather, we will use October 15 and October 22 as alternative dates.
Email Naomi Siegel at lakebottomsound@gmail.com if you'd like to enroll or have questions.
Past Workshops
Creative Music Ensemble - Winter 2020
7:30-9:00 pm at Wave & Circuit (829 S. Higgins)
Email lakebottomsound@gmail.com to enroll
Fee: $300 for 10 week series + a final performance (scholarships and sliding scale available)
A small ensemble class focusing on the elements of playing music as a cohesive group. Drawing from Jazz and other improvised music traditions, we will develop musicianship skills like rhythm/groove, improvisation, listening, interacting, expressing, soloing, accompanying, dynamics, theory, and phrasing. Throughout the series, we will workshop several pieces, which students will then perform in a session-end performance.
Students must have basic proficiency on their instrument/voice including being able to keep time, have some knowledge of all 12 major keys, and be willing to improvise and listen.
Email lakebottomsound@gmail.com to make sure you are a good fit for this ensemble. We ask that students commit to the whole series and come on time.
Fee: $300 for 10 weeks of ensemble classes ending in a performance (scholarships and sliding scale available)
Registration for this ensemble requires payment in full by the first meeting of the session (unless special arrangements have been made). Payments can be made by cash, VenMo (@NaomiMoon) or check (made out to Naomi Siegel). Tuition not received in full by the first meeting of a session will incur additional $10 charge per week. Refunds cannot be given once classes/ensembles have begun.
Creative Music Ensemble - Spring Session
7:30-9pm @ Wave & Circuit (829 S. Higgins - map)
Email lakebottomsound@gmail.com to enroll
Fee: $300 for 8 weeks of ensemble classes ending in a performance (scholarships and sliding scale available)
* An 8 week series culminating in a
performance at Wave & Circuit
A small ensemble class focused on the elements of playing music as a cohesive group. Drawing from jazz and other improvised music traditions, we will focus on developing musicianship skills like rhythm/groove, improvisation, listening, interacting, expressing, soloing, accompanying, dynamics, theory, and phrasing. Throughout the series, we will workshop several pieces, which students will then perform in a session-end performance at Wave & Circuit. This ensemble is taught by Naomi Siegel.
Students must have proficiency on their instrument/voice including being able to keep time, have some knowledge of all 12 major keys, and be willing to improvise and listen. Please email lakebottomsound@gmail.com to make sure you are a good fit for this ensemble. Students must commit to the whole series and come on time.
Registration for this ensemble requires payment in full by the first meeting of the session (unless special arrangements have been made). Payments can be made by cash, VenMo (@NaomiMoon) or check (made out to Naomi Siegel). Tuition not received in full by the first meeting of a session will incur additional $10 charges per week. Refunds cannot be given once classes/ensembles have begun.
Creative Music Ensemble - Spring Session
7:30-9pm @ Wave & Circuit (829 S. Higgins - map)
Email lakebottomsound@gmail.com to enroll
Fee: $300 for 8 weeks of ensemble classes ending in a performance (scholarships and sliding scale available)
* An 8 week series culminating in a
performance at Wave & Circuit
A small ensemble class focused on the elements of playing music as a cohesive group. Drawing from jazz and other improvised music traditions, we will focus on developing musicianship skills like rhythm/groove, improvisation, listening, interacting, expressing, soloing, accompanying, dynamics, theory, and phrasing. Throughout the series, we will workshop several pieces, which students will then perform in a session-end performance at Wave & Circuit. This ensemble is taught by Naomi Siegel.
Students must have proficiency on their instrument/voice including being able to keep time, have some knowledge of all 12 major keys, and be willing to improvise and listen. Please email lakebottomsound@gmail.com to make sure you are a good fit for this ensemble. Students must commit to the whole series and come on time.
Registration for this ensemble requires payment in full by the first meeting of the session (unless special arrangements have been made). Payments can be made by cash, VenMo (@NaomiMoon) or check (made out to Naomi Siegel). Tuition not received in full by the first meeting of a session will incur additional $10 charges per week. Refunds cannot be given once classes/ensembles have begun.
Jazz Theory & Improvisation Workshops
Join Naomi Siegel for jazz theory and improvisation workshops. We will focus on subjects like scale degrees, pentatonic scales, spelling chords, major modes, rhythm/feel and diatonic harmony.
Creative Music Ensemble
A small ensemble class focused on the elements of playing music as a cohesive group. Drawing from jazz and other improvised music traditions, we will focus on developing musicianship skills like rhythm/groove, improvisation, listening, interacting, expressing, soloing, accompanying, dynamics, theory, and phrasing. Throughout the series, we will workshop several pieces, which students will then perform in a session-end performance at Wave & Circuit. This ensemble is taught by Naomi Siegel.
Improvisation is for Everyone
Building off the positive energy from last year's Improvisation classes, Lakebottom Sound is excited to offer a new round of Improvisation classes. In this 4 week session, we will continue exploring tools for listening, expressing and improvising. We will also be including a class on the use of electronics! Please join us and spread the word.
Introduction to Sonic Meditations
An opportunity to explore Pauline Oliveros' Sonic Meditations with Jessica Catron and Naomi Siegel. Sonic Meditations is a collection of text pieces that bring in our entire sonic environment as part of the artistic experience. These meditations were created as "an attempt to return the control of sound to the individual alone, or within groups, especially for humanitarian purposes; specifically healing.
"Sonic Meditations are intended for work over a period of time with regular meetings. No special skills or musical experience are necessary. "
Deep Listening is listening in every possible way to everything possible to hear no matter what you are doing. Such intense listening includes the sounds of daily life, of nature, or one's own thoughts as well as musical sounds. Deep Listening represents a heightened state of awareness and connects to all that there is. As a composer I make my music through Deep Listening." (P. Oliveros, Website)
Explorations in Improvised Music
Explore musical improvisation with Naomi Siegel, acclaimed musician, composer, and educator. Develop improvisation skills for any musical context in a nurturing environment. Using creative limitations and techniques to build listening awareness, participants will walk away from this workshop with an increased connection to making music and new ways to practice individually and in ensembles. No prior improvisation experience necessary.
Classes will include:
- Sonic Meditations by Pauline Oliveros
- Improvisation Games
- Improvising with Drones
- Exploring the Feminine Principle in Improvisation
- Improvising in the context of certain genres
- Improvising in small and large groups
- Explore Intuitive Composition
Testimonials
Naomi has a way of harnessing creativity to aid self-expression while spreading healing and equality through music. A leader by example, she skillfully does this in her own art, and inspires students how to as well.
— Dr. Doug Scarborough, Director of Jazz Studies, Whitman College
Naomi is calm, focused, brilliant and *cool*. She puts the most nervous students at ease, adapts her content and presentation to meet every player’s needs, and casts a spell over the whole group.
— Deb Schaaf, Director of Bands and Jazz, Jane Addams Middle School
In her improvisation workshop, she engaged students in guided activities that gave them a great sense of confidence and ease at expressing themselves through music. Naomi provided powerful techniques and clear directions on using them to make great progress toward personal evolution, And while she demanded a lot from the students, she also created a calm atmosphere in which to work and explore, which made the benefits even more effective.
— Jeffrey Chappell, Director of Jazz Studies, Goucher College
Naomi has developed very approachable techniques for getting non-jazz students involved in basic improvising and really opening the students’ eyes & ears to various possibilities of expression. She has thought through a lot of musical issues (developing your own voice) and life issues (where you fit in the world and how you want to be perceived and accepted by others regardless of your gender). I applaud her for all of this!
— Ron Rudkin, Professor of Music, University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Naomi Siegel conducted an exceptional workshop for the jazz students of Garfield High School. The exercises Naomi used were engaging, thoughtful and cultivated a strong feeling of teamwork and very sensitive listening. A refreshing perspective on musicality.
— Jacob Zimmerman, Director of Jazz Ensemble 3, Garfield High School
