Welcome to a series of meetings dedicated to Klezmer music!
We will explore the fantastic and rich repertoire of Eastern-European and American Jewish instrumental folk music: its joyful and melancholic melodies, how to interpret and embellish them with traditional ornamentations, discovering the structure of the melodies and their modes, as well as how to accompany the various dance forms with their diverse and characteristic rhythmical patterns.
The course is taught by ear. Participants must have intermediate knowledge of their instruments (no beginners), meaning knowing the names of notes and corresponding positions on their instruments. Music scores are made accessible at the end of the lessons, but we will not be reading from them in class. Participants are expected to learn the melodies by heart to proceed with learning how to embellish and accompany them.
Participants will have access to EDU Soundtrap, an online platform for recording multi-track, to be used as a tool for practising at home and creating their own arrangements, and will be introduced to MuseScore, an open-source and free music notation software, to be used as a tool for analysis of the tunes learned in the class. The course combines in-person and online meetings and will conclude with a concert.
This course is given in collaboration with Svenska Klezmerföreningen.
Course structure
The teaching takes place partly through physical meetings at the school’s premises and partly through digital meetings remotely. It is not possible to only participate in the course remotely.
- 12 meet-ups at the school on Thursday evenings. Some meet-ups online via Zoom.
- 2 meet-ups at the school daytime on Sundays.
- A concluding concert (date and time to be set during the course).
More information will be sent in the admission letter, if you are accepted to the course.
Group division
Participants are divided into groups based on their instrument skills and experience of learning to play by ear without sheet music. Depending on the number of groups and applicants, each group meets for between 1-2 hours.
Participants are expected to learn the melodies by heart, and practice at home, to proceed with learning how to embellish and accompany them.
Prior knowledge
The course is given in English.
The course welcomes new as well as previous participants, who have passed the beginner level on their instrument by a good margin. The course is not suitable for guitar players due to its focus on melodies and ornaments. Participants bring their own instruments.
To apply for this course, basic computer skills and knowledge of using the digital platform Zoom are required. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the course starts.
Course material
Course material is included in the cost for this course.
Participants bring their own instruments.
About the teacher
Valeria Conte is a multi-talented Italian clarinettist who has studied and performed klezmer music since 2006 (www.valeriaclarinetta.com), exploring the music’s connection to Jewish culture and society. She has participated in various seminars and workshops on klezmer music and Yiddish song & culture in and outside Europe. Valeria holds a BA in classical clarinet and an MA in global music. She has performed internationally in various multicultural environments and world music styles. She currently performs with her band, Valeria’s Klezmer Chariot, and is the leader and organiser of the OAKJS – Klezmer Sessions.
Photo: Aaro Keipi.
Frequently Asked Questions
More information about profile courses
Course information
Times
Various days and times
Course start
Thursday 11 September
14 sessions
Teacher
Valeria Conte
Application deadline
Sunday 22 June
Admission
Costs
600 SEK to be paid via invoice or PayPal. Information about payments will be sent in the admission letter.