Klezmer – Jewish Instrumental Music

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), aka know 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.

In addition, the participants will have access to EDU Soundtrap, an online platform for recording multi-track, to be used as a tool for practicing 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 English, in collaboration with Svenska Klezmerföreningen.

Course structure

The course combines in-person meetings at the school and digital meetings online. You cannot partake in the course solely online.

• 4 meet-ups at the school on Thursday evenings (6/2, 13/2, 20/2, 27/2).
• 3 meet-ups at the school daytime on Sundays.
• 6 meet-ups online via Zoom on evenings (weekday and time to be set during the course).
• 1 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

The participants will be divided into groups depending on the level of knowledge of their instruments and experience in learning by ear. Following on how many groups and participants, each group will meet for 1-2 hours. 

Prior knowledge

Open to instrumentalists with at least an intermediate level of experience on their instruments (no beginners). Due to its focus on melodies and ornamentations, the course is not suitable for guitar players. Participants are asked to bring their own instruments.

To apply, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.

Course material

Course material is included in the cost for this course. Participants bring their own instruments.

About the teacher

Valeria Conte (valeriaclarinetta.com) is a multi-talented Italian clarinetist who has been studying and performing Klezmer music since 2006, investigating its connection to Jewish culture and civilization. She has attended various seminars and workshops about Klezmer music and Yiddish singing & culture in Europe and beyond. BA in classical clarinet and MA in global music, Valeria has been performing internationally within multicultural settings and other various World music styles. She currently performs in Stockholm with her band Valeria’s Klezmer Chariot and is the leader and organizer of the Open-Air Klezmer Jam Sessions – OAKJS.

Photo: Aaro Keipi.