Masterclasses
Dr. Davis has taught the following masterclasses for a variety of experience levels and ages:
Undergrad Theory’s NEW GROOVE: Practical, Personal…
Beyond Part-Writing
This presentation is designed to introduce simple creative composition methodology to undergraduate written theory classes. Students are led through an exploration of GarageBand-generated (or Finale, Reason, and Logic) grooves as they accompany a simple improvised exploration of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic ideas. Continued teaching methodology and assignments will be offered to the host institution's instructor. A collection of pre-programmed grooves (for students’ weeks or months of continued exploration) are included with this session. It is recommended that students have regular lab access to the software.
Undergrad Ear Training: Got Rhythm?
This presentation addresses Western applications of the barline-blurring Classical Indian rhythm solfege system. Objectives (in this first class) include 3, 4, and 5 note groupings of 8ths, 16ths, and 8th note triplets, in 4/4 time. The single class concludes with an outline of progressive work designed for an additional semester or two within the framework of a typical undergraduate eartraining course (one that has other objectives beyond rhythm). Though many find the content challenging, smiles abound as we collectively game our way through it all.
Improvisation
Coaching improvisation, at any level, has been a semesterly component of Joshua’s teaching since 1996. Jo Scott, Founder and Director of the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, commented on Joshua’s improvisation coaching, citing him as “a master teacher…calming and inspiring…adapting to all levels with ease…”
Making YOUR Music
This presentation is designed for musicians and 'non-musicians'
(-though these barely exist) who are motivated to build music with
software or typical instruments, or in combination. Presentation format
is a laptop with the desktop image projected on screen, a stereo
hook-up, Garageband (software), a bassist (me), a lecturer (me), and a
composer/programmer (me again). Hip-hop and Pop grooves are dissected
and rebuilt with each component explained and presented in raw form and
in variation. Ojectives include deepening listening appreciation and
inspiring composition initiative. The presentation is 45-60 minutes
long. Middle and high school classrooms and assemblies are the most common venues.
Rhythm Section Grooves
Rhythm sections are coached on stylistic interpretation of swing, rock, funk, pop, samba, bossa, Afro-Cuban, and/or combined contemporary grooves.
Musical Conversations: Rhythm Section How To (hands on)
This clinic coaches development of musical communication among members of the rhythm section.
1) By ear, teach several two bar standard rhythmic phrases
2) Game the phrases back and forth between students
3) Coach a few variations of the original phrases
4) Show expansion of 2 bar phrases to 4 bar phrases via variation
Musical Conversations: Rhythm Interplay How To for all Musicians
This clinic coaches development of musical communication among members of a band. It may be centered around a soloists role in communication, or it may be inclusive of the rhythm section players as well.
Improvisation for Beginners
Utilizing transcribed improvisation techniques of Vardan Ovsepian, Sarah Vaughan, Clark Terry, and Louis Armstrong, Joshua guides participants through simple melodic motifs, methods of acquisition, practice, and development.
Pdf samples are available at joshuadavis.org.
Improvisation for Strings
Joshua instituted the first of such offerings at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival two years ago. The workshop reshapes passages from standard orchestral and solo works, and guides a step by step de/reconstruction that eventually results in numerous improvised parameters.
Odd Meter Performance Skills: Beginning (for all instruments)
1) Common ostinato accompaniment figures for 5/4
2) Popular pieces recomposed to fit 5/4
3) Modern ostinato accompaniment figures for 5/4
Odd Meter Performance Skills: Intermediate (for all instruments)
1) Common ostinato accompaniment figures for 7/4
2) Popular pieces recomposed to fit 7/4
3) Modern ostinato accompaniment figures for 7/4
4) Transitions from 3/4 to 4/4 to 5/4 to 7/4
Odd Meter Performance Skills: Advanced (for all instruments)
1) Common ostinato accompaniment figures for 5/8, 7/8, 11/8, 13/8
2) Popular pieces recomposed to fit 5/8, 7/8, 11/8, 13/8
3) Modern ostinato accompaniment figures for 5/8, 7/8, 11/8, 13/8
Listening to Music (basic points of appreciation)
1) Instrumentation (who’s playing and their palette of available sounds)
2) Working together (how band member’s parts unify and yield a performance)
Orchestral Double Bass Technique for the Jazz Bassist
-see pdf samples under Bass Method at joshuadavis.org
Bass Masterclass
Students play for coaching and critique.
Ensemble Masterclass
Ensembles ranging from small jazz groups to big bands play for coaching and critique.
Online Lessons
Online webcam lessons are available pending the success of
our audio compatibility/clarity. We first test resolution with a quick
webcam session during which you play briefly and we chat. Please send
an email to discuss scheduling that first session.