Boston Conservatory has invited audiovisual artist Dan Hermes to provide a Classigroov workshop series to their harp department. Classigroov is a methodology Mr. Hermes developed to teach classical musicians how to improvise in contemporary styles including pop, rock, techno, and hip-hop. Dan expains, "I'm excited to be working with Cynthia Price-Glynn, the harp department head at BoCo, and her students. I believe dance is at the heart of music, and contemporary popular music is at the heart of living dance. Since my early composition schooling, I have envisioned an integration of contemporary dance styles and improvisation through classical music. I have endeavored to do this through my own group, the Hermes Orchestra, and am privileged again to see this happen through the talented, dedicated musicians at Boston Conservatory."
Classigroov is a bridge for classical musicians to cross over into contemporary
popular dance music. Study of Classigroov allows a classical performer to improvise
in modern groove-based styles, with a focus on classical phrasing, technique,
and virtuosity. Based upon Jamey Aebersold's jazz improvisation series and Johann
Joseph Fux's counterpoint manual, this 55 page workbook provides written instruction
and over 100 graduated exercises and an accompanying CD. "With Classigroov,
Dan Hermes provides classical musicians with a direct way to start improvising.
Following his guidelines, they can acquire the necessary skills to make music
in a new way and expand the breadth of their musical awareness." says Marc
Rossi, Composer/Pianist and Professor, Berklee College of Music.
Classigroov workbooks with accompanying CD can be purchased online. Mr. Hermes also offers private lessons in the method.