Program Director

Ralph Alessi, Director, School for Improvisational Music  646 644 4956

e-mail: ralessi@schoolforimprov.org

Program Overview

The School for Improvisational Music (SIM) is the instructional component of the Center for Improvisational Music (CIM) for aspiring students of jazz and creative music. Since 2001, SIM has held 20 intensive workshop sessions for 800 students from around the globe. The session includes 2 master classes per day, ensemble coaching, a performance and 2 private lessons per week.

 The SIM faculty consists of a cross-section of the most creative improvisers from the jazz and contemporary music fields.

SIM workshops are open to individuals aged 18 and older but exceptions will be made on occasion. (housing option is NOT available to participants under the age of 18)

Content: The SIM experience encompasses ample playing opportunities and discussion of improvisational concepts. SIM is less about teaching through the lens of style and more about the overarching concepts of improvisation, touching on multiple disciplines. That said, students are offered two private lessons per week with our faculty, allowing personal instruction on any musical topic.

Courses and Faculty

Recent SIM Themes and Courses have included:

• Traditions and Techniques of Improvisation • Compositional Strategies • Directions in Rhythm • Jazz as Collaborative Practice • Alternative Approaches to Music Theory • Hip Hop, Electronic, & Ambient Music Techniques • Preparing Improvised Music for Performance • Playing Your Music: Real-World Concerns • Business Skills and Record Companies • Making Your Own Recordings • Alexander Technique/Pilates - balancing body & music

Projected faculty for the 2012 summer intensive:

Ralph Alessi (trumpet/director) Andy Milne (piano, assistant director)  Tim Berne (saxophone) Jim Black (drums)  Samir Chatterjee (tablas) Fred Hersch (piano)  Gerald Cleaver (drums) Steve Coleman (saxophone) Ravi Coltrane (saxophone) Tom Rainey(drums)   DK Dyson (voice)  Art Lande (piano) Don Byron (clarinet) J. Granelli (bass) Drew Gress (bass)  Mark Helias (bass)John Hollenbeck (drums) Brad Shepik (guitar) Kris Davis (piano)   Matt Mitchell (piano) Matt Maneri (viola) Angelica Sanchez (piano) Michael Formanek (bass) Vijay Iyer (piano)  Tony Malaby (saxophone)   DJ Olive (turntables)  Josh Roseman (trombone)   Tyshawn Sorey (drums) Katherine Keyes(alexander technique) 

Housing and Meals

Students have the option of staying in shared rooms with one or two roommates in the NYU residence hall at the Third Avenue North Building at 11th Street. The residence hall is directly above the facility where the workshop will take place and a short walk from other campus buildings. The housing option includes a meal plan of 10 meals per week and a card with $25 declining dollars. Participants can eat meals in campus dining halls, Monday-Friday. The housing/meal option is only available to participants 18 years and older.

Linens are provided; students should bring and their own towels. The residence hall building has air conditioning and Internet access with an Ethernet cable. More specific housing information here.

NYU Public Safety Services officers are on duty 24 hours a day. Because our standards for achievement are high, we accept highly motivated students who will enjoy the classes as well as the cultural activities. It is, therefore, important to know that failure to comply with regulations will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. Parents and/or guardians will be contacted as soon as any unsatisfactory behavior is recognized.

Cost

The program fee is $825 per week (1-2 week options). Housing and meal plans are not included in the program fee.

The students will receive 2 private lessons per week which are included in the tuition fee.

Application Fee and Materials

The program is intended for participants 18 years and older. Applicants under 18 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To apply to the NYU/SIM Intensive:

1. Fill out the online application_ including $50 non-refundable application fee, payable at the end of the online application or via a paper payment form with a check payable to New York University.

2. Submit 2 mp3 recordings that best display your talents as a musician, improviser, and/or composer. (SIM no longer accepts physical CD's, DVD's, tapes, etc).

** Please include your name and "NYU SIM Intensive" in the subject line of all email correspondences with SIM.

****Applicants will be notified about their acceptance status after the application deadline date. (approximately 1 week) Exceptions may be made for individuals requiring an answer sooner. Please contact us about this. ****

Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IMPROVISERS:

SIM proudly announces that it is now offering a $600 scholarship for a deserving women improviser. Submit a short essay in your online application to apply for this scholarship. This scholarship is available for the SIM-NYU Summer Intensive only.

COLIN BIEDERMANN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:

 This scholarship has been created in tribute to Colin Biedermann, a talented, innovative young musician, who believed there were no boundaries in musical expression. He passed away in August 2005 at the age of 19. His spirit, passion and uncompromising commitment to the creation of music in all its forms and his respect for those who move it forward are the driving force behind this scholarship program. This scholarship is available for the SIM-NYU summer intensive only.

 Submit a short essay in your online application to apply for this scholarship.

Criteria for Scholarships



1. Financial Need:
 The applicant expresses a strong desire to participate in the SIM workshop but is unable to meet all of the financial obligations independently. The scholarship would enable the applicant to fulfill their goal of attending the SIM workshop.



2. Leadership/Commitment:
 The applicant will agree to participate fully for the duration of the workshop session. The applicant will also agree to assume a leadership role in promoting a collaborative spirit and atmosphere among the musicians involved in the workshop program. (This was something of great importance to Colin musically and personally - putting aside "I" in favor of "us").

To apply for a scholarship Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship should write an essay explaining in detail why they should be deserving of financial aid. The essay should be sent along with all other application materials (or after an application is completed). Please note which scholarship you would like to be considered for.