On any given day, music pours out of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts as students at the Lamont School of Music practice under the watchful eyes, and ears, of their professors.
Since last fall, Lamont has offered students the opportunity to play for visiting musicians through the school’s guest artist master class and workshop series. Accomplished master musicians visit Lamont to work directly with students in seminars.
“Great music schools must have exposure to great artists,” says F. Joseph Docksey, director of the Lamont School of Music.
Through the series of master classes, Lamont students are able to work directly with those who have made it in the highly competitive musical world, Docksey says.
“The classes are invaluable because the guest artists present different points of view and reinforce musical ideas that our great faculty offer our students every day,” Docksey continued.
Students perform a prepared piece in public for the guest artist, who then offers the student tips and advice on how to improve their performance. The classes provide an opportunity for DU students to get close to internationally known performers and teachers.
Although most master classes are offered in conjunction with a scheduled public performance at the Newman Center, some musicians travel to Lamont from different parts of the country and abroad, specifically to give master classes at times as part of a short Lamont residency. The music school encourages Denver-area music teachers and students to attend. The public, too, is welcome to observe the free sessions, but only Lamont students may perform.
Sixteen guest artists are scheduled for the 2006–07 academic year, including guitarist Richard Wright from England’s Menuhin School; composer Stephen Goss from England’s University of Surrey; international flute soloist and major recording artist William Bennett; Brazilian jazz pianist Jovino Santos Neto; and Slide Hampton, leader of the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band.
For a schedule of upcoming master classes, visit www.du.edu/lamont/.