String Summer Workshop

Every year in July, IMEP – Paris College of Music organises a course for all string instruments: guitar, bass, double bass, violin, cello, oud.

Dates and times:Monday July 1 to Friday July 5, 2024. From 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Intended audience: the course is aimed at musicians from 15 years of age, with at least 4 years of instrumental practice. The number of places is limited to a maximum of 20 trainees. The course will take place with a minimum of 6 trainees.

Programme: the content of the course is adapted to each group according to the level and needs of the trainees.

• Study of styles: knowing different ways of accompanying a soloist, in different styles (jazz, blues, funk, rock…), knowing how to present a theme, finding the right intention.
• Improvisation: basic techniques: scales, modes, arpeggios, level 1 phrases, walking bass, rhythmic patterns… More advanced techniques: triads, superstructures, bebop phrases…
• Arrangement: how to arrange a piece, how to present your project to a rhythm section clearly and concisely, how to build an introduction or coda that works.
• Conclusion of the course: on the last day, the trainees perform a “live” performance which is recorded using the semi-professional technical equipment of IMEP – Paris College of Music. Each participant receives a mixed version of this performance a few days after the end of the course.

Teachers: the workshop is led by Damien Ropars and Dominique Assié, teachers at IMEP – Paris College of Music for over 10 years, and co-directors of the school’s Open Program.

Organisation: trainees are grouped according to their level. The mornings are devoted to theoretical points and to the development of methodological issues in order to progress. In the afternoons, trainees are divided into smaller groups to collectively prepare practical exercises.

The school’s equipment (amplifiers, microphones, pianos…) is at the disposal of the trainees who only need to bring their instrument in working order and some notes. Teaching materials are provided.

The course is conducted in French, but the teachers are able to assist foreign students who speak English.

Price: 450 euros (25h course, equipment and recording).

Information and registration: To register, please download the document and send it back to us at mail info@imep.pro.