Testimonials

Thanks again for opening up your home to us. It was such an incredible few days! It was so inspirational (both musical & culinary) I can't even begin to describe how motivating. - Ellynne Plotnick, piano

…A million thank you’s for the workshop this summer-I really felt like I grew a lot while I was there, and it has given me a lot of inspiration, as well as a lot to think about with where I'm at and what I want out of my life. Can you keep me posted on the plans for next year? I'd really like to rope off the weekend it's going to be next summer, as I'd really enjoy getting to participate in it again. It was a great experience for me, and I'm sure a year from now it will mean even more to me as a person and as a musician!!! - Billy Test, piano

Thanks again for a really inspiring and productive workshop. Only regret? It wasn't longer. And thank Rose for me, for her hospitality and great cooking. - Steve Hartman, Tenor Saxophone

I benefited greatly from participating.  There was a positive spirit in the air at all times; it was inspiring.  I have a strong desire to be a better player, to dedicate myself, and that is due to your approach to teaching and ability as musicians. - Doug Lehman, piano

The workshop was very challenging but also very rewarding. You and Marc had some really necessary and useful feedback for me. I really enjoyed meeting all the other participants. The diversity made for a very rich experience. - Dan Sedia, guitar

You and Marc were an inspiration to me. I dropped into your world briefly and came away approaching music with a new calm and flow. You both found a way to connect  to the varied degrees of musical experience and abilities. I'm looking forward to booking time with myself and using the techniques that you and Marc spoke about. Thank you so much for your wisdom and experience and offering up your home and studio. I also want to thank Rose for her fine cooking as well as how she connected to all of us at meals and with her welcoming spirit. .......
I continually strive for the sounds and ideas I hear in your playing. The colors that come out of your choice of chords, voicings, rhythms, accompaniment, dynamics, contrasts of single notes and chord melodies create a flowing bed of sound as if conceived in nature. I think about some of the comments that came from both you and Marc in the workshop. You both not only demonstrated beautifully the ability to compliment and support each other in your duo playing, you spoke about the importance of listening and responding to each other. This is a critical piece for me. - Robert Kelley, piano

Thank you all again for a wonderful workshop and weekend.  I have not had very much time yet to put into practice many of the things we discussed during the workshop due to work obligations and a planned vacation from which I just returned.  I have, however, had time to reflect on the weekend (vacations are great for reflection) and what I have done to date.  In retrospect, I think it will be the intangible things that I took away from the workshop that will prove to be (and have already proven to be) of great value to me -- even more so, I believe, than the many excellent specific practical suggestions that were provided. 
I can tend to be overly critical of myself and my playing to the point where I lose sight of the beauty and enjoyment of the music itself.  I find that, since the workshop, I am more cognizant of this and generally am more capable of enjoying practicing and playing (although the critic is not far away :-)).  As a result, I find myself taking a few more risks in my playing (which is not always an easy thing for me).  I'm not certain exactly what caused the increased awareness, but I attribute it in part to the positive workshop environment and the joy that was apparent in each of your own playing. 
I also am trying to be more creative, yet focused in my practicing.   I am making a concerted effort to spend time on fewer areas, but in a greater amount of depth.  As a result of one of Marc's comments, I am spending time revisiting tunes that I had worked on before, but had not learned well .. before going on to learn new tunes.
As far as the workshop itself, I think you did a great job of striking a balance between a challenging learning environment and a fun time overall. The small group provided an intimacy and ultimately, I believe, led to a trust among the participants, that removed some of the initial fear and uncertainty and provided an environment that was conducive to experimentation and creativity.   Working on Cathlene's original tune for the concert rather than focusing solely on standards was a good experience for me and forced me to step outside my "comfort zone."  
Rose, I know you've heard this over and over, but it is worth repeating: your food was superb.   Thank you (and Armen) also for opening your beautiful home to us for the purposes of the workshop. - Larry Eckert, alto saxophone