Bill Shontz, whom you may recall as one of the famous RosenShontz duo, has spent many years delighting children and adults alike with his animated and talented performances. Since the duo parted, he has not skipped a beat and he continues to teach and perform throughout the United States, but it is his commitment to making fun an integral part of musical improvisation that is the basis of his workshops and first book. “The Bill Shontz Guide to Musical Improvisation, Level I and II ”. They are designed for professional musicians, teachers, adults, college students, high school and even junior high school students who wish to learn the art of improvisation. He says “The first thing that is required is that you get that instrument out and start using it”.
In his workshop, Shontz illustrates just how easy it can be to let go of any inhibitions. The lesson plans are designed as a series of “games” and are accompanied by a corresponding CD. Each lesson builds upon the foundation of the previous lesson and the games become more focused as the comfort and confidence levels grow. This laid back approach is a welcome change from some of the more traditional approaches of teaching improvisation and enables to reader to start off knowing that there is no wrong answer. “Everything they do is right”. As Bill says; “The best way I have found to rediscover your musical soul is to free yourself from the written page.” That is just how he guides participants to approach the art of improvisation.
The workshop is designed for groups of musicians of any melodic instrument (Woodwind, String, Brass or Keyboard Percussion) as well as vocalists. It is conducted in conjunction with his book.
Shontz continues to guide musicians in their journey to grow and stretch and ultimately, enjoy sharing music and song with fellow musicians. Once started, he believes this path will lead to a “lifetime of fun and musical adventure for all of his students.”
Bill Shontz, has taught at The University of Illinois, The Ohio State University, Muskingum College and Bluffton College, is trained in classical clarinet and received a Master's Degree in flute, clarinet, saxophone and recorder from The Ohio State University. He is also on the roster of Vermont Council on the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts and Meet the Composer, and is currently on the faculty of the Brattleboro Music Center.
He can be found performing and teaching all over the country. This weekend he can be found be presenting an improvisational seminar to over two hundred students at the Vermont A Capella Summit in Burlington Vermont on Sunday March 7th, at UVM. In April, he will be completing a month long residency at Leland & Gray High School. There, he will be directing the concert band and teaching lessons. Bill’s style is friendly and easygoing and because he wants music to be fun, he makes sure that playing is at the heart of each lesson.
By Samantha Bovat
In his workshop, Shontz illustrates just how easy it can be to let go of any inhibitions. The lesson plans are designed as a series of “games” and are accompanied by a corresponding CD. Each lesson builds upon the foundation of the previous lesson and the games become more focused as the comfort and confidence levels grow. This laid back approach is a welcome change from some of the more traditional approaches of teaching improvisation and enables to reader to start off knowing that there is no wrong answer. “Everything they do is right”. As Bill says; “The best way I have found to rediscover your musical soul is to free yourself from the written page.” That is just how he guides participants to approach the art of improvisation.
The workshop is designed for groups of musicians of any melodic instrument (Woodwind, String, Brass or Keyboard Percussion) as well as vocalists. It is conducted in conjunction with his book.
Shontz continues to guide musicians in their journey to grow and stretch and ultimately, enjoy sharing music and song with fellow musicians. Once started, he believes this path will lead to a “lifetime of fun and musical adventure for all of his students.”
Bill Shontz, has taught at The University of Illinois, The Ohio State University, Muskingum College and Bluffton College, is trained in classical clarinet and received a Master's Degree in flute, clarinet, saxophone and recorder from The Ohio State University. He is also on the roster of Vermont Council on the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts and Meet the Composer, and is currently on the faculty of the Brattleboro Music Center.
He can be found performing and teaching all over the country. This weekend he can be found be presenting an improvisational seminar to over two hundred students at the Vermont A Capella Summit in Burlington Vermont on Sunday March 7th, at UVM. In April, he will be completing a month long residency at Leland & Gray High School. There, he will be directing the concert band and teaching lessons. Bill’s style is friendly and easygoing and because he wants music to be fun, he makes sure that playing is at the heart of each lesson.
By Samantha Bovat
Guide to Musical Improvisation Workshop