Each klezmer mode has some typical chord progressions that usually "work." We'll explore chord changes for the klezmer modes called freygish and misheberakh. How can you hear chord changes coming and make an educated guess about what they will be? Does every tune have just one set of "right" changes or are there alternatives? Who decides? How do we solve disagreements? We'll also survey some klezmer forms and rhythm patterns, see how the chords support the melody, and learn ways to switch between melody and rhythm. People who "usually" play melody will get more comfortable with the underlying structure of the tune, and rhythm players will learn to support and join in melodies. Everybody will get more comfortable playing by ear and feel more ready to jump into a jam session, march around on the dance floor, or tackle new tunes.

This will be primarily an "ear" class. That is, we will be playing by ear, listening to tunes, and trying to catch the chord changes. We will analyze some written music, and you will go home with some written music as well. If you'd like to break free from little dots on a page...if you're not sure how to jump in and out of the tune...if you want to keep up with the changes...this may be the class for you!