Jon Arkin Workshop: The Art of the Jazz Drum Solo

This workshop, open to drummers of all levels, will explore many aspects of drum soloing in a jazz context. For beginners, several basic concepts will be introduced, such as the drummer’s role & responsibility during a solo, understanding song forms, trading, and solo vocabulary. Intermediate & advanced topics will focus on melodic approaches, thematic development, dynamics & time feel, and the ultimate goal of transcending technique to be able to express one’s musical voice without distraction. Listening examples will be provided, featuring the soloing approaches of some of the most historically influential jazz drummers.