¡ATENCIÓN!
El contenido que sigue está presentado únicamente en inglés debido a que el programa Tango for Musicians Online 2021 está orientado a músicos y músicas de regiones no hispanoparlantes. Si querés recibir más información sobre próximas ediciones del programa en español, seguinos en Instagram.
NEW ONLINE CURRICULUM!
In order to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2021 edition will be online. Tango for Musicians at Reed College offers an intensive hands-on training covering all aspects of tango music, including:
- Instrumental technique classes
- Two large ‘orquestas típicas’
- Specialized masterclasses
- Concerts and jam sessions
You may also view the schedule here. Note that all activities hightlighted with any colours are available for any of the tracks. Special guest and Masterclases 1 to 16 contents will be anounced soon.
CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
For our 2021 online edition, three different tracks will be offered, focusing on specific aspects of tango music:
- Musicians Track
- Arrangers Track
- Composers Track
COMMON LESSONS
Registration for all tracks includes:
- Join all afternoon masterclasses, ask questions and access supporting material as downloadable PDFs.
- Join one of the two ‘orquestas típicas’.
- Join online jam tango sessions, playing live!
- Join the welcome talk activity and public concert.
MUSICIANS TRACK
On top of the COMMON LESSONS described above, the MUSICIANS TRACK includes:
- Five instrumental technique classes with two opportunities during the program schedule in which you’ll share work you’ve prerecorded at home. The instructor will provide you with a personal evaluation, sharing suggestions for you to improve.
- Access to the instrumental teaching material related to each class in PDF form.
- Access for one month to all online class content in order to learn more deeply.
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS TRACK
In the Instrumental Technique Classes, all the pedagogical materials will be related to each individual class and will be available to download in PDF form at the end of the class. For our 2021 edition, materials will not be sent in advance.
Topics to be covered in instrumental technique classes include:
- Playing and creating rhythmic and expressive tango melodies
- Construction and use of different tango time marking models
- Typical resources for playing tango “a la parrilla” (with improvised arrangements)
- Ornamentation
- Extended techniques and tango’s famous percussive effect
ARRANGERS TRACK
On top of the COMMON LESSONS described above, the ARRANGERS TRACK includes:
- Five arrangers-only classes with two opportunities during the program schedule in which you’ll share a score prepared at home requested by the teacher, who will send personal feedback about it.
- Access to the arranging teaching material related to each class in PDF form.
- Access for one month to all online class content in order to learn more deeply.
- Beginners will create a group arrangement that will be played by the artistic faculty at the closing concert!
ABOUT THE ARRANGERS TRACK
The Arrangers Track is aimed at beginning, intermediate, and advanced arrangers who would like to experiment within the tango genre. All levels are welcome in this online edition.
Students will be grouped considering the level of experience. Musicians who would like to arrange for the first time are welcome.
The artistic faculty will propose different assignments to be written during the week.
COMPOSERS TRACK
On top of the COMMON LESSONS described above, the COMPOSERS TRACK includes:
- Five composers-only classes.
- Access to the composition teaching material related to each class in PDF form.
- Each composer can send one composition of their own to be reviewed by the instructor.
- The instructor will provide you with 2 personal feedback (once a week), sharing suggestions for you.
- Access for one month to all online class content in order to learn more deeply.
ABOUT THE COMPOSERS TRACK
The Composers Track is aimed at intermediate and advanced composers who would like to experiment within the tango genre with a focus on their own work. Basic knowledge of the use of marking models, melodic treatment, and counterpoint orchestration is necessary. This track is recommended for those who have previously attended Tango for Musicians more than once.
Please note that in order to join this track you need to fill out the following application form in advance:
The Composers Track will provide its participants access to five classes for composers only, focused on the most important tools for composing tango music.
Each composer will receive two evaluations from the instructor on one composition of their own. This feedback will happen once a week and will include some requested homework on the composer’s piece.
AUDITORS TRACK
The Auditor Track includes access to:
- As an auditor, you will choose one instrument or an arranging or composition class to observe for the week. You can also access all afternoon masterclasses and download related PDF supporting material.
- Join online jam sessions as a listener.
- Join «specialist talks» in which masters in the subject will discuss and share their visions.
- Join the welcome talk activity and the closing concert.
COMMON LESSONS
Afternoon Masterclasses
All times are expressed in Pacific Standard Time.
MASTERCLASS I – MONDAY 3/1
MELODIC TREATMENT IN TANGO
by Ramiro Gallo
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Practical lesson on playing tango melodies! Basic rules for rhythmic and expressive melodies: how to use phrasing, long and short accents, and rhythmic modifications.
MASTERCLASS II – TUESDAY 3/2
FUNDAMENTAL DEVICES FOR PLAYING ‘A LA PARRILLA’
by Sebastián Henríquez
10:30 – 11:45 am
How to lose the fear of making mistakes while playing. Spontaneously creating rhythmic phrases. Understanding the different roles: melody, accompaniment, counterpoint, silence. Play, practice, make mistakes, and play again!
MASTERCLASS III – TUESDAY 3/2
MARKING MODELS
by Adrián Enriquez
3:15 – 4:30 pm
How to play combining the different types of marking models: marcatos, syncopations, polyrthyms and more. All instruments are welcome. Recommended for those who would like to play ‘a la parrilla’ and for those who would like to go over all the models.
MASTERCLASS IV – THURSDAY 3/4
ÁNGEL VILLOLDO, RECORDING ARTIST
by Morgan Luker
10:30 – 11:45 am
Explore the early history of tango through rare and unusual sound recordings.
MASTERCLASS V – THURSDAY 3/4
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF AUDIO EDITING
by Sebastián Henríquez
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Learn how to edit and manage your audio files using some of the most widely used programs.
MASTERCLASS VI – FRIDAY 3/5
HOW TO SNITCH FROM RECORDS
by Julián Peralta
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Explore different tango devices by listening to tangos and learn how to recognize and apply their formal, orchestral and technical aspects on new arrangements and compositions.
MASTERCLASS VII – SATURDAY 3/6
SINGING AND PLAYING ‘A LA PARRILLA’
by Guillermo Ferández & Noelia Moncada + Sebastián Henríquez
10:30 -11:45 am
Singing tango tunes ‘a la parrilla’. Techniques and devices for melodic instruments playing in background roles. Introductions and interludes. Play, practice, make mistakes, and play again!
MASTERCLASS VIII – MONDAY 3/8
MUSIC WRITING USING SIBELIUS
by Exequiel Mantega
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Learn the secrets to using one of the most famous programs for musical notation.
MASTERCLASS IX – TUESDAY 3/9
TEACHING TANGO MUSIC
by Paulina Fain
10:30 – 11:45 am
Learn about the fundamental steps for teaching tango music and how to make the most of the «Método de Tango» book series and the Free Downloadable Tango Sin Fin Editions.
MASTERCLASS X – TUESDAY 3/9
TANGO STYLES: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ‘ORQUESTA TÍPICA’
by Ignacio Varchausky
3:15 – 4:30 pm
What makes it tic? Which musical and stylistic elements are simultaneously present in the different layers of tango music? What constitues a style? Join us for this class and we can guarantee you’ll leave with a new set of ears!
MASTERCLASS XI – WEDNESDAY 3/10
TANGO STYLES: ANÍBAL TROILO
by Ignacio Varchausky
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Come discover the subtle but continuous changes of one of the most beloved tango orchestras Tuttis, solos, the expression: the logic behind the genius. “Pichuco te espera” (Pichuco is waiting for you).
MASTERCLASS XII – THURSDAY 3/11
CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN TANGO MUSIC
by Morgan Luker
10:30 – 11:45 am
Learn about significant figures and styles shaping tango today.
MASTERCLASS XIII – THURSDAY 3/11
TANGO STYLES: TANGO ON VYNIL
by Ignacio Varchausky
3:15 – 4:30 pm
A listening session featuring forgotten gems and tango treasures you won’t find anywhere else After collecting tango records for over 30 years, Ignacio will open his secret vault and share tons of amazing music with us.
MASTERCLASS XIV – FRIDAY 3/12
ARGENTINE FOLK MUSIC
by Pedro Rossi
10:30 – 11:45 am
Fundamental concepts regarding structure, rhythm,
and repertoire for playing different Argentine folk genres.
MASTERCLASS XV – FRIDAY 3/12
BODY AWARENESS FOR BALANCED AND HEALTHY PERFORMANCE
by Mariana Atamas
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Interactive guide on sensorial perception awareness, Alexander Technique, muscle health, wellbeing and relaxation.
MASTERCLASS XVI – SATURDAY 3/13
PROMOTING YOUR MUSIC ONLINE
by Sebastián Henríquez & Ignacio Castillo
10:30 – 11:45 am
Design, communicate and promote your music and work online.
Ensemble Classes
Student ensembles will be organized into two ‘Orquestas Típicas’ (tango big bands).
With an instructor as your guide, you will receive parts to prepare and record at home, playing on top of a whole orchestra. You will join five classes to work on the ensemble, listening to your recording edited together with the rest of the musicians in order to learn more about the techniques for playing tango with others. The instructor will send you two personal evaluations so you can improve and learn not only how to play with others but also how to record on top of a backing track.
At the closing concert, the combined recordings will be showcased as a virtual Tango For Musicians Orquesta Típica!
Public Concert
Tango for Musicians at Reed College will also feature a prerecorded, live streamed public concert performance featuring the artistic faculty and the Orquestas Típicas on Wednesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. PST. The concert is free to view for all audiences.
Welcome talk
On Sunday, February 29 at 6 p.m. PST the artistic faculty will welcome you to the program, inviting everyone to be part of the group and play a fun online trivia game together. Do not miss it!
