A lot of cellists want to play jazz, but aren't sure where to start because it's such an overwhelming subject.

There are just SO MANY options when it comes to improvising that it keeps you from even taking the first step.

Enter Chris Tate, the jazz cellist you've been waiting for!

Whether you are an experienced improvisor already, or just getting started you will get great ideas and direction from his class!

Get Berklee-level insights

Chris is going to show us the step-by-step process needed to build a fun and effective approach to exploring the language of jazz....using insights that come directly from the best practices he is currently using while studying at the Berklee School of Music

This class will guide you crafting a personal practice whether you are new to jazz improv or an experienced player.

Uplevel your jazz cello chops with tips and best practices for:

• Approaching and exploring music like a language

So you can play by ear with more ease

• Building an effective practice routine for jazz cello study
  

Chris wants to teach you to fish, not just give you fish (although you will get fish too!)

• Soloing over changes

Discover how to approach tunes with fresh ideas

• Having an improvisors mindset

So you can get out of your own way, be effective in the practice room, and free in performance

• Distilling what concepts are most important to know

Whether you want to walk bass lines, 'comp' or play backup, or expand your rhythmic and harmonic vocabulary, Chris will give you insights into where to start and what is most important!

Chris will walk you through the steps needed to build an effective improv practice RIGHT AWAY!

All you need is your cello and an open mind!

About Chris Tate

Christopher Tate is an acclaimed cellist, composer, and music producer from the greater Washington, DC area. Building from a rigorous classical music foundation, Christopher’s virtuosity spans a wide range of music genres, from bebop to bluegrass. He currently studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts with concentrations in jazz performance and electronic music production and design. His favorite musicians include Janos Starker, Jean-Luc Ponty, David Grisman, Miles Davis, and Charlie Parker.

About Your Host

Daniel Plane has helped to pioneer groove techniques on the cello, and is a seasoned improviser in a number of styles. Classically trained at Interlochen Arts Academy and The Longy School of Music, he also attended the Berklee School of music where exposure to Bluegrass, Klezmer, and Jazz fanned his passion for trad/roots music. For the last 15 years his principal focus has been the study and performance of Blues, Jazz, Folk, and American and Irish fiddling on the cello & violin. His abilities as a multi-instrumentalist have created fertile ground for developing harmonic approaches to the cello that are shared by only a handful of people in the world.

What to expect in class

• Tools for building a solid jazz cello practice
• Approaches to improvisation and performance
• Clarifying which skills to build and how to build them on your own
• Tips for a better understanding of music theory

Approaching jazz like a language improves:

• Your ability to play by ear so you can have freedom in your expression

• Your rhythm and understanding of grooves so you can play non-classical styles with ease

• Listening skills that make you a better musician

• Build understanding of music theory so you can improve the craft

• Improvisation and willingness to try new things

• Creativity and musical flow so you can write and compose