GROUP Introduction to Django Reinhardt (Gypsy Jazz) Guitar with Kevin Rush
Level: Intermediate +
Starting: August 12
Duration: 8 weeks
Date/Time: Mondays, 8:00–8:50 pm
Location: Friendly Community Room
Instructor: Kevin Rush
This is a group ensemble class, for intermediate level, (and above), guitar players to learn, explore and develop their understanding of the French Gypsy Jazz Guitarist, Django Reinhardt.
Students should
- have a basic understanding and ability to play guitar chords preferably in multiple positions on the neck.
- be able to play guitar with a flat pick.
- possess and play an acoustic guitar, flat top, or archtop both OK.
- have heard Django Reinhart and the Quintette du Hot Club de France, and you would like to add playing in that style to your repertoire.
We will explore and develop the technique behind playing Gypsy Jazz in this style. We will also explore and understand the theory behind the compositions, and improvisation.
This class is primarily for the guitar player who has been playing for at least a few years. You may be playing in a band, or attending jam sessions with other musicians, or would like to start.
This session will start with guitar mechanics and technique in this musical style. Next, students will play songs done by Django, playing the chords, melody, and ultimately soloing, based on the student’s skill level.
Kevin Rush Bio: Kevin Rush is a guitarist and native Chicagoan living in the south suburbs. Kevin currently plays with the Gypsy Jazz group The New Deal, and with the original rock group The Stray Toasters. Kevin is featured on The Stray Toasters 4th and 5th records Let Go My Ego and 5 Things as well as on LePercolateur’s debut record Pop Manouche.
Kevin began playing guitar at the age of 13. Influenced originally by rock and roll guitar greats, Beck, Page and Hendrix at an early age, he quickly became aware of other styles: classical with Andres Segovia, blues via the 3 Kings, and ultimately jazz with Django Reinhardt and Les Paul. Kevin played in various bands throughout High School and College and studied Classical Guitar and Music Theory at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
To save 3% processing fee, you can sign up by emailing us at [email protected] and pay cash or check on the first day of class.