Speak the Music: Conversational Approaches to Jazz Improvisation With Solomon Alber

This workshop offers a framework for crafting cohesive musical ideas by drawing parallels between spoken language and melodic improvisation. Students will examine how conversational elements—such as intros, subjects, and trailers—can inform phrase construction in jazz.

With an emphasis on bebop vocabulary, participants will:

Practice creating individual phrase components

Learn to distinguish between musical “subjects,” “intros,” and “trailers”

Experiment with embellishments to connect ideas fluidly and musically

About the Instructor
Solomon Alber is a multi-instrumentalist and educator based in the East Bay. Raised in the region’s vibrant music scene, he began performing early, touring with the Jazzschool Studio Band under Dave Eshelman. He went on to study at Berklee College of Music with Ralph Peterson Jr., Tina Fuller, and Tiger Okoshi, and later earned his Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. A skilled saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist, Solomon is active in the Bay Area’s jazz, funk, Balkan, and klezmer scenes. He also teaches widely, working with students from elementary school through adulthood, and brings a deep passion for both musical excellence and education.

You may also like the following events from California Jazz Conservatory:

• Next Wednesday, 2nd July, 07:00 pm, Jazz Jams at Jupiter | Presented by the Jazzschool in Berkeley
• Next month, 12th July, 02:00 pm, How to Keep on Singing – Care and Conservation of the Maturing Voice With Sandy Cressman in Berkeley
• Next month, 13th July, 11:00 am, Brazilian Music Workshop with Julio Lemos & Brian Moran in Berkeley

Also check out other Entertainment events in Berkeley, Music events in Berkeley.