Masterclass Workshop with Amina Figarova & Bart Platteau

Hailing from Azerbaijan, New York-based pianist Amina Figarova is an internationally influenced - and recognized - composer, pianist and bandleader. Considered to be “among the most important composers to come into jazz in the new millennium.”

– JazzTimes Magazine

Two masterclasses in one - come for one or come for both!

Doors open at 1:00 pm - Come enjoy a drink or snack before the masterclass begins.

1:15 - 2:45 pm: Jazz Composition Masterclass with Amina Figarova

I invite students to join me on a very personal journey through my creative process—from the first spark of inspiration to the moment an idea takes shape as a complete musical work. I’ll share how intuition and imagination guide my writing, and how emotions, stories and experiences can be translated into melody, rhythm and harmony.

We’ll talk about traditional and unconventional approaches to form, time signatures and harmony. Together, we’ll explore how inspiration can come from anywhere: from a rhythm heard on the street, a memory, a sound in nature or a cultural connection that carries deep meaning.

I’ll also discuss my approach to instrumentation and orchestration, showing how I shape music for small and large ensembles, and how texture, color and interplay between instruments can bring a composition to life. We’ll listen, analyze and experiment—because composition is as much about discovery as it is about design.

My hope is that everyone leaves the class feeling inspired to create fearlessly—to trust their instincts, embrace curiosity and express their truth through music.

Check out Amina's website here: https://www.aminafigarova.com/

3:00 - 4:00 pm: Jazz Improvisation Workshop with Bart Platteau

Depending on the level and background of participants, we may take a journey through improvisation for classically trained players, or perhaps delve deeper into jazz improvisation for more advanced jazz players, working on sound, articulation and language development. This masterclass will give you practical skills to develop at home.

**Participants are asked to bring their instruments.

Check out Bart's website here: https://www.bartplatteau.com/

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