About Us

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AB Workshops

AB Workshops provide quality music workshops, bringing well known highly experienced musicians and educators for fun filled courses throughout the year. Although our focus is on quality we also try and keep the price as affordable as possible to encourage budding musicians to join in and improve their playing and overall musicianship. AB Workshops courses are exceptional value for money, and include workshops on Jazz, Classical and Pop repertoire.

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, advanced player or teacher, AB Workshops can offer something for you.

Excellent venues and facilities, with the aim of providing a seemless experience.

You can book our courses here, or get in touch if you have any questions.

 

Upcoming Workshops

Big Band Workshop with Mike Hall
20th / 21st August 2022 – Big Band Workshop with Mike Hall. Mike is a saxophonist and educator, and has many years experience being involved with big bands and jazz ensembles at the highest level. Currently playing with Pete Long's Echoes of Ellington, and leader of the prestigious RNCM Big Band for 20 years. A wonderful weekend of big band playing, jazz and the opportunity to learn about improvisation.
POP Big Band with Dan Mar-Molinero
19th / 20th November 2022 – POP Big Band with Dan Mar-Molinero. Dan is a saxophonist, composer and educator and has been recognised nationally for his work in jazz and commercial music both as an educator and practitioner. Alongside composing and performing, he is head of Jazz & Popular Music at the University of Southampton, a tutor for the NYJC and runs the pioneering youth jazz organisation, SYJO.
Andy Scott Manchester Saxophone Weekend
18th / 19th February 2023 – AB Workshops hosts a two day saxophone weekend with Andy Scott at the beautiful Hallé at St Michaels, Manchester, that is aimed equally at classical and jazz saxophonists. The spirit of the weekend is one of intense learning, swapping ideas, lots of saxophone playing of course, and teamwork. A great way to start the year, treat this course as a saxophonic MOT, setting you up musically for 2023.
Tony Kofi Jazz Improvisation Workshop
18th / 19th March 2023 – Tony Kofi joins us for a two day jazz improvisation workshop. Tony is an award winning British Jazz multi instrumentalist born of Ghanaian parents, a player of the Alto, Baritone, Soprano, Tenor saxophones and flute. Having 'cut his teeth' in the “Jazz Warriors” of the early 90’s, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi has gone on to establish himself as a musician, teacher and composer of some authority.
Derek Nash Saxophone Weekend
TBA 2023 – Derek Nash, sax man extraordinaire of Jools Holland fame is coming to AB Workshops on TBA 2023. Derek will be running a two day workshop, with sessions on improvisation and chart reading. A fantastic opportunity for sax players to work with one of the UK’s top saxophonists, leader of the award-winning Sax Appeal and featured member of the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

The Team

Andrew Blee

Andrew Blee

After completing a music degree, followed by an Mmus from The University of Southampton, Andrew spends his time private teaching, gigging with bands The Boogie Bumpers, The Red Fez Orchestra and Forza Saxophone Quartet, and running AB Workshops.

Andrew focuses on high quality workshops, the ethos focused on customer experience and satisfaction. Immerse yourself in a creative oasis!

For 2022 and 2023 we have added some extras to the already packed workshops. For certain workshops we welcome sponsors either virtually or attending the event where you can try their products.

When possible we have David Griffiths (Griff) in residence who will be giving free spot checks, and running a book in system to have your instrument tweaked, regulated and serviced while you learn! (please note: Griff will discuss with you your requirements and relevant charges for any undertaken work.

Past Course Leaders have included:

  • Frank Griffith
  • Mike Hall
  • Emma Johnson
  • Pete Long
  • Dan Mar-Molinero
  • Jay Metcalf (Better Sax)
  • Dave O’Higgins
  • Derek Nash
  • James Rae
  • Bob Reynolds
  • Andy Scott
  • Naomi Sullivan
  • Kryzstof Urbanski
  • Simon Willescroft

AB Workshops look forward to seeing you soon!