AB Workshops
Music Workshops – 07711 998058
🎷 Alan Barnes Jazz Improvisation Workshop 🎷🎷4th - 5th October 2025 🎷
St Leonards Hotel, Ringwood, BH24 2NR
🎷 Alan Barnes Jazz Improvisation Workshop 🎷🎷48th - 5th October 2025 🎷
St Leonards Hotel, Ringwood, BH24 2NR
On 4th / 5th October 2025 AB Workshops are delighted to host a Jazz Improvisation Workshop titled “Major to Minor” with saxophonist Alan Barnes. Suitable for those with an instrumental ability of Grade 3 standard or above (see below for more info).
Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.
His range and brilliance have made him a “first call” for studio and live work since his precocious arrival on the scene more than thirty years ago.
His recorded catalogue is immense. He has made over thirty albums as leader and co-leader alone, and the list of his session and side-man work includes Bjork, Bryan Ferry, Michel LeGrande, Clare Teale, Westlife, Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. He has toured and played residencies with such diverse and demanding figures as Ruby Braff, Freddie Hubbard, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, Ken Peplowski, Harry Allen and Conte Candoli.
On 4th / 5th October 2025 AB Workshops are delighted to host a Jazz Improvisation Workshop titled “Major to Minor” with saxophonist Alan Barnes. Suitable for those with an instrumental ability of Grade 3 standard or above (see below for more info).
Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.
His range and brilliance have made him a “first call” for studio and live work since his precocious arrival on the scene more than thirty years ago.
His recorded catalogue is immense. He has made over thirty albums as leader and co-leader alone, and the list of his session and side-man work includes Bjork, Bryan Ferry, Michel LeGrande, Clare Teale, Westlife, Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. He has toured and played residencies with such diverse and demanding figures as Ruby Braff, Freddie Hubbard, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, Ken Peplowski, Harry Allen and Conte Candoli.
“Barnes’ melodic sense bypasses the usual scale-running clichés that pepper the playing of lesser bop disciples” Peter Marsh, BBC Music Review
“I was relishing the prospect of Barnes’s casually consummate musicianship, deadpan humour (he could be a comedian, if jazz ever fails him), and indomitable belief in a respected place for the music’s rich history in this eclectic and often forgetful world.” John Fordham – The Guardian
“His stylistic range is quite phenomenal… He has a wonderful capacity for suggesting a given style without actually imitating anyone” Dave Gelly, Masters Of The Jazz Saxophone
“Barnes plays music that was radical 50 years ago but he infuses it with so much passion and energy you could believe it was minted on the spot, which is always part of the story with jazz” John L. Walters, The Guardian
Alan will be covering the following subjects in the two days:
- Examining the difference between playing 11-V-1 ’s in the major and the minor
- Exercises around the cycle of fifths (in both major and minor)
- Set of pieces suitable to applying the knowledge
- Tips on memorising material as you play it
In British jazz, the young Barnes was recognized – and hired – by the established greats of the time: Stan Tracy, John Dankworth, Kenny Baker, Bob Wilber, and Humphrey Lyttelton. But he is equally respected for his longstanding and fruitful collaborations with contemporaries such as David Newton, Bruce Adams, and Martin Taylor.
Alan Barnes’s unique musicianship, indefatigable touring, and warm rapport with audiences have made him uniquely popular in British jazz. He has received over 25 British Jazz Awards, most recently in 2014 for clarinet, and has twice been made BBC Jazz Musician of the Year.
- Based at St Leonards Hotel in beautiful Dorset, with excellent facilities
- Two full days of tutor lead sessions, four sessions per day
- Suitable for the following instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass, Piano, Guitar
- Workshop runs from 10am – 4.30pm each day, with two 30 minute breaks and a 1 hour lunch break
- Optional: A Hot lunch (including requirements such as vegetarian, gluten intolerance etc)
- Refreshments; Tea, coffee (including freshly made filter coffee), juices, a variety of biscuits, fresh pastries
- Prices range from £50-£163 for two days depending on instrument
- FREE parking
- On-site accommodation (subject to availability). Not included in the price, please book direct with the hotel
- Safe, simple, secure. We have now set it up for you to be able to book easier than ever before, simply BOOK ONLINE
- Payment plan scheme now available; pay £25 upfront and then pay monthly by direct debit for the balance
Alternatively if you have any questions on the suitability of this course for you we will be happy to help. Contact us at hello@abworkshops.com or by calling 07711 998058 and we will be happy to discuss your needs further.
– Trumpet
– Trombone
– Bass
– Guitar
Drums: You’ll need to bring your own kit.
Guitar/Bass: You’ll need to bring your own amps.
Arrive: 9.30am onwards
Session one: 10am – 11.15am
Morning break: 11.15am – 11.45am
Session two: 11.45am – 1pm
Lunch: 1pm – 2pm
Session three: 2pm – 3pm
Afternoon break: 3pm – 3.30pm
Session four: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
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