Lorin Cohen presents workshops across the US and internationally that inspire and energize musicians of all levels

Workshops for 2019-20:

“Head – Ear – Hand: Improvisation Embodied”

Many students are overwhelmed when learning to solo on a new tune.

In this highly interactive workshop, we’ll simplify the process by thinking of it in terms of simple physical associations:

Head - our intellectual understanding of a tune (the analytical)

Ear - hearing our ideas (the aural)

Hand - the technical execution of these ideas (the tactile)

This focus on the analytical, aural, and tactile elements of soloing can add clarity to the practice of improvisation.

We’ll work on specific exercises to speed up the ways in which the Head/Ear/Hand come together when we solo.

“Understanding the Lifespan of Your Album Release” 

In 2015 I released my first album, HOME. It was a massive endeavor, and this workshop illustrates all the things I wished someone had told me in the process of releasing the album. It also lays out the basic arc of any album release, from initial conception, fundraising, to CD release shows and beyond. 

“Rhythm Will Set You Free”

This workshop focuses on the importance of rhythmic control in jazz improvisation. Through innovative metronome exercises, recorded examples and ensemble coaching, we work on the numerous ways that internalization of the pulse not only improves one’s sense of rhythm, but also facilitates an increased ability to navigate through chord changes.

“Rules of Thumb”

This workshop directly draws from my experiences on the bandstand with jazz masters. We’ll explore 20 practical “rules of thumb” that can be applied to all elements of playing jazz, especially when faced with real time challenges on the bandstand.