Welcome to: GIGSPEAK! “A Musical Rules and Tools Class For Aspiring Vocalists”
Gigspeak! is my class designed to provide you with what you will need to communicate effectively with the musicians who accompany you, giving you the confidence to put on your best performance. I am a veteran of over 40 years of professional vocal and piano work in restaurants, night clubs, shows and private events in Los Angeles and Portland and I'm anxious to share what I have gleaned during my career.
Subjects will include (but not be limited to):
Demystifying music theory basics
Essential music terminology
Song structure
Time signatures, tempos and “feels”
Intros, turnarounds and endings
Counting off tunes… the right way
Choosing the best key for you and your accompanying musicians
The importance of easy-to-read musical charts and their elements
And much more… including many tricks of the trade I have gathered over the years!
The class consists of three sessions, the first two at my home in the Ladd’s Addition neighborhood of SE Portland and the third at "Ron Steen’s Sunday Night Jam" at Clyde’s Prime Rib in NE Portland
The first session will explore the rules and tools necessary for communication and performance success. Handouts full of helpful info will be provided, along with musical examples.
The second session: members of the class will be asked to bring two tunes they plan to perform at the upcoming jam. We’ll put on a test performance and explore how what you’ve learned can be applied to your song selections. Not only will this be a warm-up for Ron’s jam, but a first chance to utilize the rules and tools presented in the first session.
The third session: Ron has graciously provided an opportunity for members of this class to put into practice what they’ve learned. Class members will be sitting in with some of Portland's finest musicians! (There is no cover charge at Clyde’s, but the purchase of a beverage and/or food is encouraged to support the jam.)
Class dates:
First: Saturday, October 6, 1 PM Second: Saturday, October 13, 1 PM Third (at the jam): Sunday, October 14, 8:30 PM
Cost: $95 per vocalist
To enroll, send an email to john@gilmoremusic.com. I’ll send you a PayPal invoice and hold your spot for one week.
(Please note: If you enroll and need to cancel, I will refund 50% of your fee as long as I can fill your spot from the waiting list.)