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LESSONS? Yes, Bradley does give lessons - in both flute and piano.

Hourly rates available for adults as well younger folks. Please inquire at his contact page.


Jazz Flute Masterclass
A comprehensive examination of the technique, interpretation and pedagogy of jazz and popular flute music.

Topics may include:

  • Jazz articulations
  • Achieving a believable swing feel
  • Improvisation
  • Working with a rhythm section
  • Electronic effects and amplification of the flute
  • Recordings and the music business.

Participants are encouraged to prepare a short selection (3-5 minutes) to share with the class for review and critique.

Everything follows


Jazz Band or Vocal Jazz Ensemble Techniques and Performance

Give your students a taste of what it's like to work with real, professional musicians . . . and perform with them! In this setting, Bradley will hold a 1/2 day rehearsal/clinic with your group in preparation for an evening concert, which will feature your students performing arrangements with Bradley and/or his rhythm section. Students are inspired and instructed on musicality and emotion content in their playing and on different techniques that can be used to "tighten up" the ensemble. Bradley excels in bringing out the best in students.

Elementary or Middle School Instruction and Clinics

At the elementary and middle school levels, Mr. Leighton stresses musicality and tone production on the flute. Students are taught simple sensory and visual cues that enable them to produce a full, solid sound. Advice on how (and what) to practice in order to achieve rapid results. A demonstration and explanation of what the students are expected to learn as they progress through middle school, high school and college - and the opportunities for enjoyment at all those levels. Mr. Leighton will perform a wide range of musical styles for the students to demonstrate how the flute can be used in any musical setting. Improvisation is introduced and explained - with students participating in individual and group improvisations. Mr. Leighton focuses on building a solid foundation of basic skills which the students can use for the rest of their lives - whether they choose to pursue music as a career or simply for personal enrichment.

Opportunities in Music - Master Classes, clinics or discussions:

"I got a B.A. . . . so now what?"

Our society is very "success" conscience; and our students are often led to believe that if they are not playing with a symphony, or the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra . . . or selling millions of albums . . . then they have not achieved success. There are hundreds of opportunities in the music industry and Mr. Leighton tries to cover as many as possible in this free form, question and answer session.

Always covered are the opportunities in teaching, military bands, recording artist, movies-tv scores, video games . . . even the newly evolving market of cellphone ring tones . . . we'll leave no question unanswered . . . we'll name names and quote figures (just how much do you get for selling a million copies?) and pull no punches. Bradley's goal is to be able to offer valuable info or experience that directly relates to the individual student's goals and aspirations.

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Music For Life
Improvisation for the Amateur Musician - For Adults and High School Students

A day of musicmaking specifically for adult amateur musicians who want to recapture the fun of making music.

This is the perfect class for those returning to their instruments for the first time in years, or, for active players looking for a gratifying introduction to improvising music.

Making music is a proven way to reduce stress and increase wellness in one's life -- and it's FUN. Playing spontaneously with other musicians is one of life's great joys.

Passing on the knowledge and experience he garnered in twenty five years as a performer, clinician and recording artist, Bradley will have you jamming like a pro in just a few hours.

Bradley's Students Speak (1:31)

Whether you want to play with your friends at the local coffee shops' open mic night, perform in church, or just entertain yourself - this clinic will prepare you to impress your friends and amaze your family with your heretofore "undiscovered" talent, the ability to improvise.

Topics covered during the clinic include:

  • Improvisation - what it is and what it isn't
  • Da Blues - it ain't rocket science
  • Chords and Scales - how they go together
  • Lead Sheet - everything you need to know is there
  • Simple Chord Progressions - what many songs are made of
  • Working with the Rhythm Section - don't shoot the piano player!
  • Bandstand Etiquette - how not to get booted from the stage

Clinic instruction will be followed by an evening concert where clinic participants will be able to try their new skills with the backing from a professional rhythm section. Material will be suited to each player's individual skill level and desire - any style of popular, secular or jazz music may be performed.

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Big Flute (Sub-Contra Bass Flute) Demonstrations

Bradley is the proud owner of the 5th in a series of sub-contra bass flutes made by J. Hogenhuis of The Netherlands. This sub-contra bass flute is made from what we westerners refer to as "sewer pipe" or PVC tubing. It plays in the same range as a bass guitar. Bradley brings this flute to the IAJE every year and will travel with it for demonstrations to children in grade schools and high schools.

Video: Sub-Contra Escapades (:55)

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Video: Why Bradley Teaches and Music is For Everyone (2:16)

 


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Bradley is a Yamaha
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