Groups & Workshops: Testimonials

 

"As an organisation we really value Neil's contribution to our education programme and are delighted to have him as a tutor. We would have no hesitation in using Neil in the future or in recommending him to any other organisation. Personally, as a workshop student, I have found his teaching technique to cater for all abilities, his technical skills excellent and his enthusiasm boundless!"

Ian Pennicott, Secretary, Friends of Teignmouth Jazz Festival 2010

 

"Neil Maya has worked with Ivybridge College musicians for 7 years, running jazz improvisation workshops for students of all ages. His workshops combine in-depth information, hands-on learning of skills and inspirational demonstrations. He is superb at tailoring workshops to age groups, exam requirements and concert performance."

J. Wright, former Head of Music, Ivybridge Community College. 2009

 

"Having attended several of Neil's jazz workshops and played in his Big Band I highly recommend his approach as a music educator.With great musical skills he has a real ability in communicating to individuals and groups with humour and encouragement. His teaching is well prepared and challenging yet always supportive. Feedback is welcomed which leads to innovations in teaching methods and styles over time. It's great to see the effect of his enthusiasm as players grow in confidence and are eager to keep learning."

Charlie Lowe, South Devon Big Band committee member and Neil's jazz courses administrator (and participant) 2014.

 

Comments from attendees from past jazz improvisation workshops...

 

What did you most like about the course?...

*Neil's clear, structured advice & constructive criticism

*The instruction and the chance to play it with other musicians. Meeting other musicians.The 

social aspects. Broadening my experience of jazz.Numbers old and new.

*The breaking down of songs to understand better how to improvise over the chord changes.

Playing within a group, and also the varied collection of songs.Everyone having a go at improvisation.

*I simply enjoy having something challenging to work on, and learning a lot in the process.

*Time spent on analysing tunes, and the fact that there was a wide range of experience

amongst participants meant the explanation started at a basic level and yet I sensed everyone

gained something from it no matter how advanced their playing.  Having a large group meant 

there was plenty of time to think through what I would play, it meant it wasn’t too rushed, and

there were lots of ideas from others to pick up on. I also enjoyed the solo recording and

feedback, I haven’t done that before and found it really useful.

*1) the pieces, 2) learning jazz harmony, and 3) interesting approach.

* Fabulous choice of beautiful music. I selfishly really enjoyed every chance to sing and to scat.

*The chance to improvise. Also liked the chord (II, V, I expalantions) which are finally starting to make sense to me.

 

Any other comments?...

*Thanks for another great course - looking forward to the next one!

*A great experience as usual. Thank you.

*Really good course, got a lot out of enjoyment out of it, thanks very much Neil!

*Thanks Neil for a thoroughly enjoyable course. I’m already missing having the next session to

look forward to. I really liked your Ugborough Beacon tune as well.

*I enjoyed this as much as any workshop I’ve done, there seemed to be just the right mix of 

everything and it all seemed really well planned out.

*Thanks for a good course. I learnt a lot

*Challenging but never made me feel unsafe, always encouraging. Thankyou so much Neil

*Challenging at times but thoroughly enjoyed it as usual. Well done!

 

Contact Me...

For more information about any aspect of this please contact Neil on 01803 862762 or email: [email protected]