Neil has led numerous workshops over the last twenty years and greatly enjoys running them. The workshops tend focus on jazz and improvisation but not always. At the moment Neil runs a sax group, clarinet group and soprano sax group for his pupils. Neil is also Musical Director of the South Devon Big Band and is also a regular tutor on the East Prawle Jazz Weekend. In the recent past Neil has run eight weekly intermediate jazz courses (one evening a week) in the autumn and spring terms as well as occasional jazz workshop weekends and has occasionally run workshops for other organisations. Neil is also happy to be booked for workshops run by other organisations. Neil is currently based in Ashburton, Devon.
The South Devon Big Band
The South Devon Big Band (a classic big band generally set up for good amateur adult musicians).
The band rehearses on one Saturday morning per month and also give performances. To find out more visit the South Devon Big Band website; www.southdevonbigband.co.uk
Sax and Clarinet Groups
Neil runs groups for some of his pupils.
The clarinet group was set up in 2014 and rehearses twice a month on Wednesday mornings. Currently made up from his more advanced adult pupils this group rehearses clarinet quartets and quintets from both the classical and jazzy repertoire. Generally ideal for clarinettists between gr 5 and 8 standard.
Neil also runs both a sax group (all saxes) and a soprano sax group once a month. The standard tends to be from about gr 3-6. These groups usually work on a tune by ear and written arrangements and some warm up musical exercises. Generally, an air of light heartedness and fun is in order. Please contact Neil for more details.
Extreme Jazz theory
This group was set up at the beginning of 2015. It is a group dedicated to explaining the mysteries of jazz theory for those jazz musicians who really want to get involved in the subject. Neil uses Mark Levine’s excellent book The Jazz Theory Book as a basis for moving forward with this intriguing subject. Nowadays we also cover topics outside of the Jazz Theory Book.
Schools workshops with The Neil Maya Quartet
This project works both in primary and secondary schools and the format can vary depending on requirements. Briefly in primary schools the band often gives hour long interactive concerts for the children and also an hour long session introducing improvisation to beginner instrumentalists. In secondary schools, members of the quartet can give workshops to develop instrumentalist’s improvisational skills as well as workshops with the whole band. For both primary and secondary schools The Neil Maya Quartet can give an evening concert for both the school and local community. For more information on this exciting project do get in touch.
Past Groups and Workshops
Neil has conducted (and rehearsed the band) for a number of shows at Ivybridge Community College including Les Miserables, Annie, Joseph, High School Musical and Summer Holiday. Neil also ran the Ivybridge Community College Big Band for 12 years until 2013 along with two jazz groups and a soul funk band at the college until 2014. Neil gave improvisation workshops for Teignmouth Jazz for about eight years until 2012 and has also delivered improvisation workshops for Ivybridge Community College, Plymouth Music Service, Torbay Academy of Performing Arts, The Meeting House Arts Centre in Ilminster and Sheffield Jazz.
Contact Me
For more information about any aspect of this please contact Neil on 07951 335078 or email: neil@neilmaya.co.uk