In 2011 we added a Klezmer Workshop to the series. Usually led by the concert artist, but sometimes led by series director, Aaron Alexander, the focus is on learning classic klezmer repertoire – usually we’ll learn a few tunes each week. We learn Klezmer  and co-territorial tunes, forms and their proper rhythms, the common klezmer modes, melodic ornamentation, accompaniment parts, and whatever people want to learn.  Often we will play songs we’ve learned in the workshop at the jam session after the concert.  In the past we’ve had Pete Sokolow, Frank London, Michael Winograd, Alicia Svigals, Jordan Hirsch, Margot Leverett, Zevy Zions, Matt Darriau, Pete Rushefsky, Zisl Slepovitch, Ilya Shneyveys, Sasha Lurje, Vanya Zhuk, and many others lead the workshop.

Bring your own instruments. We learn both by ear and with written music. Music will usually, but not always, be available for C, Bb, and Eb instruments.

There is a discounted fee if you take the workshop and attend the concert – $35

questions? newyorkklezmer@gmail.com

Here are some comments from students who have attended the workshops:

“If you like learning klezmer from top pros, attending klezmer concerts by those pros or jamming with them; Aaron Alexander’s New York Klezmer Series [formerly the East Village Klezmer Series] is the place for you. As a 69-year old who has been learning klezmer for the past 14 years, I can’t wait for the new series to start.”
Jerry Alperstein – alto horn

“Workshops, concerts, and jams with the stars of the Klezmer scene; it’s like Klezkamp without the schlep.”
Mitch Elinson – clarinetist

“I got to see great musicians like Elaine Hoffman Watts, Alicia Svigals, and Jeff Warschauer/Deborah Strauss, and I got to sit in and jam with Margot Leverett and Arkady Goldenshteyn.” –Steve Wishnia, bassist.

“The East Village Klezmer Series was AMAZING! The ensemble instruction By Aaron Alexander and by many of the series performers has been really valuable. The concerts, dancing and Jam secessions were so invigorating. These evenings have been wonderful, almost like going to a a mini Klezkamp retreat. Thank You!” –Jonathan Flamm – alto sax