From Indiana University to the Brevard Music Festival, from the Copenhagen Rhythmik Music Conservatory to the Old Town School of Folk Music, Astral Project delivers intense and informative clinics and workshops focusing on all aspects of jazz, performing and the music business.

Each man is an eloquent and informed educator. Steve Masakowski is an Associate Professor at the University of New Orleans where he teaches guitar, improvisation and composition. He contributes regularly to Guitar Magazine and is constantly in demand as a guest artist/lecturer.  An Associate Professor at Loyola University in New Orleans, Tony Dagradi directs several ensembles and teaches saxophone and improvisation. He has produced a master class CD for Saxophone Magazine and is the author of numerous articles concentrating on various facets of arranging. His book Essential Scale Studies For Improvisation, published by Kendor Music, addresses many technical issues of intervallic  relationships and is quickly becoming a standard in the field of Jazz Education. John Vidacovich has been teaching at Loyola and UNO for over twenty years. He has long been the teacher of choice for every serious drum student in the area. In addition to his local activities he has given clinics around the world and has an instructional video which definitely details the fine points of New Orleans drum styles. James Singleton teaches privately and brings his own singular and articulate perspective to questions of bass technique as well as general performance concepts.

In a typical workshop session the group performs for students in a casual environment. Discussions follow which focus on elements specific to each performance including harmonic structure, rhythmic questions and other technical issues. Additionally, each man shares his insights on general topics of interest for all musicians. These can range from problem solving in the recording studio to dealing with less than honest booking agents and inconvenient set backs while out on the road.

All presentations are embued with a sense of purpose and undeniable artistry...not to mention humor. Tony, Steve, John and James are committed to performing music at the highest level possible and strive to share their enthusiasm and passion for jazz with each and every audience.

 

 

"The day's activities were a superb success. All of the players in the organization have been ignited in their enthusiasm for Jazz and all which it offers. We owe this to Astral Project. Various members of my ensemble commented about Astral Project's teaching background.  My guys were expecting a discourse on the use of the V7b9 change and instead were treated to ways in which to find one's path in music. They truly appreciated the advice and the unique sense of humor. Astral Project has lit a great fire into the program at NSU."
- Galindo Rodriguez Northwestern State University

 

 

"Thank you very much for spending your time, expertise and talent with our jazz ensemble and jazz festival. You made music with all levels of talent, were confirming to students, and we simply had a marvelous time serving as your host."
- Michael Brown, Mississippi State University

 

 


Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL
Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL
Wallace Community College, Selma, AL
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Webster University, St. Louis. MO
Spokane Falls College, Spokane, WA
International Association of Jazz Educators 2000, New Orleans, LA
City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Jazz Brevard, Brevard, NC
Rhythmik Music Conservatory, Copenhagen, Denmark
Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA