The influence of music reaches into all areas of our psyche. Both a science and an art it has been shown to increase mental ability and stimulate our emotions. The teaching of both listening and playing skills enhances all our lives.

Paul's Workshops are set up to help educate and inspire a new generation of musicians and audiences though lectures, performances and workshops in schools, colleges and youth centres. The projects provide insight into Manouche Swing Jazz  and demonstrates how jazz improvisation is performed.  The workshop is well structured and Paul's aim is to keep the presentation informal:  Extensive parking available free.

The cost of the day is reasonable for such quality Tuition and includes a booklet, chord charts, lunchtime snack and lots of interesting additional material. 

The Workshop is divided into two sessions within the day, Rhythm and Solo. Nick Mellor assists throughout the day and all areas covered are clearly demonstrated. The abilities of students are quickly established in order to focus on individual improvement agendas. Activities are designed to enable you to work in group, duo and individual formats. Tuition provided is designed to challenge and will cover all of the key elements of Gypsy Jazz.  The day is not heavily theoretical and employs the 'Gypsy Tradition' of demonstration and assimilation.
Essential elements however, are enthusiasm, love of the music, fun, and a real desire to improve your personal best!  The whole programme is  based on Paul's own route to this music, which he invites you to follow!  Paul and Nick will perform a set during the lunch break. The workshops are a regular feature of Paul's year and are gaining in popularity to the point where he is running additional sessions. The day is overseen by Karen, Paul's wife, who welcomes you and ensures the day runs smoothly.
For students without a 'Gypsy Guitar' there will be instruments available for you to play.

Paul - We make it as 'hands on' as possible and supportively push the students out of their comfort zone. They really enjoy the challenge and learn a lot - go away with a lot, to improve their future playing skills.  Which is what it's all about.

Rhythm Guitar Techniques - Nick Mellor

• Chord Knowledge
• Triads
• Chord Substitution
• Voicing
• Comping
• Right Hand - technique/stroke variation
• Building Tension
• De-cluttering
• Chord Rolls

Solo Guitar Techniques - Paul Vernon Chester

• Octaves

• Vibrato

• Harmonics

• Note Bending

• Harmony

• Runs

• Arpeggios

• Damping

• Pauses

• Attack

• Restraint

Other Considerations
Starts and Endings
Tags
Mood
Contrast
Repertoire Construction
Energy Waste
Performance Confidence
Building a Solo.
Pick Technique.
The Guitar.

The Setting!
Chosen for its fine live acoustics that add to the ambience.

^The Workshop of June 2007

Student Comments:-
The Walsall Workshop was excellent, worth every penny. Paul is not only a superb musician but an excellent teacher (that is his day job of course), Nick was brilliant also. I've plenty of chord theory homework to do.  Warren.

This is just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed Saturday's workshop.  I'm really enjoying
the new CD - Duets for Django'.  Thanks to Paul, Nick and Karen for a good day. - Malcolm.

Thanks for a wonderful Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I learned a lot again from yourself and Nick, but it’s more than just that, it’s about being in the company of people who share my massive interest in Gypsy Jazz and being able to talk with them about the subject.  I look forward to the next workshop and hope to reflect more improvement.  Thanks to Karen for doing the food and looking after us.  - John

Hi Paul -12,000 miles would be a long way to come but I am sure it would be worth it:-) Sound like a good course.
Here's our one happening in New Zealand around the same time.......http://www.gypsyjazzworkshop.com
Cheers Leigh                                                                      
    _T___T___T_,                                          / Leigh Jackson Bmus, MMus(dist)
  {  o.      o.      o.... \==+==+==+==+==+ Guitarist-Pianist-Teacher-Composer =|
  /       `    --- `--------||==|==|==|==|==|==|==|= http://www.leighjackson.com +==|
 \ ,       _ _ _    ------||==|==|==|==|==|==|==|Wellington, NEW ZEALAND ==+==|
  { o '      o'       o'" /==+==+==+==+==+==+==+ leigh@leighjackson.com =+==|
    --T-----T-----T-'                                                        \ 0064 (04) 971 4763

LOGISTICS
There is adequate Parking Available and Overnight Accommodation can be arranged for those that require it in Local Hotels.

Some 5 Acoustic Guitars are available for those that wish to try other models and any who have yet to buy or cannot bring their own Guitar for Luggage reasons. Any acoustic guitar is fine to use, students don't need a gypsy model.

The number of places will be limited to 15 students per Workshop and an overspill date will be arranged for those that fail to register early enough and as soon as numbers permit..

Food - Light Refreshments are made available for free and those that are Vegetarians should advise in advance.

Paul likes to talk with committed applicants individually to gain insight as to their interest and current level of ability.  Booking forms will be issued and settlement is by cheque payable in advance of the Workshop Date.

Duets for Django -
Students Should Study Intently this Current Live Album

The first Live Album release date was 6th June 07 - CD Day

'Duets for Django' recorded at Live @ Concert Jazz In Thame on 14/03/07 (Paul's Birthday). This celebration may account for the Manouche Magic captured by Jake Kirkpatrick at this Concert Jazz Venue in Oxfordshire.  This High Quality Production gives great insight to Paul's compositions, faultless technique and ability to improvise inventively on a chord structure and his tender treatment of .slow tempo compositions.  The attentive listening audience were so enraptured that their presence is only apparent in the enthusiastic applause at the end of each number.  A must for Manoucheries - This is professional stuff - no Bootleg productions - all worthy of Paul Vernon Chester's Highest Standards.

Paul's Observations to Jake Kirkpatrick - Sound Engineer.
.Just to let you know how delighted we are with the final product. As anticipated the recording quality is top notch and the packaging looks great.  Love the colour scheme. Nick's guitar works well for the tweaked volume. Notwithstanding the CD works really well. Many thanks for your hard work Jake and I feel we have a recording that truly reflects our performance ideals. It's only when you hear the audience at the end of each track you realise this is a live recording! I feel the same tension that I felt at the gig!
Very well done mate, you know your stuff. - Paul.
Track Listings are
Loverman
Douce Ambience
Chez Jacquet
Autumn Leaves
Lady Be Good
St Louis Blues
Mona Lisa
Blues en Mineur
Django's Waltz
Anouman
September Song
Minor Swing

on line CD Purchase

If you wish to obtain a Copy by sending a cheque - click here  CD Purchase Enquiry

Many thanks for the CD, I am very impressed and is a great reminder of a great concert.- Martin

CD received. - I had expected it to be good, but I wasn't prepared for it to be quite so delightful as it is. Paul Vernon Chester is probably fed up with people paying extravagant compliments on his playing, I would be obliged if you would pass on my congratulations on a truly masterful example of the Manouche guitar style - John McCarte

Yes, Paul is a brilliant player, recall his great show at L'espirit Manouche 2003!...Cheers, Phil

"Duets for Django" arrived this morning thanks very much. I am listening to it right now as I write this and enjoying it very much. Please pass on my best wishes to Paul and Nick, Would love to come down and have a tune with those guys, maybe someday if I can get a wee tour organised. Calum McKenzie - Bassist - Havana Swing