CMC Sessions: Baroque Improvisation Workshop with Shirley Wong-Frentzel

Improvisation may have the reputation for being associated with modern music like jazz and rock, but in fact has a long musical history. CMC piano faculty Shirley Wong-Frentzel will illuminate the “unmeasured” compositional styles used in the Baroque period that called for performers to improvise. Learn to read and interpret these 18th C non-standard notations without rhythm or meter indications through examining the works of composers Louis Couperin, Elizabeth de la Guerre, and Louis D’anglebert. Performance demonstrations and discussion will also explore historical considerations to help inform authentic performance practices. 

This workshop is for intermediate–advanced piano players. Scores will be provided. There will be time for questions and players will also be invited to try some of these keyboard techniques.

Shirley Wong-Frentzel is CMC harpsichord curator; instructor in Middle Eastern scales, percussion, Chinese Guangdong folk music on all instruments, beginning and intermediate recorder baroque and renaissance repertoire, and accompanies on keyboard for all instruments; Celtic/Scottish folk music on hammered dulcimer. Undergraduate studies at Mills College, studied with Darius Milhaud, Leon Kirchner and Morton Subotnick; MM with highest honors, Harpsichord, New England Conservatory. Member, Pi Kappa Lambda honor society. Formed Darius Milhaud Ensemble locally with Philharmonia Baroque soloists. Former faculty, Mills College, UCSD, and SFSU. Co-manager of Flowing Stream Ensemble and member of Phoenix Spring Ensemble.

Expand your musical toolbox and get inspired with CMC guitar, piano, and cultural traditions faculty. CMC Sessions comes to life with a new series of in-person workshops, presentations, and masterclasses in a wide range of musical styles and traditions. Explore historical and stylistic performance practices, learn new techniques, and spark your creative interests through enlightening demonstrations, thought-provoking discussions, and hands-on experience.

Join us for a session:

• February 24: Improvisation Made Easy: How to Enhance Music Styling

• Embodied Piano Playing with Allison Lovejoy

•.Gospel Piano Stylings with Ken Little

• March 2: Piano Performance Psychology with Grace Huenemann

• March 2: Follow My Lead: Accompaniment & Melody for Guitarists with Erik Pearson and Scott O’Day

• May 11: Nuts & Bolts of Jazz Piano Improvisation with Erick Peralta

• May 11: Rhythmic and Harmonic Structure of Traditional Cuban Music with Tony Martinez and Erick Peralta

• May 18: Baroque Improvisation Workshop with Shirley Wong-Frentzel

• May 18: Histoire du Tango with Will Ludan and Monika Gruber

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Community Music Center, 544 Capp Street, San Francisco, United States