Dear Friends,
Classical Music on the Spot was born at the Eastman School of Music as an institute dedicated to the study and performance of musical improvisation in the eighteenth-century style. Now relocated to Linfield College, nestled in Oregon’s picturesque Willamette Valley wine country, CMOTS is excited to offer world-class classical improvisation instruction to keyboard musicians of all backgrounds.
The weeklong workshop enables participants to develop their improvisation skills and deepen their understanding of the galant and high classical styles. Our approach draws together historical approaches including figured bass treatises, Italian partimento, and modern research including Robert Gjerdingen’s galant schemata. Analysis and listening activities complement our practical improvisation work, and daily seminar topics include historical performance practice, musicological research, historical instruments, rhetoric, and more.
Classical Music on the Spot is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year—the inquisitive students, supportive atmosphere, rich repertoire, and dedicated faculty have made this institute a unique and rewarding offering in the world of classical music and improvisation. I am honored to have founded this organization, and I look forward to our 2018 season, held from July 15-21 at Linfield College.
Enrollment is capped at 10 participants, and tuition (which includes tuition, a comprehensive anthology of course materials, full room and board, unlimited access to modern and historical instruments, transportation to and from Portland International Airport, and a tour of Oregon wine country) is $1500. Scholarship assistance is available.
The institute is ideal for pianists, historical keyboard players, musicologists, theorists, eighteenth-century music buffs, and anyone who has always wanted to improvise. Join us this summer in beautiful McMinnville, Oregon, for what promises to be a nourishing musical and intellectual journey for all.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Johnandrew Slominski
Founder and Executive Director
jslominski@linfield.edu
What Our Students Say
"A great resource for a variety of approaches to eighteenth-century improvisation all in one accessible package. Instructors are great and have organized everything perfectly."
— Past Participant