Time of Music organizes once again the Summer Academy of Contemporary Music from 2nd to 7th July 2019 in Viitasaari, Finland. The three courses of the Academy will be tutored by international guest stars and leading composers, pedagogues and musicians of the world. We welcome all interested music students and young professionals to deepen their knowledge and enhance their skills in composition, chamber music and improvisation. The teachers (Kaija Saariaho and Camilla Hoitenga) and the details of the two first courses were published already in December 2018.
The third course will be taught by a renowned saxophonist John Butcher. Since the early 80s, Butcher has collaborated with hundreds of musicians, as well at large groups as at small duo concerts with his friends. Butcher always attempts to engage with the uniqueness of time and place. His music ranges through improvisation, his own compositions, multitracked pieces and explorations with feedback and unusual acoustics.
The course will be a practical exploration of the rewards and challenges of solo, small group and large ensemble improvisation, the aim being to develop one’s own voice in a way that makes sense both as a soloist and in collaborative, spontaneous music making.
Course fee for active students is 250 € and passive students is 100 €. Active student fee includes entrance to all Festival concerts that are not fully booked. Application dead line for the composer course is 17th February 2019, for the chamber music course and for the improvisation course 17th March 2019. All courses are taught in English.