BOSTON, Mass., June 3, 1998 -- Berklee College of Music faculty are packing up their instruments and lessons and heading for Perugia, Italy, to teach a 10-day jazz workshop, July 11 through 22, for young musicians. Berklee Summer School at Umbria Jazz Clinics is unique, offering a contemporary jazz education not easily found in traditional European conservatories. Summer School takes place the same time as the Umbria Jazz Festival, giving participants an important homework assignment each night: watching and hearing some of the most influential performers in jazz. At the end of the program, up to $60,000 in Berklee scholarships will be awarded to outstanding student musicians.

Modeled After Berklee

Summer School closely resembles the experience of studying at Berklee's Boston campus. Ten of the college's professors, with help from local interpreters, teach classes in music theory, ear training, and improvisation; direct student ensembles; and give private vocal and instrument instruction.

Summer School faculty are Bill Pierce (sax), Greg Badolato (sax), Larry Bethune (music theory), Dave Clark (bass), Russell Hoffman (piano), Donna McElroy (voice), Mark White (guitar), Greg Hopkins (trumpet), Jim Kelly (guitar), and Ron Savage (drums). Two additional Berklee educators will also be in Perugia to support a new clinic for harpists, Arpa Projecto, sponsored by Salvi Harp Company. From July 12 - 18, 70 harpists are expected for workshops at which Berklee's Piano Department chair Paul Schmeling, and Associate Professor of Piano Neil Olmstead will teach jazz theory.

The intensity of Summer School indicates how Berklee students develop the technique and discipline that helps them to become some of the most popular musicians in the world. Berklee alumni performing at the Umbria Jazz include Mark Whitfield, Jorge Rossy (Brad Mehldau), Anthony Wonsey, Ruben Rogers, and Adonis Rose (Nicholas Payton).

Umbria Jazz performers often visit the Summer School to give clinics. Guests have included Joe Zawinul, Joe Lovano, John McLaughlin, and Bobby McFerrin.

A Collaborative Effort

Summer School is directed by Berklee Assistant Vice President for International Programs Larry Monroe, Artistic Director of Umbria Jazz Clinics Giovanni Tommaso, and Perugia musician Sauro Peducci, with support from Umbria Jazz founder Carlo Pagnotta. It was Pagnotta who initially asked for Berklee's support in developing a summer jazz clinic. After the early sessions, word spread of Monroe, his professors, and their new type of jazz education. Soon, scores of young musicians were bringing their instruments to Umbria Jazz and spending their days learning to do like the masters on stage at night.

International media have taken note of Summer School, and features on the program have appeared on many Italian television programs; in the Italian newspapers Il Messaggero, Il Corriere Dell' Umbria, La Nazione; and in The International Herald Tribune; The Boston Globe; and on the international shortwave radio broadcast, Voice of America.

More than 2,000 music students from all over the world have attended Berklee Summer School at Umbria Jazz Clinics since 1986. More than 200 are expected this year. Classes run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day, with an afternoon break. Scholarships will be awarded during a graduation ceremony and concert on July 22. For further information on Berklee Summer School at Umbria Jazz Clinics, visit the Umbria Jazz Web site.

# # #

For additional editorial information, please call:
Allen Bush, Office of Public Information, 617-747-2567