The famous SAM (Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music) organised a guitar masterclass in partnership with Pro Musicals last Friday. The mind blowing musical workshop was hosted by the jazz composer Denis Stern, a passionate guitarist.
Dennis’ father was his major inspiration and the maestro rock guitarist Alexander Lapin was his teacher and that is how his career in music started. During his stint at Rimon Jazz school in Tel Aviv, Denis picked up his skills under the Maestro Yosy Levy, acclaimed jazz-fusion guitar player.
He started living in Spain from 1988 where Denis Stern’s music met flamenco sounds and thereby going on to create the unique style ‘Nuevo flamenco,’ which he introduced to Chennaiites.
Denis then moved to Italy working with musicians like Ludovico Einaudi, Vladimir Denissenkov (he is still presenting concerts on traditional Russian music with him) and started working on Indian music and dance projects (Dunia Trio).
“The first language I enjoyed learning was ‘Music’, I picked up guitar at the age of 11 and got the opportunity to perform for an event at my school. That’s when I realised my passion towards music,” shared Denis while speaking on his first experience with jazz music from classic to metal. The world of fusion music was always an attraction for him, as he got the chance to travel across many countries, picking up on the music and culture.
According to the guitarist, Chennai workshop was mainly about improvisation and different guitar techniques. His goal is to teach and share all knowledge about jazz to progressive rock, flamenco and world music.
The important part for him is the theory and technique, which can then give the budding musician in Indian students the opportunity to learn real music and try to find their voice and own style in music. He advised all young musicians to work on their own, original ideas.
