Learn to play finger cymbals with skill & freedom
Zill Workshops with Jenna
Dedicated to celebrating, teaching, inspiring and advancing the art of playing finger cymbals as a musical instrument, both within and beyond Middle Eastern traditions.
Whether you have no zill experience or years of it, these workshops will ignite your playing and bring your finger cymbals alive.
In an energizing, engaging format where you can relax and learn easily, we work with the material in The Dancing Cymbalist and more. You can learn ways to use the Nur Method at your level, to improve and keep improving your zillwork with consistent success.
All workshops are for all skill levels, with layered instruction. Whether you dance with zills, play percussion, or use zills for meditation or healing, we all have to move to play zills. The Nur Method coordinates moving and playing in a way that deepens and accelerates learning.
Zillpower
Zills have the power to elevate the experience of bellydance for both dancers and audience. Their subtlety as an instrument makes them a perfect partner for this dance form. When we combine zills with dance even in simple ways, the experience becomes more than the sum of its parts. We become more involved; this draws us deep into the moment, where real joy and pleasure can blossom. When that happens, we shine brighter, we love what we're doing, and any audience will be mesmerized, moved, inspired and maybe even healed.
It is not WHAT you play, but HOW you play that makes this difference. Zillpower teaches the inner art of zillwork. It will open your eyes and ears to zills as a musical instrument and a tool for personal evolution.
You will learn how to
- discover the dynamic range of your zills;
- get consistent tones from your zills;
- relax with them, so that playing them enhances your dance without interfering with it;
- expand your expression with a simple volume variation technique;
- choose zills that go well with any piece of music; and
- turn group zillwork into a powerful unified sound that transcends noisy cacophony and creates a deep quiet underneath.
The Zillpower workshop is surprising and fun, and it will transform your playing even if you never learn another rhythm. At least one Zillpower workshop is prerequisite for the Nur Method Teacher Training.
Dancing with Zills
How often do you choose NOT to play zills with your dance because you enjoy yourself more without them? How often do you feel you can play zills well, only to find that it doesn't happen when you dance? How often do you get a sinking feeling when you hear someone play impressive zillwork, and tell yourself, I'll never be able to do that!
I have found that when it comes to zillwork, it is common to try to both teach and learn too much, too fast, too soon, and this is guaranteed to produce frustration. Successful practice first recognizes your own current skill level, focuses on details, begins where you are, and gradually increases the challenge. When you practice with the Nur Method, it is possible to play successfully every time you play, at your own level.
Dancing with Zills will show you how you can improve your zillwork and enjoy your dancing more as your zill skills evolve. By targeting your specific rhythm and motion goals, and by using the sequences and concepts of the Nur Method to coordinate zillwork with dance, you will discover how much skill really is possible for you. (For more about the Nur Method, see a copy of my book, The Dancing Cymbalist.)
You will learn how to
- find your Edge in any direction (no matter what your experience is - we all have one)
- create a specific zill practice target goal to push that Edge
- use the versatile Nur Method practice sequences to achieve your goal
- practice successfully even when you are frustrated or bored
- bridge successfully between practicing and full-out dancing with zills
Dancing with Zills workshops are structured so that you each can work at your own level and pace. They have the power to transform your whole approach to zillwork, making it more dynamic at every level from beginner to professional. Dancing with Zills workshops and personal practice using the Nur Method are prerequisite for the Nur Method Teacher Training.
Music in Motion
Multisensory, mind/body lessons for keeping steady time and playing Middle Eastern rhythms. With emphasis on the pulse, everyone plays at their own level. No matter what skill level you have, and even if you think you 'have no rhythm', this workshop will give you something you can successfully work with on your own to progress to new levels of zillwork.
Intro to Mystic Cymbalism
An introduction to the power of finger cymbals for meditation and healing; attributes of zills; mindful form, placement and set-up; the basic Star Stroke with volume control; solitary and group zill meditations; working with energy and acoustics; zill healing.
Finger Cymbals for Everyone
A playful and stimulating approach to creative zillwork. Playing zills is fun - especially when we can get out of our own way to enjoy it.
To sponsor workshops in your area, please
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Private & Semi-Private Zill Sessions
This is the place where you can get a jumpstart to achieve any of your zillwork goals, from beginner to professional
- choosing instruments
- technical goals
- coordination issues
- rhythms
- keeping steady time
- improvisation
- group zillwork
- playing with other musicians
Private Session Testimonials
Nur Method Teacher Training
 If you want to inspire your students and help revive the art of playing finger cymbals, the best thing you can do is to train in the Nur Method. When you know the practice sequences, can design targeted practice sessions, understand how to adjust a practice session to facilitate success every time, and understand how to use the Nur Method successfully as you teach, you will see your students start to love their zills and explode with skill and creativity.
Please contact me for more information.
|
