Private Lessons
Shirantha Beddage is available for private lessons, either in person or via online applications such as Skype or Facetime. Areas of instruction include saxophone, piano, improvisation, ear training, theory and composition. Lesson fees are payable through cheque or via Paypal.
Clinics and workshops
Shirantha is available for clinics and workshops on a variety of subjects. He is an experienced adjudicator, having worked with numerous jazz ensembles at the high school, middle school and college level in the United States and Canada. He has also worked extensively as a clinician with educators, through interactive workshops at educational conferences. Areas of instruction include small group and large ensemble pedagogy, improvisation and ear training. Rates vary; contact Shirantha for more details. Handouts are at the bottom of this page.
Humber College
Shirantha is the Director of Theory and Harmony in the Music department of Humber College in Toronto. See the video clip below to learn more about the program, and click here to visit the Humber music degree website.
Photo courtesy Peter Parts
Workshop Handouts
Jazz pedagogy resource list (PDF): This document provides educators with a wealth of print and audio resources, in topics ranging from jazz ensemble pedagogy to piano voicings and everything in between.
Jazz band rehearsal techniques (PDF): This document accompanies my “Jazz Band Rehearsal Techniques” workshop, where I discuss active listening, musical style, rhythm section, blend and balance, and teaching using the voice and body.
What makes a great solo (PDF): This handout comes from my “Essentials of Improvisation and Ear Training” clinic, where I describe some of the factors that often contribute to improvisation in jazz and other genres. I offer more details on these concepts in a live workshop setting.
Jazz piano / guitar comping patterns on “Autumn Leaves” in various styles (PDF): The main concepts of effective comping are rhythmic style and good voice leading. This handout provides some context for young players learning voicings in a combo or large jazz ensemble.
Jazz bass patterns on “Autumn Leaves” in various styles (PDF): Bassists in jazz bands must focus especially on sound, rhythm and good voice leading. This handout, along with the previous one above, shows basic patterns in a number of common styles.