For this workshop, Stephen will share with attendees; ways to play chords found in rock, jazz and blues music and how to weave your own melody, whatever the song.

Stephen Magnusson
One of the most accomplished, versatile and distinctive musicians working in Australia.  His sound has made him an indispensible part of many bands, live performances and film scores.  He has worked with many artists including Charlie Haden, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ricki Lee Jones, Sinead O’Connor, John Cale, Gurrumul Yunupingu, Paul Grabowsky, Vince Jones, Katie Noonan, Lisa Young, Christine Sullivan, Michelle Nicole, Martin Breeze, The Assumptions Trio, Megan Washington, Paul Kelly, Jim Black, Mike Nock, Barney McAll, Enrico Rava, Arthur Blythe and many others. As a part of the Katie Noonan trio Elixir, the ensemble won the ARIA for Best Jazz Album in 2011. 

As an educator Stephen has been inspiring musicians for many years teaching at both Victorian College of The Arts and Monash University, where he teaches guitar and leads both small jazz ensembles, and a guitar ensemble. 

In 2013, Stephen was awarded the Melbourne Prize for Outstanding Musician, and the Australian Jazz Bell Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album with his quartet MAGNET (with Carl Pannuzzo, Eugene Ball and Sergio Beresovsky).

boundaries duo

performing with Omelette

Ronny Ferella

Based in Melbourne, for over 25 years Ronny has been performing, composing and teaching  jazz related music in many and varied environments.  His vast experiences have taken him to many parts of the world, performing at jazz festivals and clubs and as a student and teacher.  A committed student of jazz and its history Ronny has developed his teaching around various folk traditions that have influenced jazz rhythm, and how and and why elements of these traditions influence today’s contemporary music. 
Ronny is currently teaching at Melbourne University where he is working with jazz students teaching small ensemble studies, improvisation techniques and runs a lecture in jazz history/culture.  Alongside this position he works for the Song Room, running music engagement programmes for primary school students, and teaches drumet and percussion privately and at Ringwood Secondary College.

look and listen

Performing with Omelette

August 24th
5.30-7pm in the Hooper Room
$10 per workshop

BallaaratMechanics’ Institute 117 Sturt St
bookings:
ronnyferella@gmail.com

The BMI music workshops are an opportunity for musicians of all ages, styles and abilities to spend time with, learn from, and make music with Australian musicians at the top their game.  Each workshop will focus on a particular musical skill/element: including
24th Aug Chords & melody with Stephen Magnusson
19th October Rhythm section development with Ronny Ferella
30th November Reading music with Ronny Ferella
2020
31st January Developing your own musical style with Fran Swinn
27th March Rhythm from other cultures with Javier Fredes

The workshops will be led by drummer/composer Ronny Ferella and include special guests, sharing their expertise on each topic.  A casual and friendly environment where listening and making music is the main game.  Bring your own instrument, or just come to listen.