Avers and Albert created an improvisation/silent film class for ensembles in 2014. The class was intended for classically-trained ensembles that wish to achieve a greater range of expression, creativity, listening and cohesion as a group. The silent films become a vehicle by which students can learn musical dialogue; to imitate, contrast, be silent, complement, solo or be “the bad guy”.

2-4 hours, for all instruments. Preferrably no more than 12 students. We begin with understanding the characteristic of each instrument in the group. We learn how to bow and sit together at the same time. We learn the improv comedy maxim “Yes, and…” We work in small groups and play the cafe game. We take time to listen to each of the improvised dialogues and comment. We make larger groups, and begin using silent films to evoke tempo, meter, feel, colour among other things. We go through the “6 types of interactions” as an entire group using silent films to keep the group on track. In classes over several days, we instruct the compositional formulas found in the “vaudeville style”, and apply it to a 3-minute Buster Keaton segment.

October 12, 2020

Re: Avers/Albert at the GFA Guitar Summit

I want to thank you again for the amazing experience you created and delivered to our students and staffof the 2019 Guitar Foundation of America Summit in Miami, Florida, USA. The impact of your teaching, demonstrating, and facilitating at our youth camp for classical guitarists around the world has continued to live on in my own teaching, as I can confidently say your presentation and unique approach were very enlightening and inspiring to me. I have always known creativity to be at the center of what we do, and that we must constantly strive to and ways to have that at the center of our teaching, learning, and engagement. You taught me how to take that to another level.

As for the students, the experience was transformational. You literally took a group of strangers and in a short amount of time, made them not only creative artists, but perhaps most importantly you made them a team. The activities you detailed so well and demonstrated so enthusiastically allowed the students to let their guards down, be vulnerable, and in the end be free to create with their imagination and skills.

The use of silent film as a means to see a story and have it stimulate one’s creative mind to improvise music in the moment demonstrated so much about how we interact, communicate, and express feelings though music. That fact that you were able to take individuals, empower them with ideas and strategies, and make improvisational ensembles in such a short time was really a joy to see. I cant wait for an opportunity to bring you to the US again and have you work with my students. You are a treasure and a valuable colleague. I cannot say enough about how strongly I feel towards the quality, impact, and importance of your work.

Sincerely yours,

Chuck Hulihan

GFA Guitar Summit Director