Tuesday Tunes: Live Music In Dance Class

Framers, today we’re looking at a dance class from a different perspective: the perspective of a musician accompanying a dance class. So I interviewed Kirk Suddreath to get a some more details.
 

Tuesday Tunes: Kirk Suddreath

 

kirk_framerR: What do you find to be the most challenging part about playing live music for a dance class?   

K: I very much enjoy providing musical accompaniment for dance classes. I enjoy the “in the moment” communication between the teacher, the dancers, and myself. As a percussionist, most of my experience playing music involves collaboration with other musicians, but playing for dance allows me to basically improvise to the meet the immediate needs of the class. The most challenging part would be interpreting the teaching style of each teacher, finding their level of musicality, and identifying how they are most comfortable communicating what they want. 

R: Who inspires you musically?

K: I have had the privilege to play, perform, and create music with so many talented people. I can honestly say that I have been inspired in some way by most of them. Because I don’t pigeon-hole myself to be a certain type of drummer, I dabble in several different styles of music, and therefore have had the opportunity to play with a wide variety of musicians. Most of the bands or projects I have played with have focused on original or improvisational music, so I am directly inspired and influenced by the talents and styles of the musicians in each particular ensemble.

R: Where can we find you playing for dance classes?

photo by Simon Gentry
photo by Simon Gentry

Weekly Schedule:
– Mondays at Houston Metropolitan Dance Center – Intro Modern at 6:30 pm / Open Modern at 7:30 pm. 
– Tuesdays starting September 9th at Houston Community College campus dance space – Intermediate Modern at 6:30 pm taught by Jane Weiner ($10).
– Thursdays starting September 4th at Houston Metropolitan Dance Center – Intermediate Modern at 6:00 pm taught by Courtney Jones
– Fridays at Houston Ballet Academy – (not open to public) mid day classes taught by Jane Weiner.
– Saturdays at Houston Ballet Academy – Adapted Dance taught by Jennifer Sommers (a wonderful and rewarding program teaching dance to young children with Down Syndrome).
K: I am also privileged to occasionally get invited to play for the MET Dance company classes. Friday September 5th at 10:00 am at The Barn I will be playing for professional level modern dance taught by Jacquelyne Boe ($10).   
Tuesday Tunes

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