Michael Schnack (Austria/USA) "Wandering Syncopations"
"Wandering Syncopations"
A VDM Masterclass with Michael Schnack (Austria/USA)
Here’s a eurhythmic class to help us experience and become more comfortable with syncopations. We will draw inspiration and working material from various repertoires including musical theater, popular music and classical concert pieces from three continents (or more). Moving freely, clapping, stepping, leading group exercises, reading and improvising will be included. I hope to offer some ideas for teaching as well as some challenges for everyone’s personal musical development.
Mastering syncopation takes a lot of practice. This lesson will hopefully provide an overview with possibilities on how to approach the subject in a structured but enjoyable way.
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Michael Schnack piano studies with Amy Mulford. B.A. in music, Yale University (Connecticut, US). Studies in choral conducting in Russia (Gnessin Institute and Moscow Chamber Choir). M.A./D.M.A. in choral conducting and pedagogy, University of Iowa (US). Diplôme supérieur, Méthode Jaques-Dalcroze, Geneva. Since 1990 based in Vienna, Austria. Musical director, conductor, pianist, vocalist for musical theatre productions, industry shows, European tours. Composer of four musicals with professional productions in Austria, Italy, and Slovenia.
Composition awards in Austria, Italy, and the U.S. 1994-2009 Artistic Director of the musical theatre academy Performing Arts Studios Vienna. 2012-2016 Director of Choral Activities and Voice Area Coordinator at Muhlenberg, a small liberal arts college (Pennsylvania, US). 2016-2021 Head of Programme for Musical Theatre at the MUK (University of Music and Art of the City of Vienna). Since 2022 Lecturer in Dalcroze Eurythmics at the mdw (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna).
Masterclass #47 was originally given on March 8/9, 2026.
Eurhythmics: syncopation; syncopation from beat 1, 2, 3, and 4; popular music examples of syncopation; pedagogy of syncopation
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