Masterclasses with saxophonist, composer and teacher Ben Fitzpatrick

11.04.2021

We invite you to attend one of the masterclasses led by performer, composer and teacher Ben Fitzpatrick. Ben will share with you the knowledge and experience he has gained by working with some of the biggest names in jazz such as: Wynton Marsalis, Sean Jones, Vincent Gardner, Lalah Hathway, Lincoln center Youth Orchestra and others. Send the reservation directly to Ben's mailbox: booking.benfitzpatrick@gmail.com

Masterclasses

Zoom Improvisation Masterclass

In this masterclass, I will speak exclusively about improvisation. I will go into detail about form, how to communicate with a band in the moment, harmony, and a few other topics. We will also discuss some of Jazz music’s iconic recordings as a reference. This workshop can be done with just me or a full band.

Duration- 2 hours
Cost (Ben)- 100 EUR
Cost (Full Band)- 270 EUR

* the lesson can be attended by several students. In this case, the cost is shared between all participants

Zoom Full Band Open Rehearsal Masterclass

In this masterclass, I bring the students into a “real” live situation with a full band. We will rehearse music at the beginning of the class, then open it up for questions from the students. After the question and answer session, we will conclude the session with a 40-minute concert of the music previously rehearsed.

Duration- 2 hours Cost- 270 EUR

* the lesson can be attended by several students. In this case, the cost is shared between all participants

Zoom Band Coaching Masterclass

In this masterclass, I will coach a band. We will speak about topics such as section playing, tuning, improvisation within a large ensemble, the role of a rhythm section in a large ensemble, and more! I will also ask for the repertoire and recordings of the group a couple of weeks before the class so that I can prepare.

Duration- 2 hours Cost- 150 EUR

* the lesson can be attended by several students. In this case, the cost is shared between all participants

 

More about Ben

Music Performance Experience

2014- 2020​ Performed concerts around the world (at venues such as;
Bimhuis, Carnegie Hall, Zinc Bar, Dizzy’s Club Coca- Cola, The Appel Room)
with Sean Jones, Vincent Gardner, Wynton Marsalis, Seamus Blake, Aaron
Parks, Jimmy Heath, Lalah Hathaway, Georgie Fame, etc.
2017- 2020​ Freelancing performer with various groups (Bimhuis, Tivoli Vredenburg, Dutch Jazz Festivals)

2019​ Zinc Bar (USA) with Seamus Blake
2018​ Bimhuis (NL) with Aaron Parks
2016 Jimmy Greene Big Band @Dizzy's Club NYC
2016​ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Winton Marsalis
2013 - 2016​ Grammy Awards Big Bans - Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute
Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute (concerts at various top NYC venues)

2014 - 2016​ Manhattan School of Music Combo - Alto Saxophone
2014 - 2016​ Manhattan School of Music Big Band - Baritone Saxophone

2015 Carnegie Hall (Abyssinian Mass 200) Featured Soloist

2015 CT Western Region Festival

​2015 CT All-State Festival
2015 ​Caramoor Jazz Festival
2015 Lead Alto All National Honor Jazz Ensemble
2014 Carnegie Hall (Duke Ellington Sacred Music) Featured Soloist

​2014 CT All-State Festival
2014CT Western Region Festival

Music Teaching Experience

2017- 2020​ Fitzpatrick Music

(Private saxophone, clarinet technique, and improvisation lessons.) 2016​ Bach to Rock
(Woodwind and Piano Instructor.)
2015- 2016 ​Starry Sky Studios

(Saxophone/ Piano Lessons.)
2014- 2016​ Bethel HS Jazz Band
2014​ A Common Ground, Danbury, CT
(Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute Music Teacher.)
2012 – 2013​​ Sons Of Portugal Marching Band, Danbury, CT (Saxophone & Clarinet Music Teacher.)

Composition/ Arranging Experience

2018- 2020​ Ben Fitzpatrick Sextet
2017- 2020​ Ben Fitzpatrick Quartet
2017​ Commission for a big band arrangement
2016​ Arrangement for pit orchestra (The Little Mermaid) 2015​ Arrangement for pit orchestra (The Lion King)

Employment History

2012 - 2020​ Freelancing
2017 - 2020​ Fitzpatrick Music
2015 - 2016​ Starry Sky Studios Bethel, CT 2014​ A Common Ground, Danbury, CT

Education

2020 - 2022 ​Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Jazz Saxophone MA) 2017 - 2020​ Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Jazz Saxophone BA) 2016 - 2017​ Western Connecticut State University (Jazz performance) 2016 - 2017​ Saxophone Lessons Jimmy Greene

2014 - 2016​ Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program 2016​ Bard Summer Jazz Academy
2015 - 2016​ Saxophone lessons with Ted Nash
2014 - 2016​ Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute Lessons Vito Chiavuzzo 2012 - 2016​​ Bethel High School

2015 ​Castleton Summer Jazz Academy

2014 - 2016​ Saxophone Lessons instructed by Joe Temperley 2014​ Saxophone Lessons Instructed by Jimmy Greene
2013​ Saxophone Lessons instructed by Collin Wade
2012 - 2013​ Saxophone Lessons instructed by Jessica Bardelli 2010 - 2011​ Piano Lessons instructed by Sarah DeShan

Recordings

2017​ “Coalescence” (Baritone Saxophone/ Flute) 2016​ “Grammy 24” (Baritone Saxophone)

Honors and Affiliations

2019​ 2015​ 2015​ 2015​ 2013 2013​ 2013 2013 2013

2019 Expression of Art Award (NL)
2015 Louis Armstrong Jazz Award (USA)
2015 Berklee School of Music Outstanding Musician Award (USA)

2015 Darien Best Soloist (USA)

2013 - 2016​ Tri-M Music Honor Society (USA)
2013 Berklee School of Music Judges Choice Award (USA)

2013 - 2014​ Woody Herman Jazz Award (USA)
2013 - 2014​ Best Soloist Norwalk Jazz Festival (USA) 

2013 - 2014 ​Best Soloist WCSU Jazz Festival (USA)

News

2014​ New York Times article on Carnegie Hall performance:​ ​http://tinyurl.com/zua5j6v
2016​ Newstimes article on performing at the GRAMMY Awards

https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Bethel-student-to-show-off-talents-at-Grammys-6807349.php