Workshop with Vincent Gardner (US): What Instrumentalists Want from the Rhythm Section

Join world-renowned trombonist and educator Vincent Gardner (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra) for an engaging and insightful workshop exploring the essential relationship between soloists and the rhythm section. Open to all instrumentalists and vocalists, this session will dive into what frontline players truly want—and need—from the rhythm section to create dynamic, musical interactions.

Learn how to clearly communicate your ideas, shape the direction of your solos, and respond effectively to the energy and feel provided by the rhythm section. Vincent will also break down the elements of strong musical dialogue, including groove, time, space, and harmonic clarity, to help musicians of all levels elevate their performance and ensemble awareness.

Whether you're comping, walking, soloing, or scatting, this workshop will give you the tools to get the most out of every musical conversation. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the great voices in modern jazz.

About Vincent Gardner

Vincent Gardner was born in Chicago and raised in Hampton, Virginia. He attended Florida A&M University and the University of North Florida, soon connecting with Mercer Ellington, who hired Gardner for his first professional job. After moving to Brooklyn, he completed a world tour with Lauryn Hill, then joined the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Gardner has served as instructor at The Juilliard School, visiting instructor at Florida State University and Michigan State University, and adjunct instructor at The New School.

He serves as Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, and an instructor at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Swing University. In 2009, Gardner was commissioned by Jazz at Lincoln Center to write The Jesse B. Semple Suite inspired by the short stories of Langston Hughes. Featured on a number of notable recordings, Gardner has recorded five leader CDs for Steeplechase Records.

He earned first place as Rising Star Trombonist in the 2014 DownBeat Critics Poll, and has performed with The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Bobby McFerrin, Harry Connick, Jr., The Saturday Night Live Band, Chaka Khan, A Tribe Called Quest, and many others.

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

Sunday 17th August 2025

$40 Entry (+GST & BF)

3PM to 5PM