Testimonials

Testimonials from previous/current students:

"I learnt more than I ever did in the past few months with my previous guitar teacher simply because he (Az) can effectively get the message across while keeping the subject matter simple. You won't regret it!"

Arthur Song, age 17, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

__________________________

"Az Samad is a wonderful musician and teacher. He is familiar with a vast array of guitar styles and techniques from classical to contemporary. What's more, he knows how explain the guitar in simple terms."

Eli Harrison, M.Mus. student, San Francisco, California. 

__________________________

"Az has a flawless technique for teaching guitar concepts, and is one of the top guitar players in the Bay Area. I highly recommend him for lessons or gigs!"

Keith Hunter, age 22, SJSU Music Education and Trombone Performance major, San Jose, California.

__________________________

"Az Samad is not only an incredible performer but has the ability to explain the techniques behind his phenomenal playing. His knowledge expands from Classical to nearly every contemporary style under the sun. Along with his teaching skills, Az has the ability to truly inspire his students to be outstanding musicians. Mr. Samad's teaching style is perfect for beginner, intermediate and advanced students!"

Alex Upegui, SJSU B.A. in Vocal Performance, San Jose, California.

__________________________

"Through our weekly guitar lessons, Az has inspired me in fingerstyle guitar. Our musical pursuits in class as student and teacher have broaden both our musical interests in terms of genre; our sources of music come from the current Top 40s to videos on YouTube, to classical sheet music. Az is an awesome teacher who is passionate about every song he plays."

Johnny Wong, High School Student, Fremont, California.

__________________________

"As a student of many guitar instructors, Mr. Az Samad stands among the greats. His humble and patient approach, along with a wide breadth of knowledge, combines to create a perfect learning environment. Mr. Samad has an innate ability to pinpoint problem areas and focus your practice in a way that is enjoyable and highly productive. Simply put, a lesson with Mr. Samad is a truly 'Azesome' experience."

Mason Hutchinson, SJSU Undergraduate, San Jose, California.

__________________________

" My lessons with Az has turned out to be one of the most valuable and worthwhile experience throughout all the time I've spent on the guitar. It is not just the instruction of technique but the impartation of his experiences, thoughts & observations, interjected with humour and good advice that sets him apart from the rest. Highly skilled and an excellent teacher, Az is a must for anyone looking to improve themselves as a guitarist. "

Aidan Chung, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

__________________________

"Az Samad was born to play teach and play the guitar! He is a natural! His style of teaching is easy to understand. Each time I met with him I was amazed at how easily he could get his point across. Every time I asked him a question in class, he was always knew the answer. Az is an excellent teacher! He is patient, kind and an expert at his craft! You will do well to learn from him."

Barbara Ramos, SJSU Music Education Major, San Jose, California.

__________________________

"As a private student of Az, I can simply say that no other private lesson I've attended was as comprehensive for both practical & theory. Not a single minute was wasted. The session I attended filled me full of new knowledge & vision that I later applied to my very own music.

Az was so helpful that he was even willing to let me organize a group workshop for my guitar community, ACPickers. Everyone who attended the workshop had nothing but good things to say and were satisfied with the overall output! I'm already looking forward for the next one which is coming soon at the end of the year!

Az is not only a great performer - full of sense of humor but also great educator who is willing to teach and share all that he has learnt and experienced!"

Yowech Yong, Guitarist and Music Teacher, Malacca, Malaysia.

Teaching Highlights

Recent Workshop:
Tues, Feb 21 | University of Asia and The Pacific, Philippines
Campus Workshop Tour in conjunction with Philippines International Jazz Fest 

Currently scheduling workshops for 2012. Interested in organizing one? Contact me here!

I've Conducted Workshops At: 


___________________

Online Lessons/Transcriptions

Truefire.com Lesson - 4 Exercises For The Right Hand (US$0.99 - includes MP3 and PDF file)

Free Lessons:

Hybrid Chords and the II-V-I Chord Progression (includes MP3 & PDF)
CAGED Fingering Concept
Ideas on how to learn a song
Latah Setinggan Transcription - A section
Score/Transcription for Senja Mula Menangis

And more free lessons on:
www.achordaday.com
guitarharmony.blogspot.com

Selected blog posts:

On composing (March 5, 2004)
On the creative process (March 31, 2004)
Music and inspiration (Jun 1, 2004)
On attending Eric Roche's Residential Guitar Workshop (Oct 10, 2004)
Different aspects of the guitar (Oct 14, 2004)
Random notes about the guitar (Oct 29, 2004)

______________________

I've taught at:

Northern California Music & Art Culture Center (NCMACC) , San Francisco, CA

SF Guitars Not Guns (Beginner and Intermediate Group Guitar Classes) - San Francisco, CA
The Music School, Sunnyvale, CA
Berklee College Of Music (Faculty, Berklee Summer Guitar Sessions 2007 & 2008) - Boston,MA
The North Beach Teen Program Guitar Classes @ Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center - San Francisco, CA
San Jose State University (Co-teacher for Guitar Fundamentals Class and Teaching Assistant for Jazz Improvisation I Class)
De Anza College (Teaching Assistant for Intermediate/Advanced Guitar Class)

And conducted music workshops at:

Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, USA. 
Freight and Salvage, Berkeley, California, USA.
Culturefest 2008, Pipestem, West Virginia, USA.
San Jose State University, San Jose, California, USA.
Evergreen Valley High School, San Jose, California, USA. (Guitar Outreach w/ Steve Lin)
International College Of Music, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Malaysian Institute of Art, Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
AC Pickers @ Freeman Guitars, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Guitar Collection Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Music Hut, Damansara Perdana, Malaysia
Young Choral Academy, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Damansara Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Kl SingSong Festival 2006

« Lessons for All Musicians | Main | »
Monday
Oct032011

You Can Learn Jazz! with Az Samad

Workshop at International College of Music (ICOM), Kuala Lumpur [photo credit: Yin Yin Boey]

For ages 11-19, this 3-day holiday programme introduces young guitarists and vocalists to Jazz. Even if you’ve never played Jazz, you can learn the scales, rhythms and other things that make the music!

When you take the class with me, you will:

  • have fun singing and playing melodies that teach you how to sound “Jazz”,
  • learn cool Jazz Chords with funky names
  • learn how to start soloing (step by step!)
  • get to perform together in a Final Performance to play the songs we learned

Watch and listen to Jazz from different eras, and learn how to recognize their jazz tricks and patterns which you can easily use too and sound instantly cool!

You’ll know know how to be hip and start talking like a Jazz Cat!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where will I be learning all that Jazz?
You can choose between two locations: @YCA Taipan, Subang Jaya or @YCA Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI)

When do I get to learn all this?
During the school holidays! You can choose between:
21 – 23 Nov (Mon – Wed) @YCA Taipan, Subang Jaya
or
28 – 30 Nov (Mon – Wed) @YCA Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI)

I play electric guitar. Do I need to bring my own amp to the class?
Yes, you’ll need to bring a small practice amp. I repeat - a small practice amp. There will be no amps available at YCA.

I play acoustic guitar/classical guitar. Can I play without an amp?
Yes, you can!

Do I have to be able to read music?
Yes, you have to be able to read music  (for guitarists) and sight-sing (for vocalists).

I’m a guitarist and I can read tablature better than notes. Are you including tablature or chord diagrams in the handouts?
Yes I will but to get the most out of the class, it’s good if you can practice reading more before the workshop. There’s time!

I’ve never played or sung Jazz before. Can I still enroll?

Yes, this is an introduction to Jazz. We’ll start from the very basics so you’ll understand it and have lots of fun too!

How many people are in class? 
You'll be one of 12 Jazz cats! I could have taken more students but didn't. This is to make sure that you'll get the attention you deserve. You'll be able to learn to play Jazz and sound awesome!

It's only 12 students 
 for each class location: 

12 students for classes at YCA Taipan and 12 students for YCA Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI).

Here's the info again so you can have a quick overview:

@YCA Taipan, Subang Jaya
Dates: 21 – 23 Nov (Mon – Wed)
Time: 4.30pm – 8pm
Youth (11 – 19 yrs)
Final performance:
23 Nov 8pm, YCA Taipan

@YCA Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI)
28 – 30 Nov (Mon – Wed)
Time: 4.30pm – 8pm
Youth (11 – 19 yrs)
Final performance:
30 Nov 8pm, YCA TTDI

Fee: RM500 per participant

Enroll today by e-mail at:
youngchoral@gmail.com (TTDI)
youngchoral.usj@gmail.com (Taipan, USJ)

or call now:
TTDI Branch:
+6014-6242733
+603-77264691

Taipan, USJ Branch:
+6016-238 9548

Wait a sec... I have friends that might be interested in this workshop. How can I share the info with them?
Here are a few ways:

1) Copy & Paste this link to friends

2) Tweet about it on Twitter >>  

 3) Like this on Facebook >> 

 Thank you! =)

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Workshop Locations:

Young Choral Academy (TTDI)
114A, Jln Burhanuddin Helmi,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur.
general line (TTDI):
+6014-6242733
+603-77264691
fax (TTDI):
+603-77251713

Young Choral Academy (Taipan, USJ)
21-2 Jalan USJ 10/1A,
Taipan, 47620 Subang Jaya
general line (USJ):
+6016-238 9548

email:
youngchoral@gmail.com (TTDI)
youngchoral.usj@gmail.com (Taipan, USJ)

website: www.youngchoral.com
opening hours: Mon – Sat:10am – 6pm

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