Single Disciplinary Study

Drumming Apprenticeship with Amir Ziv

Amir’s work centers around three fundamental and style-less aspects of drum-set playing ― technique, coordination, and rhythm study― enabling drummers of any style to attain a deeper command of their instrument.

Rhythm - The most basic element in nature.  
We train to be able to hear and play rhythm from its various points of view. Our study focuses on how simultaneously occurring rhythms (or frequencies) work and relate to each other in the most natural sense when we use rhythm in music. Rhythm in nature is a harmonic event, as can be seen for example in the overtone series. When you play a note on a piano or a flute or sing it with your voice, that note is comprised of many specific overtones or harmonics or frequencies, all happening at once and in different dynamics, in perfect harmony. What we hear is a combination of these frequency waves all relating to the main pulse. The particular combination of these rhythms is what gives a note its particular character. 

Coordination - The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently.
Our focus is on increasing our limb independence in order to arrive at a higher level of coordination. Because the voice vibrates our bodies in the most immediate way, we use it as a 5th limb in order to facilitate a much quicker and deeper learning curve. Greater coordination means greater possibilities in playing multiple melodies at one time on the drum-set, which is already designed for that, it also opens up infinitely greater orchestration possibilities. 

Technique - The way of carrying out a particular task. 
Our focus is on grip, rebound, accent and dynamic control, and pedal/foot techniques. We study natural body motion and how to play in harmony with gravity. When you start realizing how your body is involved in the motion and music between the notes, you very quickly begin to understand how our physical motion affects our sound, time, and feel. 

Aikido Apprenticeship with Gadi Shorr

Gadi utilizes the fighting techniques of the samurai warrior as a teaching tool, instilling the principles of correct physiological functions and the philosophical attitude of a warrior. Whether you’ve been practicing aikido for years, just starting, or experiencing it as a cross-disciplinary study, your training with Gadi will sharpen your focus, elevate your skills, and uplift your spirit.

The principles of correct physiological functions can be defined by three key elements – center (common goal), connection (integration), and flow (productivity). Together the three form an equation that determines the success of their joint venture: 

Connection to the Center creates Flow

There are numerous examples of the application of the equation in the physical world: In organizations, the commitment (Connection) of individuals to the goal of the organization (Center) determines the productivity, (Flow). The bonds between the building blocks of a building (Connection) that maintain the balance of the structure (Center) determine the level of the equilibrium (Flow). These examples demonstrate that in order to perform to their outmost efficiency, the units must commit to their shared goal. In human terms, and due to the complexity of the actions we tend to perform, understanding and being aware of that goal (Center) is imperative. In Aikido, we learn and reinforce these elements through physical activities. The human body is a perfect tool to teach and reinforce the equation of Flow. 

The philosophical attitude of the samurai can be described by one word – Bushido, the way of the warrior. Bushido is an ethical code of conduct that demands the ultimate commitment. A warrior had to be prepared to sacrifice his life in order to fully perform his duties, the outmost obligation to his goal. He had to accept that death can be expected at any second of his day. He had to live in the present, to give every moment of his day the outmost attention, as if every function was his last. In aikido, the samurai spirit is captured through focused and attentive practice in every second of the lesson. And not only during the times in which the technique is practiced:  an even stronger emphasis is placed on the times between the techniques, when the fight is over and mental attitude and focus tends to wane or shift. 

Supplemental studies include training with the staff, knife, and sword, spear throwing, and archery.

Music Composition Apprenticeship with Jordan McLean

Thelonius Monk said “The genius is the one most like [them]self.” The approach to composition studies at LAAP focuses not on one method or “school” of composition; rather we utilize a combination of techniques (rhythmic architecture, counterpoint, tonal and post tonal theory, form creation and modeling, timbre blending and orchestration, etc.) to facilitate the creation of new musical works that reflect each participant’s experience as an artist and as a person. Together we set goals for the work that are both concrete and attainable while also pushing us to grow. This approach allows us to bring the work of the composer from the realm of the individual into the sphere of collaboration and presentation.