Scores and parts are available upon request at varying rates.

More to come soon…

I teach Saxophone, Piano and Theory/Compositions through Brooklyn Music Lessons.

To sign up for lessons please go to my BML page here: http://brooklynmusiclessons.com/Michael-Kammers

“As a professional Saxophonist/Pianist/Composer/Bandleader and Educator, I concentrate my years of experience into a laid back, professional teaching style that is as effective as it is adaptable to each student’s goals and learning style.

Once a rapport is established with the student and I have an understanding of the student’s level, approach, goals and level of interest, we work together to craft a program of study that is clear, focused and effective for the individual.

Whether teaching Saxophone, Piano, or Theory, I generally try to break up my students’ study into areas Tone/Time/Technique/Theory/Creativity with a focus on fundamentals. Again, this is all dependent on the student’s needs and wants. I try avoiding a dogmatic approach and craft the approach to the student, not the other way around. This generally requires a fair amount of thought and engagement from the student.”

Email me!

management (at) mkmkmk.com

MKGO BIG BAND WORKSHOP

Developed in 2008 to supplement the traditional university jazz curriculum, the MKGO big band workshop introduces students to concepts pioneered by artists including Steve Coleman, Ornette Coleman, Henry Threadgill and Sun Ra.

Presented in a large group format, the clinic focuses the application of techniques such as non-traditional meters, harmonic extrapolation, free form playing, drum chant (clave), a cappella horn settings, and modern arrangement.

Download a pdf of some samples from the clinic.

Testimonials:

During the course of his well-organized and exciting workshop at Onondaga Community College, Mike Kammers, with the help of his accomplished musicians, engaged, stimulated, and challenged the students in my band while opening their eyes, ears, and minds to the wider world of cutting-edge jazz and jazz improvisation. His workshop and concert sessions were an unforgettable experience for my band and created a buzz that carried through the remainder of our school year, informing our rehearsals and concerts alike.

-Steve Frank Director of Jazz Studies, Onondaga Community College

Here is a promo clip:

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Around the World with MK in 80 Minutes: Assimilating the vast amounts of cultural and musical information available in today’s digital age into a cohesive, informed musical whole

In the fall of 2010, I was invited to Villa Maria College in Buffalo, NY by my good friend and colleague Brian DeAngelo to play some solo saxophone and speak about it at the world music class he teaches there. After some discussion and thought, we decided it best for me to put together a class about various musics from around the world and how they relate to what we do in our music in the MK Trio.

Incorporating discussion, performance, lecture and multimedia, we covered the African diaspora and colonialism’s effect on the spread of West African rhythms through the caribbean and the world, the musical results of the mingling and hybridization of these musics, and how we have incorporated them into our own music in an informed manner.

I also prepared sections on Jamaican music as well as R+B and the Blues, but alas there was not enough time.

Below is a short video with highlights from the class:

VIDEO COMING SOON

Click Here for some sample slides from the power point presentation.

Click Here for some more!

All content Copyright Michael Kammers and Neoplatonic Publishing 2011

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MK has been a clinician at:

-Onondaga Community College – Syracuse, NY – Fall 2008 – MKGO big band workshop
-Villa Maria College – Buffalo, NY – Fall 2010 – World Music Lecture
-University of North Texas – Denton, TX – Winter 2011 – Composition Workshop (w/ Suite Unraveling)
-University of North Texas – Denton, TX – Winter 2011 – Performance/Rhythm Workshop (w/Suite Unraveling)
-Cal State Eastbay – Oakland, CA – January 2011 – Jazz Workshop (w/ The Suite Unraveling)
-Villa Maria College – Buffalo, NY – September 2011 – World Music Demonstration
-Texas A+M – College Station, TX – November 2011 – Composition Residency/Performance
-Metropolitan Arts Institute (Charter High School) – Phoenix, ZA – August 2012 – Lecture/Performance w/ The Funk Ark

The newest jams…

Here is some music that I am fond of that isn’t associated with any of my current projects. For music associated with a specific project, please click on that project’s icon.

From the vaults, for your listening pleasure…

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“Lost” – Solo piano composed and performed by MK summer of 2006 at Janet Lawson’s in the Poconos.

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Sax drum duo with my good friend Adam Sorenson.  Recorded by Abe Seiferth  in the Fall of 2005 at our old loft in South Williamsburg.

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Walk Away – Another original of mine performed by J.P. Gilbert on Guitar, Adam Sorenson and myself.  We were in a trio that will always hold a special place in my heart called the Elemental Tri-Force.  Recorded at same session as above.

This song is about a memory I have from my youth.  I was in bed falling asleep and was awoken by the sound of my Mother sobbing over the phone to a friend about a heart wrenching recurring dream she used to have involving her deceased daughter.   It’s interesting how these things can stay with someone and be manifested down the road in different forms.  But these sounds are inextricably to connected to that experience.

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Another old Tri-Force Gem

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Recorded and composed at my Grandparents and Uncle Joe and Aunt Judy’s in the first half of 2008.  Vocal parts performed by yours truly.  What can I say, garage Band is fun.

More audio to come check back soon…

Syracuse native Michael Kammers has been a creative force in the Brooklyn underground music scene since he moved to New York City in 2001 to attend the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. While earning his BFA, Kammers studied with George Garzone, Jane Ira Bloom, Kirk Nurock, Robert Sadin, Bobby Sanabria, and Reggie Workman. His experiences studying at the New School and performing regularly in New York have given him the opportunity to perform and engage with a wide variety of musics that inform his creative voice, including traditional and free jazz, Afro-Cuban, funk, rock, Afrobeat, R+B, Reggae and more.

Driven by a strong urge to create, Kammers founded the MK Groove Orchestra in 2002. Since that time, the orchestra has played regularly in New York City at venues including the Blue Note and Southpaw and traveled Upstate to play at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Syracuse Jazz in the Square Festival, and the Tralf Music Hall.

Kammers also established the MK Groove Trio, a subset of the orchestra, and Abacus, and is a member of the Suite Unraveling. Kammers has released three albums (MK Groove Orchestra and Abacus) featuring almost exclusively his original compositions.

Active as an educator as well as a bandleader, Kammers developed the MKGO Clinic in 2008. Designed to supplement the traditional jazz curriculum, the clinics introduce students to concepts pioneered by Steve Coleman, Ornette Coleman, Henry Threadgill, and Sun Ra. He teaches privately as well as in large groups.

On top of leading his own projects and teaching Kammers has managed to perform, record and arrange horns for a wide range of artists, recent highlights include performances, tours and/or albums with: Akron/Family (Love Is Sax 2009, Set Em’ Wild, Set ‘Em Free 2010), The Heavy Pets (Self Titled, 2010 arranger/saxophone.), Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, The Easy Star All Stars and Reverend Vince and his Love Choir to name but a few.