Workshops
Workshops
Naomi is passionate about working with musicians to cultivate improvisation skills and their own authentic expression in music. She works with music educators to foster learning environments that support marginalized students in developing their musicianship. She has led workshops and given performances at schools across the country, offering interactive, holistic approaches to sparking new ways to grow as creative musicians and educators. Her teaching pursuits lie at the intersection of improvisation, embodiment, and social justice within the music world.
Testimonials
Naomi has a way of harnessing creativity to aid self-expression while spreading healing and equality through music. A leader by example, she skillfully does this in her own art, and inspires students how to as well.
—Dr. Doug Scarborough, Director of Jazz Studies, Whitman College
Naomi led students to identify and question their own ideas of stereotypes about jazz musicians of different genders, races, and ethnicities. In her improvisation workshop, she engaged students in guided activities that gave them a great sense of confidence and ease at expressing themselves through music. In both cases, Naomi provided powerful techniques and clear directions on using them to make great progress toward personal evolution, And while she demanded a lot from the students, she also created a calm atmosphere in which to work and explore, which made the benefits even more effective..
—Jeffrey Chappell, Director of Jazz Studies, Goucher College
Naomi Siegel conducted an exceptional workshop for the jazz students of Garfield High School. I’m grateful that she is addressing issues surrounding women in jazz, a topic that deserves far more attention, especially for younger musicians. The exercises Naomi used were engaging, thoughtful and cultivated a strong feeling of teamwork and very sensitive listening. A refreshing perspective on musicality.
—Jacob Zimmerman, Director of Jazz Ensemble 3, Garfield High School
Naomi hosted a presentation to our faculty on addressing and tearing-down gender, racial and other demographic stereotypes. The activity required the faculty to open up and communicate about the stigmas behind each demographic group, and while it was uncomfortable at first – there was a sense of relief, empathy and understanding after the workshop. The following day, on the first day of camp, Naomi mirrored this presentation for the 200+ students in attendance. While observing the class from afar, I again experienced the uneasiness and awkwardness that comes with teenager attempts to address subjects like racism, sexism & inequality – but in the end, our students opened up their minds wholeheartedly and were eager to break-down barriers and stereotypes. In my eyes, Naomi’s presentation set the tone of inclusivity, appreciation and sensitivity for the entire week. I know that Naomi’s work with our faculty and students rippled out into the sea of inclusivity experienced at camp, and it’s our hope that this energy will ripple out into the greater ocean of the jazz scene. —Steven Lugerner, Camp Co-director, Stanford Jazz Workshop
Naomi Siegel and Kate Olson gave an outstanding lecture-demonstration of their electroacoustic duo project Syrinx Effect for the UCLA Intercultural Improvisation Ensemble in the spring of 2014. Naomi’s unique approach to her instrument, and their deep and sophisticated understanding of how to use electronic amplification and looping techniques to open new avenues for creative expression, offered an inspiring model for my students. They also demonstrated warmth and curiosity as they led us in a number of improvised music exercises that helped us practice new ways of listening to one another. –Alex W. Rodriguez, Improviser, Trombonist, PhD Candidate in Ethnomusicology, UCLA
Naomi is calm, focused, brilliant and *cool*. She puts the most nervous students at ease, adapts her content and presentation to meet every player’s needs, and casts a spell over the whole group.
—Deb Schaaf, Director of Bands and Jazz, Jane Addams Middle School