Reviews

I am astounded by the change in my playing

This is just an extract of our rehearsal this afternoon for tomorrows gig. My solo comes from a place of total inspiration from this course and your teachings. I am astounded by the change in my playing since starting this course with everyone...thank you all !! (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Andy Day

guitar, Australia

I feel like a real musician now

I have been playing guitar for many years now and have always felt technically proficient, yet disconnected with music. After delving through a lot of the IFR content, taking private lessons and taking Jelske's courses, I feel like I have grown immensely in my musicianship. Although my ear is still developing, I feel like a real musician now. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Josiah McCredie

guitar, Australia

Helps remove barriers

I have always felt overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge I thought was needed so as to impress other people with the technical facility I believed I had to demonstrate while improvising. The exercises that we have been given to work on, with the direction to listen and feel, really helps remove that barrier. I am now very hopeful that I will become a decent improviser but aware that there is still a long way to go. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Tony Farrell

trumpet & saxophone, United Kingdom

Taught me how to perceive and understand rhythmic structure

Before I took this course, I thought mainly about the notes that I was playing and only thought vaguely about the rhythm, but Jelske taught me how to perceive and precisely understand the rhythmic structure of the melodic lines that I am both hearing and playing and to place my attention there as much as on the musical notes. I can't recommend this course enough. (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Dan Kelly

guitar, USA

Something I can recommend to every musician!

I watch the video lessons daily. During my coffee break in the morning I listen to one lesson. In the afternoon I practice several exercises on my saxophone. It's so inspiring and I really like the way it you present the lessons: organic, informal and with nice examples. It's a total new impulse to my music practice, something I can recommend to every musician! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - self-study course)

Yolande Adriaans

alto saxophone, The Netherlands

Appreciated the quality of the feedback and resources

What I've really appreciated that sets this course apart is the quality of the feedback - always timely and also with detail. And the quality of resources - the lessons laid out well in the short videos and especially the extra audio files and jamtracks that scaffold the lessons, really helpful. Much looking forward to the next one, whatever that will be! (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Charlie Rice

alto saxophone & bass clarinet, United Kingdom

Let go of inhibitions to create original melodies

Thank you for your wonderful instruction over the past 6 months! I really do feel like you were the right teacher with the right material for me at the right time. What I most value from your classes were learning how to let go of inhibitions to create original melodies, and a practical method to analyse chord progressions in tunes. I realize I'm still a beginner at this, but recognize it's a lifelong journey that I intend to continue for as long as I can. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising and Mixed Harmony - online group courses)

John White

cornet, United States

Using it everywhere in my playing

I absolutely love the course. I’m learning tons and using it everywhere in my playing. (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Joe Schultz

guitar, United States

A freedom in my playing that I never had before

I can't believe we are nearing the end of this 12-week course, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have started to learn a freedom in my playing that I have never had before, but appreciate I have a long way to go and must become more "mature"! My thanks to Jelske for the course and her individual tuition, which has been much appreciated. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Peter Guntrip

Trombone, United Kingdom

I now feel like a musician

I can play solos on about 50 gypsy jazz tunes, bits and licks that I have learned, but by this method, the tunes are simplified and I can shut my eyes, tune into what is around and inside me, and play it. I am not repeating something I did last time, I trust my understanding of the music, and my feel and just play!! That's what proper musicians do, and I thought I would never be able to do that as I have spent so many years reading parts. This is a new way of playing for me. Jelske so you are so positive and patient and intelligent and the method really seems to work. Your wisdom as a person shows in your playing and teaching. It's funny, I now feel like a musician, like I am not faking it anymore. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising and Mixed Harmony- online group courses)

Julia Farrants

cello, United Kingdom

A good start on being able to play what I hear

I feel like I have made a good start on being able to play what I hear (including phrasing, articulation and dynamics). I have given time and attention to each of these areas throughout the course, so that is an achievement of itself. I think this is just the beginning of this aural-focussed approach for me and I want to keep pursuing it. Thanks again to Jelske for the course, her time, feedback and energy. Thanks to all my fellow students for sharing the learning journey together, hope to see you again on other courses. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Matt Thompson

piano, Australia

More in control of rhythm

This was a great course and I really learned a lot. I’m more in control of rhythm and be more able to play freely with it. Jelske, you are a great teacher! And I would like to do the course for a second time, because there is still so much to learn and discover for me. (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Yvonne Olgers

tenor saxophone, The Netherlands

Any time I play I can try something new

After playing the trumpet for 40 years in which I solely played from sheet music, I have discovered an entire new approach of playing music and have completely fallen in love again with my instrument. I enjoy practicing very much, because any time I play I can try something new. That gives me enormous pleasure in playing my favorite instrument. That's what I have managed to take out of your course, and it is solely your achievement. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Johannes Frerick

trumpet, The Netherlands

A true eye-opener

This whole course is one big “aha-erlebnis“, a true eye-opener. Thanks to the IFR method, but especially thanks to Jelske’s very clear video lessons and constructive feedback. Thank you very much Jelske, now I feel confident enough to start your sequel course! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Christel van Geldorp

tenor saxophone, The Netherlands

It’s like having access to a master coach!

I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the art of improvisation. I feel like I could ask any question and Jelske would respond with a very thorough answer. It’s like having access to a master coach! I am now more connected to how harmony flows through the major scale and I am making progress on my instrument as far as hearing ideas in my head and executing them on the guitar. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Mark Margolies

guitar, United States

I feel that my playing of swing has improved

I think this was an excellent workshop, I feel that my playing of swing has improved. This workshop has opened my eyes to the range of rhythmic possibilities. I believe that the most important aspects of rhythm are feeling the rhythm and playing it with precision. I have a long way to go in these areas. It's up to me to take what I have learned and keep practicing. (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Norman Star

alto saxophone, United States

I especially liked the way you kindly interacted with all of us

I really enjoyed this workshop. I especially liked the way you kindly interacted with all of us, the way you managed to extract the most crucial elements from the IFR method and present these in a directly actionable way, while the method can sometimes appears quite "abstract", "philosophical" when you study it alone by yourself, the encouragements to try it out, to experiment, just taking the chance, even with another instrument like you did or our voice, without any fear. Also the reference to some very inspiring books! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Philippe Rossant

altosaxophone, France

I definitely feel more confident

I definitely feel more confident. I have more knowledge in playing which makes me a lot more secure. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Rolf Rosing

piano, The Netherlands

Helped me approach my practice in a more relaxed and experimental way

I have recently completed Introduction in Melodic Improvisation, and really enjoyed the experience. As a highly structured, methodic over thinker, I found Jelske's approach to teaching about melody, harmony and improvisation over it refreshing. Her teachings helped me approach my practice in a more relaxed and experimental way, paying more attention to listening to the sounds, and developing a curiosity for further experimentation, without fear of failure. I continue to apply the practice tips featured in this course and feel that my listening skills and my ability to connect voice to instrument has improved dramatically. I have learned a huge amount from Jelske and I thank her for her teachings and the amount of time she took to deal with my queries over email. This is a great course.(Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Sandra Onions

alto saxophone, United Kingdom

I was encouraged to just do instead of think

During Jelske’s lessons I was encouraged to just do (instead of think), which helped me progress not only musically, but also personally. The lessons were very structured, yet adapted to my individual needs and musical preferences. I also just really enjoyed each lesson and will joyfully continue playing the saxophone. (Private coaching)

Louisa Crijnen

alto saxophone, The Netherlands

Now that I practice differently I understand the music so much better

Because of Jelske’s lessons I now experience a lot of freedom when improvising. I got to know my instrument very well, as well as my personal musical input. Previously I used to practice scales and arpeggio’s, but now that I practice differently I understand the music so much better. I am very happy with her teaching. (Private coaching and all self-study courses)

Karin van Batenburg

alto saxophone, Curacao

What I'm playing is certainly musical, and is immensely satisfying.

I thought I was already familiar with IFR, but this course has supercharged that. We looked at things in a new light, and led by Jelske I experienced revelation after revelation & gained insight after insight about possibilities & approaches. I started to enjoy playing with backing tracks. I started to feel I was playing improvised melodies, not just poking semi-random notes. What I do is probably simple. However, what I'm playing is certainly musical, and is immensely satisfying. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

David Wright

guitar, United Kingdom

A brilliant course

A couple of weeks ago I completed the workshop "Introduction to Melodic Improvising" and found it to be just right according to my level of development. The people in the group were all of different experience and knowledge, which showed to be an advantage as we can all learn from each other, no matter the subject. Jelske is an amazingly versatile teacher, able to spot your needs and help you deal with them very quickly whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician. I also consider her role as a very present hub in the group invaluable, creating an atmosphere that encourages the participants to discuss and exchange valuable experiences. After all, improvisation is very much a mind game. In short, a brilliant course in how to start learning to improvise! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Tomas Eriksson

clarinet, Sweden

I suddenly see how everything is connected

I joined because I always felt I was randomly playing when improvising. Now I know that just practicing the chords is not similar to improvising. I suddenly see how everything is connected. I am flabbergasted. I can express myself much better and am very happy with this. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - live group course)

Rob Jacobs

tenor saxophone, The Netherlands

Very happy with my progress

I am very happy with the progress I made in my awareness and in applying different rhythms and have thus achieved my goal. I want to thank everyone for their contribution, because I also learned a lot from your recordings, including the feedback from Jelske. And thank you Jelske for the great course and your quality as an inspiring teacher. (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Nancy Tonk

alto saxophone, The Netherlands

Made rhythm a central focus of my daily music practice

My primary goal when beginning this workshop was to develop a strong foundation on which I could continue building my rhythmical proficiency and creativity for the rest of my musical life. I simply wanted to build the habit of making rhythm a central focus during part of my daily music practice. I have been working on the material on a daily basis and strongly feel that I have achieved my primary goals. Thanks Jelske and to all who have shared! I have learned and adopted new strategies from you! (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Nick Trani

guitar, United States

Playing my instrument is enjoyable again

I wish I had learned this years ago. Jelske's enthusiasm is catching, her feedback without judging is encouraging. The most important thing is that playing my instrument is enjoyable again. If possible, I practice every day now. (Workout Sessions and private coaching)

Annemarie Post

tenor saxophone The Netherlands

I was unaware of all the variations presented

My goal was to learn ways of applying rhythm in improvisation and create variety. This goal is reached much more as expected. I was unaware of all the variations you presented. To implement this into the natural habit of improvisation is a matter of time and practice. I had a doubt to start this workshop at first, but afterwards I am glad I joined! It was far above expectations. Thanks Jelske and the other participants for sharing their recordings. (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Arjan van Nistelrooij

tenor saxophone The Netherlands

The easiest way I've seen so far

This has been interesting and instructive 12 weeks in many aspects. I have been trying to learn improvising earlier. I have been taught that I should study all kinds of scales (dorian, mixolydian etc) and to use a different scale for each different chord in a tune. There is no way that I could learn all these scales (in all keys) and use them along the chord progressions. The IFR method outlines different melodies throughout the whole piece. To learn a new method wasn't easy either, but it is definitely the easiest way I've seen so far. (Mixed Harmony - online group course)

Esko Teerilahti

tenor saxophone, Finland

A musical transformation

I have loved and enjoyed it immensely, and it has enabled me to think and more importantly ‘feel’ about my music making in a new and exciting way. It has been a musical transformation for me. Even my long suffering wife and daughter have commented how much my playing has changed and improved. Praise indeed! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Martin Vincent

altosaxophone, United Kingdom

Glad that I have done this course

Glad that I have done this course. It was pleasant to follow and with a very talented and skilled teacher. Thank you Jelske! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Herman de Pagter

tenor saxophone, The Netherlands

I have really enjoyed learning with everyone

I have really enjoyed learning with everyone in this course! Jelske, thank you for your help, knowledge and encouragement! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Michael Barr

French Horn, United States

Break through personal patterns and habits

Three months ago my music was at a dead end, especially when improvising. I subscribed to the Introduction to Melodic Improvising, started from scratch and learned a awful lot. But I wanted more and asked Jelske's advice. We started a short period of coaching, in which she gave me a daily artistic assignment with which I could break through certain personal patterns and habits. This period was magnificent to go through. Jelske has the ability to listen carefully, analyse rapidly and turn this into adequate coaching. With her clear assignments she opened my eyes, and mostly my ears! It's clear to me she is an excellent coach which I can highly recommend. And I am not even a horn player, I am a bass player. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course and private coaching)

Wiecher van Vugt

double bass, The Netherlands

Playing with my eyes closed

I can now play for an hour straight without sheet music and my eyes closed, while knowing exactly what I am doing. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Jolien Strous

alto saxophone, The Netherlands

The tonal approach opens up great possibilities

Jelske's feedback on samples of my playing was extremely valuable. Jelske is a great teacher. I would definitely recommend this course to others who are seeking to acquire the skills of jazz improv. The tonal approach, among other things, opens up great possibilities and changes one's perspective to improv. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Larry Silberstein

clarinet, United States

A boost in my awareness of timing

This workshop gave me a boost in my awareness of timing. I often used to rush. Now I found new strategies to change this. It works! This new sensation of timing offers me new possibilities to innovate in my playing. I can honestly recommend this workshop! (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Michel Abspoel

clarinet, The Netherlands

More aware of rhythm and its variety in the music

Your course made me very much more aware of rhythm and its variety in the music. Now I don't just listen to melodies, but also to the rhythm behind it. There is so much of it when you listen closely, it's like opening up a new world and I love it! My playing has improved a lot as I am following the feeling of the piece and playing on pulse and rhythm. Also in improvising I find more ways to vary. I now even like to practice with a metronome (which was kind of enemy before). I still have to practice a lot, but you handed some great tools! (Feeling the Rhythm - online group course)

Marla Janssen

tenor saxophone, The Netherlands

I learned a lot about how I can learn

Looking at my goal that I specified in the intake form (not wanting to be bored by my own pentatonic solos anymore) I can at least say I now see a clear learning path ahead of me. For me that is even more important than the improvements I have already made the last few months. For the first time I can say not only "I learned a lot" but also "I learned a lot about how I can learn". (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Robert Alders

saxophone, The Netherlands

What a fine group of people

I've really loved this course - Jelske's magnificent teaching and the wonderful company on the journey. What a fine group of people. (Mixed Harmony - online group course)

Richard Weis

harmonica, Australia

I have gained a new self-image as a musician

Through this course I have gained a new self-image as a musician. Boundaries and limiting thinking have been dissolved: I can better recognize, feel and play music. Jelske brings in so many ideas and approaches that it always remains exciting. I can recommend this course to everyone. (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Wolfgang Michel

guitar, Germany

This course has given me so much confidence

This course was so wonderful and a lot of fun. I learned so much. I've always had this phobia about playing improv in public with other instruments or people. I have been asked so many times to join in with a group playing improv. I just could not do it. I even struggled to play with backing tracks. This course has taught me so much and given me so much confidence. It has inspired me to go further with my music. The approach to improv is so different and interesting. Jelske, you are a wonderful teacher. You made everything very clear and your feedback was so encouraging. I can't wait to work with you again! (Introduction to Melodic Improvising - online group course)

Sandy Czerwinski

flute, United States

Jelske taught me to trust my ear and my imagination

I am a saxophone player with experience in improvising. Jelske taught me to trust my ear and my imagination when improvising. This gave me so much freedom, I am very happy. I am pretty ambitious and want to discover so much more, I will continue practising the Improvise for Real method. (Private coaching)

Jon Spijker

tenor saxophone, The Netherlands.