Looking to expand the depth of your klezmer performance? Join klezperts Amy Zakar and Adrian Banner as they guide you through the existential search of what to do when you're not playing the melody. This workshop will be relevant to performers of all levels and instruments. Applicable and practical tips on accompaniment (or playing "secunde") for chordal and single line instruments will be discussed!

About Adrian and Amy

Adrian Banner (piano) was born in Sydney, Australia, where his passion for the piano began in early childhood. He emigrated to the USA where he co-founded The Klez Dispensers, received his Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton University, and published a book on calculus. Adrian is a performer, composer, bandleader, and arranger in a wide variety of musical styles including klezmer, Yiddish theatre/song, classical, jazz, ska, ragtime, and liturgical music. He has performed at Ashkenaz Festival and the Montreal International Jazz Festival and has been on the faculty of KlezKamp, KlezKanada, and Yiddish New York.

Amy Zakar (violin, mandolin) is a second-generation musician and educator of Hungarian/Transylvanian/Jewish descent. Born in New York, Amy played her first Catskills-Yiddish revue at age 8. She studied at the Manhattan School of Music, Princeton University, and Westminster Choir College (NJ), and performs with the Klez Dispensers as well as fiddling for contradance, leading a community band and writing original tunes. Amy teaches instrumental music to students from early childhood through adults in lessons, workshops and festivals. She is co-director of the NJ Suzuki Workshop and has been on the faculty of KlezKamp, KlezKanada, and Yiddish New York.

Adrian and Amy live in Princeton, NJ, USA with their children and cats. They are excited to work with TKS.