Tuesday Tunes: Live Music In Dance Class
Framers, today we’re looking at a dance class from a different perspective: the perspective of a musician accompanying a dance class. So I interviewed Kirk Suddreath to get a some more details.Tuesday Tunes: Kirk Suddreath
R: What do you find to be the most challenging part about playing live music for a dance class?
K: I very much enjoy providing musical accompaniment for dance classes. I enjoy the “in the moment” communication between the teacher, the dancers, and myself. As a percussionist, most of my experience playing music involves collaboration with other musicians, but playing for dance allows me to basically improvise to the meet the immediate needs of the class. The most challenging part would be interpreting the teaching style of each teacher, finding their level of musicality, and identifying how they are most comfortable communicating what they want.
R: Who inspires you musically?
K: I have had the privilege to play, perform, and create music with so many talented people. I can honestly say that I have been inspired in some way by most of them. Because I don’t pigeon-hole myself to be a certain type of drummer, I dabble in several different styles of music, and therefore have had the opportunity to play with a wide variety of musicians. Most of the bands or projects I have played with have focused on original or improvisational music, so I am directly inspired and influenced by the talents and styles of the musicians in each particular ensemble.
R: Where can we find you playing for dance classes?
