+Rhythm workshops  +solo performance  +Label workshops  +Korean music workshops  +Touring workshops

Welcome to the web site of Dr. Simon Barker. This site is intended to provide information about Simon's educational activities and solo performances. Simon is currently offering rhythm courses and workshops, masterclasses and courses in Korean traditional music, workshops on developing improvisational languages through an engagement with traditional forms, record label management workshops, and post-graduate supervision at tertiary institutions throughout the region. As an educator, Simon has presented a range of services at numerous institutions including the University of Sydney, University of NSW, University of Melbourne, Griffith University, Seoul Jazz Academy (Korea), Christchurch Polytech (NZ), University of Canterbury (NZ), Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Southern Cross University, and Mahidol University (Bangkok).

He has also been an invited speaker at numerous events and prestigious organisations including the Asian Education Foundation (National Forum and Leading 21st Century Schools Forum), AsiaLink (Korea Wave Forum), British Forum for Ethnomusicology (UK), the Smithsonian Institute (Freer and Sackler Galleries), The Art Gallery of NSW, the Meridian Gallery (San Francisco), OZASIA Symposium (Adelaide), and Preserving Tradition, Facing the Future (Sydney University)

In addition to leading his two internationally acclaimed ensembles (Chiri, Daorum), Simon performs regularly in a solo setting presenting drumset improvisations. Recent solo performances include the Meridian Gallery (San Francisco), St Ives Theatre (Corwall, UK), Korean Culture Center (London), Stonnington Jazz Festival (Melbourne), Jazz Fringe Festival (Melbourne), and the Jazz Visions Festival (Sydney).

In 2005, Simon created Kimnara Records, an independent label with 13 critically acclaimed releases. His experience with independent record companies also includes label manager duties for JazzGroove Records, a Sydney-based record company with over 55 releases to date. Simon has given label development workshops at several Universities, offering students a framework for developing an infrastructure for self-releasing their creative output.

Workshops

  • Rhythm Awareness workshops (for all instruments. A practical and theoretical approach to the performance of contemporary rhythmic conceptions). Rhythm workshops range from two-hour intensives through to full semester undergraduate or post-grad level courses. For more information on Rhythm Awareness courses visit HERE.
  • Drumset master classes (jazz improvisation, traditional and contemporary technique, contemporary improvisatory conceptions, Asian influenced drumset vocabularies). Drumset master classes and undergraduate/post-graduate level courses can be designed on request (master classes, artist in residence 1-5 days, 1-4 year undergraduate or 2-year post-grad courses).
  • Korean rhythmic traditions and overviews of traditional styles (pansori, SamulNori, shaman traditions, court music, sanjo, contemporary approaches). Korean music workshops range from 2-hour intensives through to 12-week (1 semester) undergraduate/post-grad level course.
  • "Scattering Rhythms": Developing improvisatory vocabularies through an engagement with traditional form. The subject of my PhD dissertation and the guiding framework for my overall performance practice. "Scattering Rhythms" courses range from 2-hour master classes through to full day intensives, artist in residence 2-5 days. For further information visit the SCATTERING RHYTHMS web resource.
  • Independent record label management (Label management, digital and physical distribution, packaging and presentation, ISRC, APRA/AMCOS, Web development). Label management courses range from 2-hour master classes through to full day intensives.
  • Touring/management (career development through international touring, international festival options, funding opportunities, developing infrastructure). 2-hour master class.

    • Recent Performances of note as Leader

    • 2011 Chiri, Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC
    • 2011 Chiri, DFAT Cultural Diplomacy Middle East Tour (Lebanon, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Korea)
    • 2011 Chiri, Melbourne International Jazz Festival
    • 2011 Daorum, Lincoln Center New York
    • 2011 Chiri, MONA FOMA, Hobart
    • 2010 Daorum, Gwangju World Music Festival, Korea
    • 2010 Jazz Visions Festival, Sydney (solo performance)
    • 2010 Australian Film Festival (solo performance)
    • 2010 Stonnington Jazz Festival (solo performance)
    • 2009 Daorum, Melbourne International Film Festival
    • 2008 Daorum, OzAsia Festival, Adelaide, Australia
    • 2008 Solo, Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival
    • 2008 Daorum, Hemispheres Festival, Sydney Opera House
    • 2007 Daorum, Queensland Music Festival, Brisbane, Australia
    • 2006 Daorum, Jeonju Sori Festival, Jeonju, Korea
    • 2005 Daorum, Australia Month Festival, Seoul, Korea
    • 1999 Black Rain/Red Earth. Munwha Ilbo, Seoul Korea

     


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