Vak: Electronic Wind Instrument credits: 2

The EWI is an innovative instrument designed for the woodwind player that seeks to be introduced to the world of live electronics. It is a tool of composition as well as a live instrument. “Into the Box” is an introduction course/workshop that wishes connect the ones who are fascinated by its unique musical approach by presenting a world of musical inspiration.

Process
- Approaching the instrument Presenting the challenges of playing the EWI. Discussing subjects such as sound/timbre, technique and musical expression. Discussing the featured elements of the EWI, presenting a series of exercises and etudes written especially for the EWI with the goal to obtain basic control.
- History and its players Talking about key players of the EWI, transcribing and analyzing selected solos. Making a comparison between their playing on the EWI and on their acoustical instrument.
- Play the music, not the instrument A new take over transcriptions , the student will asked to bring in self-selected transcriptions of his choice with the focus to transcribe not only the notes but also the playing characteristics of the Instrument (Articulation, featured technique, use of sound production, use of effects and more) with the goal to create awareness over new playing possibilities.
- Musical examples will shown in the introduction and during the course.

Result
- Composition The student will be asked to write short pieces for the EWI , focusing on its special features (Range , Sustain/polyphony , Interval Lock/Harmonizer) with the goal to perform their music solo or with an ensemble.

Students need to hire an instrument for the duration of the lessons.