Private and
Group Instruction
In George Russell's Lydian
Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organzation
George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization was the first all-encompassing 'modal' theory to arise from the jazz tradition. Miles Davis told George in 1947 that his musical aim was "to learn all the changes". It was from this statement that Russell began an intuitive exploration - a quest for 'chord/scale unity', and eventually realized that it is the Lydian mode, not the Ionian (Major scale), which exists in a state of 'absolute unity' (oneness) with its tonic tone and tonic major chord. The Lydian Scale, essentially derived from a ladder of six intervals of a fifth, clearly identified the phenomenon of 'Tonal Gravity' (the universal law of cosmic gravity manifested through sound), and the Lydian Chromatic Concept unfolded.
Students of the LCConcept learn its principles through composing their own works and analyzing great works of musicians ranging from Bird, Coltrane, Miles, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter to Bach, Chopin, Ravel, Stravinsky, Scriabin and Stockhausen.
The Lydian Chromatic Concept explains how music behaves in light of natural laws; it is really a philosophy which offers the musician an open-ended, objective organization for understanding the many methodologies employed by creative musicians through the ages while helping to uncover new sounds of the future.
To order the new Edition of the Lydian Chromatic Concept, and learn more about George Russell and his music, please visit georgerussell.com.
Ben Schwendener offers Master Classes, workshops and extensive seminars in the Lydian Chromatic Concept for groups and institutions.
Private instruction is available either in person or via phone/fax through the Gravity Arts Studios in Jamaica Plain, Massachussetts. Contact Ben Schwendener.
Piano, Composition and Improvisation
Ben Schwendener's teaching methods derive from his background in classical, jazz, rock and world music. They are based on a broad, open-minded aesthetic and are aimed at helping the young or older student to read, perform, improvise, compose and listen. The pieces used in lessons are often custom-composed by Schwendener, along with the student, to fit each individuals musical wants and abilities.
"Ben has an individualistic approach to teaching, He builds on the strengths of his students and through his powerful example at the piano, demonstrates how far they can go. Developing one's own style is important to Ben and he has encouraged me to find my own voice"
- Mary Nolan, pianist and teacher
The Stretch and Strengthen Class is an overall conditioning class focusing on alignment and comprehensive stretching and strengthening of deep internal muscles. Develop awareness of breath and its connection to flexible muscles and control. Designed to help dancers of any level understand where movement comes from and develop their physical abilities. Improve splits, batements, extensions, and arabesques. Plus much more.
The class lasts 1hr and 15 minutes. It is important that students come with a curious mind so they can remain focused on their own progress. Most of it occurs lying on the floor so bring a towel if you wish to lie on one. Hair can be loosely pulled of your face in a very low or very high ponytail. Clothes should not have a bulky waistband. Wear something somewhat fitted so I may give proper corrections. I will be paying close attention to your development. Gum and gossip should be left at home.
Adult Jazz Dance offered at Gravity Arts Studio 2 uses a mix of pop and Jazz music. This energetic class is designed for students with some or no previous dance experience! Class time is Wednesday evening, please contact the studio for more information.
Children’s Classes are now forming! Please call Shari at the studio (617)522-0288 or email her for more info.
Music (piano) lessons for children and adults
Ben Schwendener’s style of music (piano) instruction is based on presenting the natural elements and principles used in creating and performing music. This includes the learning of scales and modes, harmony, improvisation and composition, rhythm and form, reading and traditional music notation, as well as the fundamental physical skills needed to play the instrument and produce a controlled sound.
With these fundamental principles as the focus, the tradition method-based approach to teaching the piano is bypassed, and the student (and teacher) are directly connected to nature through sound. Each student is encouraged to discover and learn about his or her own unique musical path as a repertoire of original works (as well as arrangements of other musical works, as desired) is created together over time.
Gravity Arts presents two recitals yearly – one in June and another in December, which serve as opportunities to showcase the unique works of students. A guest artist (or artists) performs and speaks as well, followed by an informal potluck feast!
Gravity Arts has offered tuition assistance in the past and hopes to in the future as well. Please contact for more details.