Conceptions Darmstadt

15.-20.08.2024

Bessunger Knabenschule

Summer workshop since 1992

The Darmstadt Jazz Conceptions were founded in 1992 by the Darmstadt bassist Jürgen Wuchner (1948-2020) and are still held today in almost unchanged form. Its uniqueness is based on the concept of a pure ensemble workshop with a high degree of personal responsibility on the part of the participants and also the instructors. The aim is to familiarise participants with individual musical concepts that exist in great variety in the world of contemporary jazz and to give them an insight into the workshop of music creation.
“The best invention since music lessons were invented…?” (participant)

Bring an open attitude, “master” your instrument, feel comfortable

What does this mean for participation in the Jazz Conceptions? The most important thing first: The aim is always to develop an ensemble within a week in which all participants, regardless of their background, find a musical role in which they feel comfortable. In order to achieve this, certain skills are desirable. Basically, when playing your instrument, you should only be preoccupied with yourself to the extent that you are still able to listen to the others. You should also know that there are techniques such as intonation, timing and improvisation that play a central role in jazz. Years of experience with jazz and improvisation are not important. The ability to listen is much more important – and this is easier if you have mastered your instrument.
It is also helpful to enter the workshop with a fundamentally open attitude and to put your own ego to one side. After all, the aim is to work on something together. And in the end, everyone should have fun.
“My first Jazz Conceptions / The doubts I had about the open concept were completely dispelled after one day. / It’s different, but very good.” (participant)

The Jazz Conceptions are an ensemble workshop

When forming the ensembles, the participants are asked to take responsibility and assess themselves. At the first meeting, all instructors explain what they have planned for the week. The participants then decide whose group they would like to join. The ensembles then come together for the first time in the courtyard of the boys’ school. They can talk to each other in peace about expectations and any uncertainties. Compromises may have to be made. In the end, the ensembles have found each other. This has worked excellently for over 30 years and is one of the special features of this workshop.