Žak Ozmo

Music Director, Lutenist, Scholar

TEACHING

Dr. Ozmo provides private instruction in both solo and continuo playing on early plucked instruments. Special attention is placed on the development of efficient and pain-free playing techniques. Students with existing or developing carpal-tunnel syndrome, back pains, and similar ailments are instructed in using their body to advantage, thus avoiding unnecessary pain-inducing movements. Meditation techniques, based on models drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions, can also be taught for use in reducing stage fright. Students also are trained in the theoretical aspects of the early plucked instruments, including related history and philosophy, and tutored in the vast related repertoire. Full guidance is provided in the purchase and maintenance of instruments and accessories.

Private instruction and tutalege in various other important aspects of historical performance is also available. Students may choose one of a number of programs of study (applicable to both instrumentalists and vocalists) focusing on particular aspects of the music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, or they may choose to combine various aspects of these specialized topics. Programs of study currently available are:

1. Interpretation of Music from 1400-1750 (Renaissance and Baroque)

This program of study provides trainining in practical applications of Classical rhetoric and metaphors for relevant social mannerisms (such as chilvary) on the interpretation of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Emotional and expressive content of any piece of music heavily relies on both its rhetorical properties and incorporated symbols of the society from which the music was born. It is through these principles that music relates to other arts and humanities, and also reflects the society that created it. Lack of awareness of these elements and their practical applications frequently leads to uninspired, and even worse, boring musical performances of the music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

2. Ornamentation of Music from 1400--1750 (Renaissance and Baroque)

Students are trained in ornamentation of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods using methods outlined in the known surviving historical treatises.

3. Transcription of Music from Original Sources (Renaissance and Baroque)

Students are trained in editorial methods used for transcription of music from the primary sources. This will be done by working on a transcription project or projects of student's choice.

4. Survey of the Western Music from 1400--1600 (Renaissance)

The aim of this program of study is to investigate major developments in music of the Renaissance period and to discuss repertories that have arisen from these developments. Students will be provided with an opportunity to examine historical, social, and cultural developments that fostered the creation of various repertories, both vocal and instrumental. If so desired, the emphasis of the study might lean more heavily toward an instrument or family of instruments of choice.

5. Survey of the Western Music from 1600--1750 (Baroque)

The aim of this program of study is to investigate major developments in music of the Baroque period and to discuss repertories that have arisen from these developments. Students will be provided with an opportunity to examine historical, social, and cultural developments that fostered the creation of various repertories, both vocal and instrumental. If so desired, the emphasis of the study might lean more heavily toward an instrument or family of instruments of choice.