Workshops/Educational Programs

Having all served as teachers in Music Schools, the musicians of Minor Sing offer a variety of educational activities to complement their concerts.

Gypsy Jazz: The Accidental Birth of a Genre

A musical lecture presented by the group Minor Sing.

How did a caravan, a guitar, and a fire give birth to one of the most iconic styles of European jazz?

With "Gypsy Jazz: The Accidental Birth of a Genre", Minor Sing invites audiences of all ages to dive into the extraordinary story of Django Reinhardt, a musical genius and the creator of a one-of-a-kind style: Gypsy Jazz.

Through a lively narration, enhanced with live musical excerpts, the musicians retrace the origins of a genre born from the meeting between Gypsy tradition and American jazz. This music — free, virtuosic, and profoundly human — is now celebrated worldwide. Outside of France, it's even known as "French Jazz", as it perfectly embodies the elegance, creativity, and swing of French culture.

Adapted for all audiences — from kindergarten classes to music students, as well as curious amateurs — this lecture is tailored to each group's level and interests. It has already been presented in a variety of educational settings, in French, Spanish, and English.

A true moment of exchange and discovery, where music becomes a universal language.

A major advantage: Yannick Alcocer, guitarist and passionate storyteller, is fluent in Spanish and English. Thanks to his infectious energy and language skills, he makes this lecture dynamic, interactive, and accessible to all audiences, including English or Spanish speakers.

The event concludes with a Q&A session with the musicians — an opportunity to deepen the audience's understanding of Gypsy Jazz, learn more about the life of a musician, and perhaps even spark new vocations!

Workshops in Music Schools

Minor Sing takes over a music school for one or two days. Three groups of students (maximum of 10 per group) work in rotation with the musicians. Together, they study two pieces designed to explore the unique aspects of the style and receive an introduction to improvisation.

These workshops are open to all instruments, all musical backgrounds (classical or contemporary), and all levels (provided the ensembles remain somewhat balanced).

The workshop usually concludes with a Minor Sing concert, featuring some of the participating students.

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Jazz Violin Workshops

These sessions are for violinists wishing to discover jazz, improvisation, and the bowing techniques needed to achieve that distinctive swing feel.

Guitar Workshops

Yannick and Laurent introduce the many specificities of Gypsy Swing guitar, both in soloing and rhythm playing — right-hand technique, scales, idiomatic phrases, and the secrets to developing a more personal and expressive style.

Bass / Double Bass Workshops

For musicians wishing to refine their technique, both in accompaniment and solo performance.

They Have Worked With Us

Django in June (USA), Centre Manouche (Berlin), Austin (USA), CIMA Manizales (Colombia), Festival Medejazz (Colombia), École de Musique d'Écully (France), Conservatoire de Meyzieu (France), Centre Léo Lagrange Villeurbanne (France), Palacio de Gobierno de Sucre (Bolivia), Barcelona (Spain).