Percussion and Improvisation Masterclass with Anders Åstrand

Anders Åstrand is a renowned Swedish mallet specialist, considered to be a unique voice of both the marimba and the vibraphone. He focuses on melodic and rhythmical improvisation, with influences ranging from jazz, Scandinavian folk music, Gregorian chants, and ancient Greek songs. He is a sought-after soloist, regularly performing and giving master classes and clinics throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Since 2017, Åstrand heads the contemporary music/improvisation class at Orford Music Summer Academy in Quebec, Canada. The element of improvisation is also an essential feature in his compositions. His commissions include compositions for percussion and chamber music ensembles, brass quintets, saxophone quartet, choirs, and big band. A more spectacular side features compositions for ice instruments for percussion ensemble, as well as using fighter aircrafts, snow trucks, and buildings as instruments to be played on. Åstrand plays Yamaha instruments, Zildjian cymbals, Innovative Percussion mallets, Evans drumheads and Latin Percussion.

Duke Music masterclasses are free and open to the public.

Duke Music prioritizes the health and safety of our extended community. We strongly encourage all individuals to be fully vaccinated before attending events in our venues. Please note that masks are still required in classroom settings, including masterclasses. University, local, and state regulations are subject to change on short notice. Please check https://music.duke.edu for updates. Guidelines for Duke campus visitors can be found at https://returnto.duke.edu/campus-visitors/.