Az Samad: JB Guitar Workshop & Masterclass

DQ Rock Academy presents:AZ SAMAD Guitar & Masterclass, Johor Bahru 2025 9 November (Sunday)Venue: Level 23, Cornerstone International School, City Plaza JB11:00-12:30 Workshop14:00-15:30 Masterclass (limited spaces)

Guitarist-Composer-Educator Az Samad has recorded with Grammy Winners Flaco Jiménez & Max Baca; graduated & taught at the prestigious Berklee College of Music; performed in the United States, Europe & Asia; and appeared on 22 CDs ranging in styles from Tex-Mex, Contemporary Jazz to solo acoustic guitar. His works have been described as “richly textured, poetic and atmospheric”.

Az has been exploring Malay jazz including the music of P. Ramlee, Jimmy Boyle and most recently Singapore’s Zubir Said. As the musical director and guitarist for A Zubir Said Tribute, Az led 5 shows at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, Singapore with an 11-piece ensemble performing brand new arrangements he wrote.

As a film music composer, he’s collaborated with filmmakers James Lee and We Jun in their short film projects. Az composed the music to Salvaj, winner of the best short film at The 27th Malaysia Film Festival. [Check out Az's Film Music work here]

As an educator, Az has taught at Berklee College of Music (USA); Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut (USA); San Jose State University (USA); Northern California Music & Art Culture Center, San Francisco, CA (USA); De Anza College (USA); Culturefest in Pipestem, West Virginia (USA) ; The Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, California; Thomas Leeb's Residential Acoustic Guitar Camp in Turracher Höhe (Austria); Guitar Concept (Hong Kong); Shanghai Street Studios (Hong Kong); Macau Strings Association (Macau); Mosaic Music Festival (Singapore); Maestro Guitars (Singapore); University of Asia and The Pacific (Philippines); Langkawi Live (Malaysia); UCSI University (Malaysia); Universiti Teknologi Mara (Malaysia); Young Choral Academy (Malaysia); Malaysian Institute of Art; Moonshine Anniversary (Malaysia); Sixstrings (Malaysia); DrumStore (Malaysia); The Guitar Store (Malaysia); Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival; Penang Island Jazz Festival (Malaysia); Penang House of Music (Malaysia); and International College of Music (Malaysia).Az is also the author of the e-book 'Jazz Improvisation Uncovered' [available here] and is currently working on a beginner sight reading book for guitarists.

Previously based in Berkeley, California; Az now lives in Kuala Lumpur.

11:00AM Workshop Topics:

• Chord and Chord Progressions

• Basic chord progressions and smooth transitions

• Pro tips for memorising songs and chords even faster

• Picking hand technique and rhythms

• Simple fingerpicking and strumming patterns

• Tips for learning different picking techniques (alternate, economy, sweep, hybrid)

• Improvisation and Melodic Playing

• Scales and how to use them

• Basic improvisation ideas

• Sound Production and Performance

• Tips on tone and dynamics

• Playing with a band or group basics

• How to handle stage fright

• Musicians Mindset Method

• How to stay motivated and consistent

• Practice techniques and time management

• Music as a hobby vs a career (important differences)

2:00PM Masterclass Topics

For the masterclass, this is an opportunity for experienced players to get more detailed feedback on their playing, specific practice tips and more involved advice. Topics discussed may include (but not limited to):

Technique

• Fingerstyle technique tips

• Discussion on Alternate picking, economy picking, cross picking, hybrid picking

• How to practice picking technique more effectively

Repertoire

• Chord progression analysis

• Berklee chord movement exercises

Improvisation

• Transcribing & getting licks into your playing

• How to solo in different styles (and sound good)

Professional Life

• Performance Tips

• Professional Musician Mindset

• Feedback on Playing & Suggestions

• Tips on teaching and teaching as a business
  
  

Ticket Prices:
Workshop RM45.00
Masterclass RM120.00

**All tickets sold are non-refundable.
**No food and drinks allowed at the venue

Further queries, please contact the organizer:
DQ Rock Academy
016-3046078 (whatsapp only)
012-2126078 (whatsapp only)