Livestream Webcast Events

Sheet music and access to scheduled YouTube Broadcasts of LEARN A KLEZMER TUNE A WEEK are available on this page. All instruments welcome. Anyone can join at any time. After Checkout you will receive a pdf download link that includes the private link to the Livestream as well as the sheet music of the tune of the week. Each selection is hand-picked from the klezmer repertoire and marked with ornaments and harmonies. All Lessons remain available for further viewing.

TUNE IN THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 1:00 PM EASTERN TIME to learn how to make your instrument laugh, cry and sing while exploring this great music. Each lesson is 30-40 minutes long.

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Past Events (still available for purchase)

Did you miss out? While the earlier lessons are not a prerequisite for joining live on Sundays, you may enjoy these previously broadcasted classes. Videos and sheet music included. Headphones are recommended so you can play along directly with the lesson. Each lesson is 30-40 minutes long. PLEASE NOTEdue to technical limitations with archiving YouTube livestreams, the first 15 minutes of each lesson was used for tech set-up.  Feel free to fast forward to the actual start of each lesson. 

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 2 – Di Grine Kuzine (archived)

Our second lesson, dated Sunday April 5, explored improving our klezmer skills through the charming Yiddish tune, Di Grine Kuzine.  While LiveChat is no longer an option, you can have unlimited access to the video simply by clicking the Purchase button and following the prompts to receive an automatic download of the pdf of the tune of the week.  If any problems e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com.  Disclaimer:  there are some issues with the synchronization of audio with the visual that were resolved in subsequent lessons. 

A Klezmer Tune A Week, Lesson 4 – Araber Tanz (archived)

Our fourth lesson, dated Sunday April 19, focused primarily on the "growl" or "singing" while playing the clarinet.  Several participants requested that I teach this technique through the tune Araber Tanz. As with every lesson we go over the scale or mode that the tune is based on as well as  the rhythmic underpinning that in many ways defines the tune. While LiveChat is no longer an option, you can have unlimited access to the video simply by clicking the Purchase button and following the prompts to receive an automatic download of the pdf of the tune of the week.  If any problems e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com.    

A Klezmer Tune A Week, Lesson 5 – Bulgar a la Naftuli (archived)

Our fifth lesson, dated Sunday April 26, focused on the great klezmer standard, Bulgar a la Naftuli.  We continued our practice of the "growl" but also looked at how to harmonize a melody.  While LiveChat is no longer an option, you can have unlimited access to the video simply by clicking the Purchase button and following the prompts to receive an automatic download of the pdf of the tune of the week.  If any problems e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

A Klezmer Tune A Week, Lesson 6B – “Khasene in Shtetl”

Our sixth lesson, dated Sunday May 10, focused on the great Epstein Brothers tune, A Khasene in Shtetl.  This lesson includes specific instruction on how to make the clarinet "laugh". While LiveChat is no longer an option, you can have unlimited access to the video simply by clicking the Purchase button and following the prompts to receive an automatic download of the pdf of the tune of the week. It contains the URL that when copied and pasted into your web browser will bring you to the unlisted video on YouTube. If any problems don't hesitate to e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 7 – Mazl Tov Dance (archived)

Sunday May 17 we worked on a tune I've always known as Mazl Tov but also goes by Sherele.  There was a lot of great participation from the attendees via LiveChat.  We concentrated on fills, harmonization and the technique behind executing a long glissando on the clarinet (a la Rhapsody in Blue).  While LiveChat is no longer an option, you can have unlimited access to the video simply by clicking the Purchase button and following the prompts to receive an automatic download of the pdf of the tune of the week.  If any problems e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 8 – Bukoviner

On Sunday May 24 at 1:00 PM EDT we learned Bukoviner Freylekh and spoke about specific ways to ornament and inflect in the klezmer style.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

Learn A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 9 – Tumbalalaika

Sunday May 31 at 1:00 PM EDT was the beloved Yiddish folk song, "Tumbalalaika". With alternate versions to accommodate different levels of ability - and with live accompaniment - it was a really fun lesson. After clicking Checkout, you will receive confirmation and an automatic pdf download of the tune of the week for both Bb and C instruments. If you don't see it as a download please check your SPAM folder. The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream. Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected. During the livestream you might find the use of headphones helpful since you will be playing along with the audio. Each lesson remains accessible as an unlisted video for your future practicing, just use the same URL. If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com

Learn A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 10 – The Happy Nigun

Sunday June 7 at 1:00 PM EDT was, by request, The Happy Nigun.  It's a deliciously joyous freylekh.   We talked about Giora Feidman's contribution to the klezmer universe and ways to be free musically so as to fully express yourself in this style.  While LiveChat is no longer an option, you can have unlimited access to the video simply by clicking the Purchase button and following the prompts to receive an automatic download of the pdf of the tune of the week.  If any problems e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

Learn A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 11 – Nokh A Gleyzl Vayn

Sunday, June 14 at 1:00 PM EDT we worked on the classic hora, Nokh A Gleyzl Vayn. Not only did we practice the melody but we discussed the role and methods of playing "secundo".  After clicking Checkout you will receive confirmation and an automatic pdf download of the tune for both Bb and C instruments.  If you don't see it as a download please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected. During the livestream you might find the use of headphones helpful since you will be playing along with the audio.  Each lesson remains accessible as an unlisted video for your future practicing - just use the same URL.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

Learn A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 12 – Odessa Bulgarish

Sunday, June 21 at 1:00 PM EDT we worked on the well-known klezmer tune, Odessa Bulgarish and looked at how to build/improvise a doina.  After clicking Checkout you will receive confirmation and an automatic pdf download of Odessa Bulgar for both Bb and C instruments.  If you don't see it as a download please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected. During the livestream you might find the use of headphones helpful since you will be playing along with the audio.  Each lesson remains accessible as an unlisted video for your future practicing - just use the same URL.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 13 – Bublitchki/Begelach

Sunday June 28 at 1:00 PM EDT we worked on Bublitchki (also known as Begelach in Yiddish).  This klezmer/swing tune was made famous by the Barry Sisters, Ziggy Elman and, more recently, by the Klezmer Conservatory Band.  We explored both the klezmer and swing versions there are backing tracks for both. After clicking Checkout you will receive confirmation and an automatic pdf download of the tune of the week for both Bb and C instruments.  If you don't see it as a download please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected. During the livestream you might find the use of headphones helpful since you will be playing along with the audio.  Each lesson remains accessible as an unlisted video for your future practicing - just use the same URL.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 14 – Papirosn

SUNDAY JULY 19, 1:00 PM EST we worked on the beloved Yiddish song, Papirosn.   After clicking Checkout you will receive confirmation and an automatic pdf download of the tune  for both Bb and C instruments.  If you don't see it as a download please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for the week's livestream.  Just copy and paste the URL into your web browser to be automatically connected.  Each lesson remains accessible as an unlisted video for your future practicing - just use the same URL.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail robin.seletsky@gmail.com.

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 15 – Bb Major Bulgar

On Sunday October 18 we worked on the Dave Tarras tune, Bb Major Bulgar. It's in the key of....you guessed it, Bb Major, which is C Major for clarinetists - a nice easy key enabling us to do lots of ornamentation.  After clicking Checkout you will receive confirmation and automatic pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected to the archived lessons.  You can watch as many times as you like. If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com. PLEASE NOTE - due to technical limitations with archiving YouTube livestreams the first 15 minutes of each lesson is taken up with tech setup.  Feel free to advance to actual start of each lesson. 

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 16 – Der Terk in Amerika

On Sunday November 15 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time we worked on Der Terk in Amerika. As the title suggests, it's a Turkisher with that genre's infectious, characteristic rhythm. The lesson will focused on how to ornament in the klezmer style through notes, articulations and slides.   The parts are formatted so that you can work at your own level. At CHECKOUT you will receive confirmation and automatic pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected to the Livestream.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 17 – Dem Trisker Rebns Khosidl

On SUNDAY DECEMBER 20  we worked on one of my favorite tunes, Dem Trisker Rebns Khosidl. Played around with bending notes, rubato, expressiveness in klezmer.  Discussed whether there is such a thing as too much shmaltz 🙂  The parts are formatted so that you can work at your own level. At CHECKOUT you will receive confirmation and automatic pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected to the Livestream.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 18 – Ale Brider

On SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2021 at 1:00 PM ET we will rock out on Ale Brider - that great Yiddish anthem.  The lesson will focus on creating simple melodic improvisations over the repeated chorus.  At the conclusion we will play through (with optional singing!) along with the backing track.  The parts are formatted so that you can work at your own level. At CHECKOUT you will receive confirmation and automatic pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected to the Livestream.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com

A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 19 – Firn di Mekhutonim

On SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM ET by request, we worked on Firn di Mekhutonim.   It's one of the most soulful klezmer tunes to play.  The parts are formatted so that you can work at your own level - in the low register without ornaments or in the high register with inflections and ornaments notated on the sheet music. At CHECKOUT you will receive confirmation and automatic pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder.  The pdf will contain the URL for this week's livestream.  Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected to the Livestream.  If any problems receiving the pdf please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com

Learn A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 23 – Bei Mir Bistu Shein

On SUNDAY June 13, 2021 at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time we worked on the ultimate in Yiddish swing, Bei Mir Bistu Shein.  The parts are formatted with both easy or more challenging options.  The pdf download will contain the URL. Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected. At CHECKOUT you will receive confirmation and automatic pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder. If you would like an Eb part or if you have any problems receiving the pdf, please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com    THANK YOU!!

Learn A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 24 – Shalom Aleichem

On SUNDAY October 24, 2021 at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time we worked on the soulful Shalom Aleichem by Samuel and Israel Goldfarb. My arrangement provides many ways to ornament the melody in this familiar tune so that you can really make it your own.   The parts are formatted with both easy or more challenging options.  The pdf download will contain the URL. Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected. At CHECKOUT you will receive confirmation and automatic pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder. If you would like an Eb part or if you have any problems receiving the pdf, please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com    Thank you!

Learn A Klezmer Tune A Week Lesson 25 – Oy Khanuke

On SUNDAY  November 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time we will learn the beloved Chanukah song we all know so well - but the Yiddishkeit version!  We will also play through one of the signature doinas  made famous by klezmer great, Dave Tarras.  The pdf download will contain the URL. Just copy and paste it into your web browser to be automatically connected. At CHECKOUT you will receive confirmation and automatic links to pdf downloads of both Bb and C parts.  If you don't see them in your downloads folder please check your SPAM folder. If you would like an Eb part or if you have any problems receiving the pdf, please e-mail me at robin.seletsky@gmail.com    Thank you!