"Jazz en Cordes" concert

A few days ago, the string section of the Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood treated the audience to a rich and varied concert, inviting them on a true musical journey across cultures and artistic styles.

For this special program, the CMDL’s violinists, violists, and cellists presented their personal projects, revealing unique worlds—some rooted in their cultural heritage, others shaped by diverse and unapologetic musical influences.

From the repertoire of traditional Korean, Eastern, and Iberian music to the sounds of bluegrass, and the world of Avishai Cohen, this evening surprised and captivated a large audience that had gathered for this first edition dedicated to string instruments.

The CMDL extends its warmest thanks to the artists who participated in this evening:

Louisiane Beck, Margaux Monnois, Léa Cheval, Katja Levander, Soojung Yoon, Heni Zouary, Tim Fabien, Marvin Burlas, and Rafael Gimenez.

A big thank you also to Bastien Ribot and Alba Obert, the instructors, for their dedication and guidance

L’article Concert : “Jazz en Cordes” est apparu en premier sur .

DNSPM : accreditation obtained

The Didier Lockwood Music Center is pleased to announce that it has been accredited to award the National Higher Professional Diploma in Music (DNSPM).

This accreditation is a strong endorsement of the quality of the CMDL’s educational program, its artistic standards, and its pivotal role in the landscape of higher music education, both nationally and internationally. 

This accreditation also recognizes several years of work by all administrative and teaching staff.

We would also like to highlight that the DNSPM program will now be available as both an initial training program and a continuing education program. The CMDL thus becomes the only institution in France to offer both of these program formats for the DNSPM.

L’article DNSPM : accreditation obtained est apparu en premier sur .

A wonderful week of worshop

A look back at another wonderful edition of the 2026 “Instrument and Improvisation” workshop, which once again brought together participants eager to immerse themselves in a musical experience that was as intense as it was enriching.

Throughout the week, participants took classes in rhythm, ear training, and instrument playing, as well as workshops. It was a packed program designed to allow everyone to progress, explore, and develop their creativity.

On Thursday evening, the traditional jam session provided a highlight of shared creativity, bringing together workshop participants, instructors, and CMDL students in a warm and inspiring atmosphere.

The highlight of the week was the recital on Friday afternoon. The participants performed the pieces they had prepared during the workshop, delivering a superb performance that reflected their dedication throughout the program.

Beyond the music, this week was marked by many moments of exchange, learning, and camaraderie. The trainees were able to experience the spirit of the CMDL, characterized by artistic rigor and kindness.

This edition also had a special significance, with the presence of Rémi Sourisse, brother of Benoît Sourisse, as well as Noéline Guillaume, daughter of Stéphane Guillaume—a lovely nod to the family spirit that drives the CMDL.

A big thank you to the teachers who led this week’s sessions:

• André Charlier (rhythm and drums)
• Benoît Sourisse (ear training and piano)
• Anthony Jambon (rhythm, ear training, and guitar)
• Jean-Michel Charbonnel (bass/double bass and workshop)
• Stéphane Guillaume (wind instruments and workshop)
• Bastien Ribot (violin and workshop)
• Manu Domergue (vocals and workshop)
• Loïs Le Van (vocals and workshop)

Thank you also to all the participants for their dedication, diligence, and good spirits throughout the week.

L’article A wonderful week of workshop est apparu en premier sur .

Recording Sessions at the CMDL Studio

Over the past few weeks, musicians in training at the CMDL have recorded their projects in the school’s studio under fully professional conditions. Supervised by a sound engineer, they worked in an environment that meets industry standards, using professional equipment for audio recording and high-quality video capture.

Beyond musical performance, each student took an active part in the entire production process. Microphone placement, assisting with camera framing, contributing to editing or to the technical organization of the sessions—these collective working moments are an integral part of the learning experience. This hands-on involvement allows musicians to gain a concrete understanding of every stage of a recording and audiovisual production.

These sessions therefore serve a dual purpose: producing professional audio and video materials, essential for communication and the development of their artistic projects, while also building technical skills that are crucial for their future careers. Understanding studio constraints, terminology, and real-world working conditions is now a major asset for professional musicians.

These recording sessions are fully aligned with the CMDL’s educational approach, which aims to train autonomous artists who are aware of the artistic, technical, and professional challenges of their practice.

L’article Recording Sessions at the CMDL Studio est apparu en premier sur .

The CMDL at the AEC Annual Congress in Salzburg

The CMDL will take part in the AEC Congress and General Assembly, held from 5 to 8 November 2025 at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg.

 

This major event brings together European leaders in higher music education to discuss key contemporary issues such as musicians’ wellbeing, pedagogical innovation, and international leadership.

 

The CMDL’s participation in this congress reflects our commitment to a demanding, open, and internationally connected approach to music education.

European Big Band Creation : A New European Musical Adventure!

The collaboration between the CMDL, the Conservatorium of Maastricht (Netherlands), and the Folkwang Universität der Künste (Germany) will begin in just a few days.

Three musicians from each institution will conduct their own compositions, performed by a European Big Band made up of musicians from the three partners.

 

This exciting project will reach its full expression in December, during a joint residency week culminating in an exceptional concert on Thursday, 4 December.

L’article The CMDL on the European Stage est apparu en premier sur .

CMDL MUSICIANS AT THE HEART OF THE WHIPLASH CINE-CONCERTS!

We are very proud to announce that several musicians currently studying at the CMDL will take part in the Whiplash cine-concerts scheduled for next January!

 

This exceptional experience marks an important milestone for them. Under the direction of the film’s composer and conductor Justin Hurwitz himself, they will perform the original soundtrack during two performances in Paris.

 

The adventure will begin in November, with a programme of regular rehearsals to prepare for these large-scale cine-concerts.

 

It is a wonderful opportunity for our musicians to put their talent and discipline at the service of an ambitious artistic project. It also stands as a strong recognition of the musical excellence fostered by the CMDL.

 

We wish them all a beautiful human and musical adventure!

L’article CMDL MUSICIANS AT THE HEART OF THE WHIPLASH CINE-CONCERTS! est apparu en premier sur .

Time for our team and musicians to enjoy a well-deserved summer break!

As every year, the CMDL closes its doors during the summer school holidays

Our team will be back from August 18
The new academic year will start on September 15 for our musicians!

The Didier Lockwood Jazz Club has an exciting new season ahead, with plenty of concerts and exclusive events you won’t want to miss

Enjoy your summer

L’article SUMMER BREAK FOR THE CMDL est apparu en premier sur .

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Shanghai to the CMDL, as part of our partnership with the Expo Area Bureau of China*.

On the agenda for this international meeting: a tour of our institution, presentations of our educational and artistic structures, and promising discussions about upcoming collaborative projects. This partnership is already shaping up to be exciting!

The CMDL will have the honor of offering masterclasses in China, led by our teachers, as well as performing concerts alongside some of our student musicians. We are eager to bring these projects to life and to further expand the CMDL’s international reach!

Located at the heart of Shanghai’s strategic development, the “Expo Area Bureau of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration” is a rapidly growing district dedicated to international exchange, cultural innovation, tourism, leisure, and the development of corporate headquarters. It is within this dynamic context that our partnership takes place, paving the way for ambitious artistic and educational projects.

THE CMDL HEADS TO AUSTRIA

A trio — composed of one of our student musicians and two educational coordinators — will travel to Klagenfurt, Austria, from Monday, July 7 to Saturday, July 12, for the IASJ Jazz Meeting 2025!

Since the very first gathering held in 1990 in The Hague (Netherlands), the IASJ Jazz Meetings have brought together jazz schools from around the world each year for workshops, jam sessions, concerts, and educational exchanges.

This annual traveling event, held in a different country each year, fosters rich encounters between students, teachers, and professionals from all over the globe.

L’article CMDL CONTINUES ITS INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES est apparu en premier sur .

We kick off on Tuesday, March 4, with the Émergence.s concert by BLF Quintet at the Jazz Club Didier Lockwood.

The following week marks the return of European Week! For a few days, we will welcome musicians from all over Europe. Don’t miss our European Big Band, conducted by Nikki Iles, performing in two concerts: Thursday, March 13 at Jazz Club Didier Lockwood and Friday, March 14 at Le Bal Blomet

On March 18, Balkanola will take the stage to dazzle you at an Émergence.s concert!

 More information on our Programming page.

L’article This March at CMDL! est apparu en premier sur .

The Bureau des Étudiants is delighted to announce the launch of its very first film club! To inaugurate this series of film evenings, we’ve chosen to introduce you to an iconic film: “Round Midnight”.

Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, this masterpiece illuminates the spellbinding world of jazz through the life of an expatriate musician in Paris, magnificently played by the legendary Dexter Gordon. This film is not only a celebration of music, but also a profound exploration of human relationships and personal challenges.

We invite you to join us for an exceptional evening of culture, passion and conviviality. After the screening, we’ll have the opportunity to discuss the film and its themes, and share our impressions and thoughts.

Rendezvous November 14 at 7:30pm at the Didier Lockwood Jazz-Club.

We’re counting on your presence to make this first ciné-club a memorable event!

Best regards.

L’article Ciné-Club #1 est apparu en premier sur .