Education News

Ozomatli Reviewed, Jazz Education Network Conference Previewed

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
May 17, 2010

For your Sunday night/Monday morning perusal, some links from over the weekend:Ozomatli was in St. Louis on Friday night, performing at Blueberry Hill in place of their canceled date at Powell Symphony Hall. Ben McMahon was there to cover the show for the Riverfront Times, and you can read his review online here.Meanwhile, on Thursday the Jazz Education Network will open its first-ever national conference at the University of Missouri St. Louis. The event runs through ...

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Core Music Bundle Offers New Method for Jazz Education

Source: Michael Ricci
May 16, 2010

Fifty years ago, learning jazz was based on apprenticeship on the bandstand, preceded by lessons with a classical teacher and a lot of hanging at the clubs. Possibly the latter was substituted by the new Long Play stereo records. Since then, jazz has become an institutionalized art form with prescribed course material. The books have often received a position as one-stop solutions; some deservingly, others far more questionably. Where classical music education found its uniformly accepted teaching methods centuries ago, ...

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Alex Skolnick and Rock House Break the Barriers of Jazz Guitar in a New 3 DVD Set

Source: Michael Ricci
May 15, 2010

West Haven, CT. -- Rock House, the leader in music instruction, announced today the release of JAZZ GUITAR, Breaking the Traditional Barriers, a new Three DVD set featuring guitarist Alex Skolnick who is world renowned for creating an unprecedented blend of Metal and traditional Jazz. On his first-ever instructional program, Alex shares his perspectives and secrets for conquering Jazz guitar. Using basic Blues progressions, he guides you through Jazz concepts and shows how to follow progressions by targeting chord tones, ...

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Practice Concepts: Getting a Grasp on the 12 Keys

Source: Goings on @ Urban Nerds
May 11, 2010

Feeling bogged down and overwhelmed with learning all of your scales, arpeggios, and modes in all 12 keys? Try this great practice idea I got from the great bassist, Putter Smith.Practice scales and arpeggios at the pace of one key a week. I thought this was a brilliant idea as it takes a big subject and breaks it down into manageable parts. So, instead of trying to cram all of your major and minor scales, arpeggios, plus modes; ...

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Alton Museum Establishes Miles Davis Scholarship

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
May 12, 2010

The Alton Museum of History and Art has established a scholarship named after trumpeter Miles Davis, who was born in the Southern Illinois river town. According to an article by Jill Moon published in Monday's Alton Telegraph, the museum is now accepting applications for the scholarship, which is an award of $250 for a graduating high school senior who wants to pursue any post-secondary degree -- not just music or art -- from a two- or four-year educational institution.

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Grammy Nominated Garcia Hosts Day of Percussion

Source: Tellem Worldwide
May 11, 2010

Pasadena, CA: Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music (lamusicacademy.edu) is partnering with the Drum Department's own Richie Gajate Garcia for a “Day of Percussion" on Saturday, June 12th starting at 9:00am. The man known as “El Pulpo" ("The Octopus") has done nearly 500 clinics and is one of the most in-demand educators and clinicians in the world of drums and percussion. Originally from Puerto Rico, Garcia has accompanied Phil Collins, Sting, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Diana Ross among ...

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Litchfield Jazz Camp Announces Teach the Teacher: 2 Day Professional Development Training

Source: Michael Ricci
May 11, 2010

Kent, CT: Teach the Teacher was developed by Litchfield Jazz Camp to help music teachers at all grade levels develop or expand effective strategies for educating their students about America's national music Jazz. Held on the campus of Kent School in Kent, Connecticut, July 20 and 21, the workshop is open to music teachers and undergraduate music education students.

This inaugural program is led by saxophonist/composer/educator and Music Director of Litchfield Jazz Camp, Don Braden, and an all-star faculty. Master ...

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Seattle Area Again Well Represented in Essentially Ellington Jazz Contest

Source: Seattle Jazz Scene
May 10, 2010

Because Andy Clausen does not drive, his age is a point of confusion to some of the older, professional jazz musicians with whom he frequently plays. At 17, the Roosevelt High School senior is old enough to get his license but hasnt. His father, Curt, also an avid musician in his youth, sometimes drops him off or picks him up at gigs. I take the bus. I can walk to clubs, Clausen said. He lives a short walk from Cafe ...

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