Education News

Jazz 101: Ten Starter Tracks for the Jazz Novice

Source: Michael Ricci
August 11, 2009

Unless your last name is Marsalis, its a pretty safe bet that you were not born a jazz fan. More likely, you came to the music after having cut your teeth on more immediately accessible genres pop or rock, country or hip-hop. You still love and listen to them, too, but as you matured you came to understand the deeper rewards jazz possesses.

Of course, such transitions take place gradually there is a process of discovery involved, wherein a listener ...

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La Jazzpro Connection Bill Reichenbach Trombone Master Class Series Studio City

Source: All About Jazz
August 6, 2009

THE LA JAZZPRO CONNECTION features Bill Reichenbach this Saturday August 8, 2009 as well as Alex Acuna, Peter Erskine, Larry Koonse, Bob Sheppard and in a new community music concept.It takes place Upstairs at Vitello's Jazz Lounge produced by April Williams 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City 818-632-4868 for information. Williams donates spaces in the series to young musicians who cannot afford to attend as well. She has a weekly lottery for Musical Opportunities. BOB SHEPPARD SAX PRO says “This is ...

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Bassist/Educator Jim Widner Elected to Jazz Education Network Board of Directors

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
August 4, 2009

Bassist and educator Jim Widner has been elected to the board of directors of the Jazz Education Network (JEN), a relatively new organization formed in 2008 not long after the collapse of the International Association of Jazz Educators. JEN's Web site says the group is “dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences."The newly elected board has seventeen members who took office on July 1 and will have their first ...

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La Jazzpro Connection Launches Series in Studio City

Source: All About Jazz
August 3, 2009

THE LA JAZZPRO CONNECTION features Alex Acuna, Peter Erskine, Larry Koonse, Bob Sheppard and Bill Reichenbach in a new community music concept.

Whether you’re a playing professional, aspiring professional, or committed player, the Master Class Series of workshops offered by THE LA JAZZPRO CONNECTION August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 2009 offer the perfect opportunity to meet other excellent musicians, soak up one day or five days of world class jazz in a nurturing environment and leave as a better ...

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Debut of Chicago Creative Music Workshop: An Institute for Improvised Music

Source: Michael Ricci
July 31, 2009

Chicago, IL - September 2nd and 3rd the Chicago Jazz Festival, a partnership between the Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events and the Jazz Institute of Chicago, presents the Chicago Creative Music Workshop (CCMW), under the direction of Nicole Mitchell and Renee Baker. Sponsored by the Chicago Jazz Festival and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, the CCMW will offer a unique opportunity to learn from master improvisers and perform with them in a variety of settings. ...

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Pianist Phil Dunlap builds Jazz Bridges between St. Louis and Kabul

Source: Michael Ricci
July 29, 2009

“We were at the top of a stairwell, and there was this huge window that was looking onto the street," he recalled. “They actually took out a big chalkboard and put it in front of the window. So from the street level you couldn't see inside. Just in case." As education director for Jazz St. Louis, Dunlap typically welcomes public attention to jazz performances. This time, however, he found himself in Kabul, Afghanistan, where it's best to fly under the ...

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Charlie Harrington Becomes Member of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild

Source: Michael Ricci
July 27, 2009

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National Endowment for the Arts Announces 2009-2010 NEA Jazz Masters Live Grants

Source: Michael Ricci
July 27, 2009

For the second year, the National Endowment for the Arts will bring outstanding jazz musicians, writers, producers, and scholars to communities across the nation through NEA Jazz Masters Live. For the 2009-10 season, 12 organizations will receive grants totaling $250,000 through the program to support multi-event, extended engagements, featuring many jazz greats who have received an NEA Jazz Masters Award, the nations highest honor in jazz. Managed by Arts Midwest, the program offers audiences the unique opportunity to enter into ...

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