krwg
Part of the NPR digital network
JAZZ
What Makes a Well-Rounded Jazz Education?
What Makes a Well-Rounded Jazz Education? Saxophonist Dave Liebman
Professional Jazz artists, Dave Liebman and Eddie Gomez, reflect on what makes a well-rounded jazz education, and agree on the importance of Jazz history. by Fred Bouchard Schools across the country offer a broad range of jazz education options, but taking advantage of the opportunities falls on the shoulders of the student. Because listening to and learning from the masters plays an essential role in learning jazz. we asked a number of professional jazz artists and educators, "What makes a well-rounded jazz education" in the lobby of the New York Hilton at this past January's International Association for Jazz Education conference.

Saxophonist Dave Liebman

A welfrounded jazz education includes technical matters (the vocabulary of music), music in general (scales, chords, keyboard knowledge), technical aspects of instrumental playing (including some classical technique) and the specifics of jazz concerning history, repertoire, ensemble playing, big band participation, writing and arranging. Alongside this obvious musical training, the business of music must be included, meaning the realities of performing and teaching as a way to make a living. Finally - and most important - are the aesthetics (readings, discussion) in recognizing the meaning of art in manifestations other than music: the great philosophical as well as spiritual matters that should concern a human being who aspires to be a conduit for deep feelings and thoughts. It is the development and evolution of the total "artist" that should be the focal point of the ideal jazz education.

Bassist Eddie Gomez

You have to study and hear the history of this music. You have to understand the components and craft of this music, and you have to study other musics, because they all touch on each other. You must be in touch with a lot of information. You have to find people with whom you are at ease sharing information, with no attitudes. They should be people with enough discipline to help you be a disciplined person.

---
© Copyright 2007, Down Beat