Klarinet Archive - Posting 000340.txt from 1997/08

From: mdelceg@-----.nz (Michael Delceg)
Subj: Re: Learning Jazz
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 02:33:54 -0400

>1) How much classical training (if any) is necessary in order to be well
>grounded before attempting jazz?

A working knowledge of all major and minor chords and scales plus others
like diminished and whole tone would help.

>2) Is there anything I can teach him as a starter, or at least focus on,
>or would he be better going to a teacher whose strength is jazz?

Exposure to the music is essential. At least find someone who is
knowledgable with a good recording collection who can fill your student in
on the history of jazz and particularly the clarinet players. Any
opportunity to hear live jazz should be seized. Most real fans will be glad
to lend a hand. I suspect the most difficult thing for a classical player
would be to develop a naturally swinging phrasing, which tends to cut
across classical precision.

>3) Are there any good training books for beginner jazz players (I'm in
>Australia though, so any suggestions here may be hard to obtain)?

Jaime Aebershold's series of play-along CDs and the computer program Band
in a Box are very useful. I'd recommend learning standard tunes in their
native keys as your student gets to that key.

I moved from the New York City area to land eventually in New Zealand, and
I do at least as much playing here, so isolation can be overcome with a
little persistance. You are to be congratulated on your recognition of
jazz; may I suggest that this could be an opportunity for you to learn more
about it?

Mike