More on Jazz Ed.

Going back to the question; "What's wrong with the way jazz is taught in school?", it probably isn't fair to make a blanket statement. I'm sure there are teachers running programs in schools across the country that focus more on ear training, ensemble performance, and good overall musicianship. I think it comes down to the individual private instructors, however, those students who want to learn how to be strong jazz musicians have to put themselves in performance situations often. The school environment is good from the standpoint that there are a ton of other musicians that want to get together and play, but it's important to also get with people you don't know (i.e. jam sessions, rehearsal bands, etc.) and put yourself out on the line a bit in front of live audiences that aren't affiliated with any school. School can be great for a musician if he uses it as an opportunity to develop while continuing to pursue performance opportunities outside of the school. The biggest pitfall for student jazz musicians is that they get real comfortable with their own clique at school and don't ever branch out much beyond that.

Probably the best way for jazz to be taught is strictly by ear. When I teach lessons I try and get the person to play with a good sound sound and the right style first and foremost. It's absolutely possible for a great jazz musician to not know any theory if he has a great sound, great rhythm, and good enough ears to play in the right tonalities. However, a musician that knows all the theory but doesn't have the sound and style is pretty much an amateur.