NGW / Jazz... I'm diving in head-first!

[Pete2]

Hoooo boy.... Well, I just signed myself up for my first ever National Guitar Workshop, to learn about jazz guitar, something that I know next to nothing about.

I figured that the best way to get in the pool is to dive in head first...so what the heck! And I'm pretty excited... Anyone else going? Anybody have any experience with jazz instruction at NGW?

I applied for the CT campus August 9-15, the same week as the Jazz Summit, but I signed up for the Major/Minor for Jazz 1, since I have zero experience playing jazz. Should be fun!

Pete

[artandink]

Hey Pete,

I took a Jazz 2 major two years ago. It wasn't that advanced. I suggest you "audition" before the instructor to ascertain your level.

Are you commuting or staying in New Milford? Either way, you'll have a lot of fun.

I'm signed up for the Blues Summit again. It's the week before.

Art

[Pete2]

Hey Art, how do I audition-- is that done on the first day? I wasn't sure what level to sign up for. I've been playing guitar for 15 years, but know nothing about jazz and I'm weak with theory. But I've had years of piano lessons pre-guitar, so I know some music theory in general... just not specific to guitar.

I'm going to commute-- I only live maybe 45 minutes away, tops, which is shorter than my commute to work everyday!

Pete

[artandink]

Originally posted by Pete2
Hey Art, how do I audition-- is that done on the first day? I wasn't sure what level to sign up for. I've been playing guitar for 15 years, but know nothing about jazz and I'm weak with theory. But I've had years of piano lessons pre-guitar, so I know some music theory in general... just not specific to guitar.

I'm going to commute-- I only live maybe 45 minutes away, tops, which is shorter than my commute to work everyday!

Pete

On Sunday, after orientation, you meet with your major instructor for a brief assessment. It doesn't take them long to see if your in the right level. Jazz 1 is very basic. It might be worth it to pick up a beginning Jazz book to get some background. Go to the NGW site and look for the bookstore. I believe Jodi Fisher has a video and book on beginning Jazz.

This is my third year (I signed up for Jazz 3 for the second week July).

Last year I signed up for Jazz 2, but was moved up to Jazz 3 at the "audition" - my test was to play a melodic minor scale and a few voicings of C13.

Time well spent and a lot of fun.

Alex

[Pete2]

Originally posted by artandink
Go to the NGW site and look for the bookstore. I believe Jodi Fisher has a video and book on beginning Jazz.

Thanks for the lead... I just ordered it. You can actually get the book and DVD packaged together for $23 from Elderly Instruments.

Pete

[Joe]

The more theory you have under your belt when you arrive the better. People who are bogged down and do not understand the modes, etc... get lost and frustrated quick. In one week they have to cover a lot of ground, so the better your footing the more you get out of it. My roommie was hopeless by the second day and started skipping classes since he was clueless by mid-week.

[Rig James]

Hey Pete,
Im awaiting my registration papers for the maj/min classes the week of the jazz summit also. Sounds really interesting, Im looking forward to playing that style of music in a band situation with instructors. Im pretty exited myself I cant wait. Maybe Ill run into you there.

[Pete2]

Hey Jamnad, cool, man. Have you played jazz before? Which major did you sign up for?

Pete

[Rig James]

I didnt get my registration papers yet so Im not sure, they said ill have everything by Tuesday.
Ive played Jazz( Real Book etc.) with other musicians, but have not been formally trained in jazz, Im looking forward to this workshop. Ill let you know what major and minors when I have registered. Talk to you soon

[joejazzguitar]

I'm a four-year vet of the blues and jazz programs at NGW....while none of the teachers are slouches, see if you can get to study with Barry Greene or Peter Einhorn (if he's still there). Both are excellent players and - more importantly - excellent communicators. You could also not go wrong in one of Jody's classes.

By far, my favorite teacher/player is James Hogan; he's got the whole pop/jazz thing nailed! If you can't get into one of his classes, make sure to catch him at the faculty concert.

If you like blues at all, Matt Smith is a phenomenal player and teacher, and he has a great sense of humor; his classes are a lot of fun.

have a blast,
joe bivona

[matte]

I taught the most advanced Rock classes @ NSGW back in "86.

[Tom Gross]

I've been to NGW 4 times - Blues, Blues summit twicw, and Jazz.
The teachers are incredible, and had some amazing experiences learning from & just digging some incredible instructors, and meeting a ton of great players.

[joejazzguitar]

Tom's got a real good point; even if you are in commuting distance to the NEw Milford campus, you also learn a great deal by playing with people off hours in the dorms and after-hours jams.

Don't plan on getting too much sleep; I figure that during my frst week up there, I MAYBE got 25 hours sleep all week. By Wednesday, your body is running on caffeine, nerves and adrenaline....

Make sure that you take a mini-disc recorder and tape your lessons and the concerts......

joe

[jzucker]

Originally posted by joejazzguitar
Tom's got a real good point; even if you are in commuting distance to the NEw Milford campus, you also learn a great deal by playing with people off hours in the dorms and after-hours jams.

Kind of off topic but I was just explaining to my son today that when I was a jazz guitar major at the UofM, I learned more jamming with folks off-hours then I did at school. Surrounding yourself with other eager and hungry to learn players is one of the best ways you can learn.