New Jazz Blog

May 29, 2008

Here is a new resource for jazz fans.  Check out http://jazzbreak2.blogspot.com:80/


OVERCOMING FLAPPY FINGERS

March 20, 2008

 From a quick viewing of YouTube video footage, it appears that Coltrane’s fingers may move further from the keys than do Bird’s.  Do you agree?

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Play on regardless: Music is therapy

March 20, 2008

WHY should real musicians – the ones who can actually play their instruments – have all the fun?

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Music, Brain Function, and Intelligence

November 13, 2007

 Music Makes You Smarter. Read the rest of this entry »


Jazz Musicians as Role Models

October 2, 2007

Is it possible for an older jazz musician to influence younger players in a constructive way?  Read the rest of this entry »


Charlie Parker Teaches Focus

September 29, 2007

Have you tried reading the charts in the Charlie Parker Omnibook?  I find that some of them require a level of focused attention that is quite difficult to maintain over a 3-hour practice session.

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Cool uses for the Charlie Parker Omni Book

September 23, 2007

There are so many wonderful phrases that Bird created. When one phrase in particular captures my imagination, i try learning it in all 12 keys. Read the rest of this entry »


Modulation

September 6, 2007

Do you ever grow attached to a key and find yourself resisting modulation into a new key?

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On Tone Control and Playing in Tune

August 14, 2007

Written by noted woodwind artist & teacher Signe Crawford for the “Keys to Music” collection of jazz etudes.

Think of tone as your material for creating music.
If you can create a good tone, good pitches will follow.
If you can create a good pitch, a good tone will follow.

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Can You Learn to Play by Ear?

July 5, 2007

YES YOU CAN!     How do i know?  Because I have taught over 100 musicians to do it over the past 7 years.  These are musicians of all ages and levels of ability on various instruments, and you can be one of them.

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Psych Yourself Up to Play Fast Tempos!

June 22, 2007

I’m not by nature a fast player.  I don’t do anything fast except breakfast.

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Latest Update on Sticky Saxophone Pads

June 20, 2007

Every sax player I have ever known struggles with the G# key sticking in the closed position.    updated May 15, 2008

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Choosing repertoire for a working jazz combo

June 2, 2007

How can you choose songs you love to play, the band loves to play, AND the audience loves to listen to?  Read the rest of this entry »


SWAB IT! How to Keep Your Saxophone Clean

May 24, 2007

You spent a lot of money on that horn. How can you make sure it will give you great service for many years to come?
Written by Daniel “Dr. Dan” Parker
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Practice Priorities

May 23, 2007

How you can develop an effective practice routine and get the most benefit from your practice time

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The Purpose of a Worship Leader

May 22, 2007

My church already has a pastor. Why would they need a worship leader? Why would I want to take on such a role? Read the rest of this entry »