Words of Wisdom from Jazz Musicians: DMEP

Just back from a killer time at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, hearing great student groups and soul-shaking professionals. And even got to talk with some of them. It’s kind of surreal to be standing in line waiting to go through the scanner at the airport and talk with the incredible vocalist Carmen Bradford as she takes her shoes off. Musicians are such awesome people. So generous and funny and personable.

Want to learn more about the best ways to practice? Get an e-mail with a discount code when The Practice of Practice is published (June, 2014). To learn more about the book, check out a sample from The Practice of Practice.

While at the festival (I was there to critique groups and give a couple clinics on my investigation into practice), I got the chance to chat with Rob Klevan, long-time education director at another festival, the fantabulous Monterey Jazz Festival. He turned me on to a new app and interviews that you HAVE to check out if you’re interested in jazz, or any kind of music practice for that matter. This weekend I got to meet one of the featured players, Sal Cracchiolo, before he went up to play a smoking set with the always funky Tower of Power.

This thing goes deep. Check out any of these stellar musicians to hear the interview, learn who influenced them, and what albums they recommend you listen to. This is a fantastic resource if you’re interested in playing jazz. One of the most valuable things online, I bet. Check it!

other musicians interviewed in the app (Digital Music Education Project):

Wynton Marsalis
Terence Blanchard
Herbie Hancock
Chick Corea
Cassandra Wilson
Esperanza Spaulding
Christian McBride
Poncho Sanchez
and SEVERAL DOZENS of other great players! You can sort by instrument, too.

Click on the image to go to the iTunes page for the app: