Students Speak Out!
What’s the best thing about the U of T Jazz program for you? How has the program impacted on you as a musician and a person?
I am surrounded by students who are passionate and motivated to succeed. They are very strong players—this is both inspiring and intimidating—and they are also wonderful people.
The environment is nurturing and positive. Everyone wants to learn and grow.
With such a small student body, we all know each other. There is strong camaraderie; people are always willing to give a hand. Everybody is open to jamming, and what competition there is feels healthy.
The teachers are genuinely enthused about teaching, and are willing to put in extra effort to help out the students.
The curriculum is well thought out, and provides students with a strong foundation for becoming professional musicians. The practical approach of many of the courses provides us with skills, not just knowledge.
Musically, we are encouraged to reach out in different directions. This helps me get in touch with what I want to do as a composer and player.
My weaknesses are exposed. I’m constantly being challenged, as the teachers push my limits. I learn at least one new thing every day.
I appreciate playing in ensembles where we choose and prepare our own repertoire. The other students introduce me to many different styles of music.
There are many performance opportunities on and off campus.
The downtown campus is beautiful and centrally located.
The masterclasses are excellent and the private lessons are amazing.
Living in Toronto has opened my mind and made me a freer thinker. I’ve grown, personally and musically, at an exceptional rate, and I’ve adopted a wider perspective of the world.
Being in this program helps me see my potential, and motivates me to work for it.
What recordings are high on your recommended listening list?
Aaron Parks – Invisible Cinema
Bill Evans – How My Heart Sings
Brad Mehldau – Live
Charles Mingus – Changes One
Charlie Parker – The Complete Charlie Parker
Christian McBride – Live at The Tonic
Christian Scott – Anthem
Dexter Gordon – Go
Erik Truffaz – Mantis
JJ Johnson – Cubanismo
John Coltrane – Live at Birdland
Kurt Rosenwinkel – The Next Step
Marcus Miller – M2
Miles Okazaki – Mirror
Roy Hargrove – RH Factor-Distractions
The Wood Brothers – Loaded
Tomasz Stanko – Soul of Things
Woody Shaw – Solid
With the benefit of hindsight, what would you have done differently before coming to U of T?
I would do more solo transcription, and learn more tunes.
Shed, shed, shed! More practice, and importantly, more efficient practice.
Seek out a jazz teacher and other jazz-minded students. The more you know when you arrive, the more you’ll get out of the program.
I wish I knew how to warm-up and practice more efficiently. Hearing how much my sound has improved since I’ve been here makes me realize how many hours I wasted.
I should have studied piano and done more ear training.
I should have learned more jazz theory.
I would concentrate on the present moment, not worry as much about the future.