All That Jazz
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but I am learning jazz piano! I mean, since I’m not in school anymore, I have to educate myself somehow. Haha. I have been doing a lot of self-study up until now, but I have my first lesson this Friday. I’m studying with Dennis Borycki, a Norman-ite who comes highly recommended and is known by many.
I’m doing this for several reasons:
1. I’ve always wanted to. Listening to jazz is so relaxing, yet invigorating. I can only imagine the feeling if I’m actually the one playing it. I hope to be able to play in an ensemble at some point.
2. To learn something new. Jazz is a completely different language than classical piano. I am not only expanding my mind and my skills, but experiencing what it feels like to be a beginner (kind of) at something.
3. I think it will be beneficial in my teaching. My philosophy involves giving students a well-rounded music education, and jazz fills in those gaps that traditional instruction contains. I’m not saying I’m going to teach all my students how to play jazz (unless they are really interested, and if I’m qualified), but I would love to incorporate aspects of it. I hope it will give me a better basis for improvisation, composition, ear-training, among many activities.
In other news, ah the wonders of networking. The Piano Seminar at OU afforded me a chance to speak with some really neat teachers from Colorado Springs. They were really interested in what I’m doing, and relayed information about my recent lecture recital to their local MTNA chapter Vice President. He asked if I would do my recital as a program up there this Fall!!! How cool is that? I will be going up there the 2nd Tuesday of October to give my presentation (not to mention do some sight-seeing!). I’m sure I will be posting about this a lot more in the weeks to come!
