Why I do not offer makeup lessons: “Make-up Lessons From An Economist’s Point of View”

“I suck, I’m sure I’m not your favorite student. . .” muttered my young dejected friend recently. I was taken aback for a moment, but then had to laugh. Not at him–but at the concept. I suppose I can understand his perception that my “favorite student” is going to be the person who: plays the [...]

A great lesson for students of all ages.

As I am up FAR too late tonight- I had the opportunity (read here: obligation) to write down my current “Educational Philosophy”. A couple of things come to mind: First: This is what I believe now. Today. Check in month, decade, eon, and things surely will have evolved. Second: Rather than write a narrative about [...]

On Tuesday, July 6th, three outstanding trombonists came and played for the students at Summer Music to promote their upcoming recital at the Lafayette Public Library, July 18th, 7PM. Mr. Timothy Higgins (newly appointed principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), Mr. Paul Welcomer (second trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), and Mr. David Ridge [...]

Interview with drummer, craftsman, and thinker, Glenn Cronkhite. Glenn is a craftsman of the old world, and shares with us his life story, and how he ended up inventing the modern gig bag, and how he founded what became Reunion Blues. Episode 3 Direct Download Link Please subscribe in iTunes

Sigh. In an ongoing effort to fight the mythos of “uh, chicks can’t do that dude” there are two videos below that Mr. Alex Iles shared with the trombone list recently. In his post he referenced an interesting note, Amanda Stewart was recently appointed Associate Principal trombone with the New York Philharmonic. This is a [...]

Episode 2 of Meeting With Masters: Thoughts on Music with people who don’t suck, is up at it’s new home. This episode features Los Angeles great, Mr. Alex Iles- studio trombonist, jazz artist, college professor, orchestral musician, and good human! You may DOWNLOAD IT DIRECTLY, or better yet: Subscribe in iTunes Hope you enjoy – [...]

I’ve taken the liberty of preparing the files in SmartMusic so you can practice the parts ahead of time. By using them in SmartMusic you can practice the parts and have instantaneous feedback regarding your rhythm, pitch accuracy, and can practice your part in the context of an “ensemble”. I HIGHLY urge you to download [...]

Where the heck are the videos you promised? Hi there! Sigh- technology is fun and challenging. I’m running out now to play with the Four Tops, and am having some difficulties with the website. All will b fixed by Monday. Please visit DrJ YouTube Channel to see the videos until I get them, and the [...]