The Power of Slow
Read MoreJazz School News, Thoughts and Events.
The Power of Slow: Tips for Beginning and Intermediate Players
Posted by David Bloom on Mar 13, 2018 12:00:00 AM
Topics: jazz education
One problem you may be noticing during live performances is a lack of respect for the show. Each tune should be considered a chapter in a suspense novel, not a series of short stories with no cohesiveness. With my 40+ years of intensely studying the greatest jazz performers of the last century, I've discovered core values and practices that make the live experience of jazz infinitely more interesting and exciting for the audience.
Topics: jazz courses, jazz classes, jazz education, jazz instruction
"I came to the Bloom School trained in the very different tradition of Indian classical music. I wanted to understand various elements of jazz, from the basics of harmony and rhythm, to nuances of improvisation within the context, subtleties in composition and expression, to building a deeper appreciation of what I listen to. All of the with no training in Western music and armed only with a keen ear. David works with me within my framework of musical understanding. He never imposes a canned method or rigid way of thinking, giving me only the mantra of aiming to produce the highest level of aesthetic as I express who I am. Within a short period of time on this journey at the Bloom School, I have picked up skills and knowledge in the jazz language and have surprised myself. There is a genuine interest in the students growth... that's a rare gift in a teacher." |
Topics: jazz programs, jazz education, jazz vocals, jazz vocals chicago
Topics: chicago jazz, david bloom, jazz education, bloom school of jazz
If you live far from Chicago, and would like greatly improve your musical knowledge and expression this summer, you can! The Bloom School of Jazz now offers live Skype Video 1-on-1 classes from Chicago (you can be anywhere in the world!). Get the full benefit of a real private session, in the comfort of your own home. The assignments are the same, the curriculum is the same, and the philosophy is the same - and you never have to leave your home practice space. Technology can make learning jazz quite convenient!
To set up an appointment, begin by requesting to share contact details with bloomschooljazz on Skype (note the "of" is not included!). We will then contact you shortly about setting up an orientation video chat!
Even better, Skype is FREE to use. If you don't have a copy, simply choose what kind of computer to the right, follow the link, and download it today.
Topics: jazz programs, jazz school, jazz education, online jazz lessons, live online jazz
Jazz School Experience Series: Escaping Yourself to Be You Part 3
Posted by David Bloom on Apr 20, 2011 6:06:00 PM
Escaping Yourself to Be You (Part 3)
A few specific ideas for musicians as well as civilians to help you escape both the outside and inside negative forces are as follows: For musicians, I have found that a good way to work on escaping preconceived notions, and occupying the present is to play the first two bars of the melody of a ballad twenty times, each phrasing the melody differently, but in a way that is sincere and expressive. They rhythm can be changed, the melody can be broken up differently with different length rests and dramatic dynamics can be used. But do not change the actual pitches; once you change the pitches and the rhythm it is no longer the tune that is was to begin with.
Topics: jazz courses, jazz classes, jazz school, jazz education