[Dixielandjazz] Theory vs. Ears

[Steve barbone]

"Larry Walton Entertainment - St. Louis" wrote (polite snip)
 
> Ken (Gates)
> Theory is nice and I guess there are those who like to get into the numbers
> but while you are doing all of that you will lose the music.  The simplest
> place to start is to learn the blues scale in several keys then get yourself
> the first couple of the Jamey Ambersold Blues CD's and have at it.  If you
> have Band in a Box there are a bunch of different blues progressions that
> come with it that you can put in any key. (remainder snipped for brevity)

Solid advice, good post Larry. One is always helped by theoretically knowing
how to reach each note when one wants to. So too, many think that the best
way to become a jazz musician is to "Hear", able to play what one hears.

Those that are training via Suzuki Method as well as Theoretically are those
that may well become proficient jazz musicians the most rapidly.

Jonathan Russell, going on 11 now, is a perfect example. He is learning both
Theory & Suzuki. I have some information about Suzuki method if anyone is
interested. By Jonathan's Dad. It is enlightening. I will send it to Ken off
list later today. Jonathan's Mom teaches Suzuki method so that explains a
lot. BTW, he is now interested in playing clarinet.

Glad I'm old and will not be challenged by him if he continues along that
pathway. :-) VBG.

Cheers, 
Steve