November 14, 2024
Igmar Thomas & the Art of Big-Band Beats
Leader of the Revive Big Band and collaborator to rap royalty, the trumpeter and composer-arranger offers expert guidance on making hip-hop work for a large ensemble.
Category: Artist Interviews
November 6, 2024
Alexa Tarantino: ‘Family & Community & Good Vibes’
In a new in-depth Music & Artists video interview, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist talks about the importance of old-school ear training, the joyful camaraderie of big bands, and why making mistakes is a great way to learn.
October 31, 2024
Tony Levin: Profiles in Education
The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig
October 30, 2024
Sherrie Maricle: Secrets of Big-Band Drumming
The DIVA Jazz Orchestra leader on technique, teaching, gear and why stuffing a blanket inside your bass drum isn’t the answer. Plus: the 5 common pitfalls for developing big-band drummers.
October 25, 2024
Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey
Terence Blanchard, Ethan Iverson, Aaron Diehl, Helen Sung, Natalie Tenenbaum and other luminaries talk about the issues surrounding the jazz/classical divide—from technique and theory to conservatory culture and diversity.
October 11, 2024
PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy: Profiles in Education
The director of the groundbreaking saxophone ensemble reflects on the teachers who changed his life, his own career as an educator, his Selmer horns and more.
October 10, 2024
Bobby Sanabria’s Secrets of the Clave
One of Latin jazz’s greatest bandleaders offers tips for unlocking the foundation of Afro-Caribbean music.
October 1, 2024
Inspired by Inspiration: Tyler S. Grant’s ‘In Your Wildest Dreams’
The acclaimed composer goes inside the making of his new Project Imagine commission. For many composers, the title of a work is often an afterthought. But in the case of Tyler S. Grant’s In Your Wildest Dreams, those four words led the way. “I knew I had a title so I had something to latch […]
September 26, 2024
Carli Kennedy’s Singer-Songwriter Secrets
The Nashville-based Music & Arts instructor, who performs with her sister in the acclaimed classical-country duo Twin Kennedy, reveals her tricks of the songwriting trade.
Doug Woolverton’s Modern Blues Mastery
One of contemporary blues’ premier horn players on transcribing guitarists, controlling his sound with effects pedals, and using open space like B.B. King.