<p>Could someone in the know, perhaps Allmusic, describe the differences between the conservatories as far as style goes, traditional, straight ahead? We're specifically interested in MSM, Eastman and McGill, but my S has also been accepted at NEC, New School and Berklee for jazz bass and I think other jazz folks would benefit from having that sort of info. Also, what the heck is straight ahead?</p>
<p>include me in ‘other jazz folks’…</p>
<p>Straight ahead is clean, traditional jazz from the mid-late 20th century. The “feel” of straight ahead is more consistent rhythms–jazz standards. It doesn’t have a latin or funk or other contrasting feel–it’s what a lot of people think of as jazz. Your son knows what it means! My son wanted a school that was more on the leading edge of jazz style, encouraged creativity and new styles. However, straight-ahead jazz, and the ability to play it–is the basis of all jazz education, jazz theory and such, and is the diving board upon which newer styles emerge. Schools in the south tend to be more traditional in this sense, which is not to say that there isn’t any jazz creativity coming out of the south, but the traditional feel is more prevalent. </p>
<p>I don’t have any idea how to classify the schools you’re looking at, but all jazz departments–according to my child–had a certain “feel.” </p>
<p>From the faculty and student recordings, size of the jazz department, number of students in his instrument, and the basic reasons he applied to each school, your son probably has a sense of the style of the schools, and where his interests lie. I don’t think there’s a wrong answer. I would think more important would be his applied teacher, the size of the program and the product the school is producing.</p>
<p>I don’t think it would be appropriate to classify the perceived differences, because they are very much from my own son’s perspective, and other people may not agree! It really is a bit subjective, but my son would say, of your schools, Eastman and NEC are two extremes between straight ahead and cutting edge. </p>
<p>I will say that there is quite enormous variation between even the best jazz departments, and SJTH is correct, that they all have a certain “feel” and style, as well as caliber of students (your son’s choices will all have very high caliber students, for the most part). Students who like to play a certain way would definitely be happier in some jazz departments more than others, which is why I think it is really important for them to visit, listen to ensembles/combos, jam, meet with teachers, talk with other students, etc. So much is clarified in such a visit.</p>
<p>Your son has absolutely terrific choices. My son had a lot of those same choices—so feel free to PM me if you would like specifics (again, personal info and a couple years old now, but maybe it will help!).</p>
<p>Hello! I’m new to this forum but have scanned several pages of very helpful information in the “best university jazz programs” threads - thanks to all who wrote in these!</p>
<p>To introduce myself, I am a 28-year old female college graduate (my major was not related to music, much to my regret) considering returning to school to study jazz performance - it would have to be for a Bachelor’s, since I doubt my ability to get into a Master’s music program. I play both the piano and the guitar and have had a tentative relationship with music (both classical and jazz) for the past 12 years or so. </p>
<p>Over the past 6 months, however, I have become VERY serious/passionate about studying JAZZ - probably for piano, since that is my better instrument. I do have a little bit of a jazz background from my brother, who is a jazz guitarist and has taught me some jazz theory/etc. I used to study with a private instructor, but he was very classically oriented and rather condescending toward jazz, so lately I have honestly just been teaching myself, practicing several hours a day, using the Jamey Abersold Instruction books and dvd’s (thank goodness for these, they are so incredibly helpful/awesome!). I also plan on attending several jazz camps this summer to strengthen my jazz skills and gain experience performing with combos, etc. I am also on the hunt for a jazz piano teacher. I currently live near Denver, Colorado but would be willing (and would prefer) to re-locate to a city with a great jazz program and scene.</p>
<p>What colleges would you recommend for jazz piano, and for someone like me, who is a non-traditional student? Stylistically, I prefer traditional, straight-ahead jazz (swing, bebop) but I also really love bossa nova and latin. Location-wise, I prefer the west-coast or schools in the south, though I might consider east-coast schools if they would be a good fit for what I’d like to study. I am new to the application/auditioning process so would also welcome any advice in that regard. I would like to get a list of schools compiled so I can begin prep work for admission next fall (Fall 2011). I wish I could begin study in the Spring 2011, but I have had no luck in finding programs that offer a Spring admit. Anyone know of any? Would any colleges make an exception for a Spring admit? I suppose I am in a bit of a hurry to start moving forward with my jazz/music studies because I don’t want to waste any more time - going back for another Bachelor’s is going to take another 3, possibly 4 more years, so the sooner I get started the better! Any advice from all of you is welcome!
…loving the jazz so much…!
Mellidy</p>