Josh Lawrence has just begun his tenure as Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen Arts Academy.
He spent some time with Classical IPR sharing music and his own musical philosophies, especially as they apply to jazz.
In some ways, he said, jazz is kind of like basketball. There are rhythms to consider, and an ultimate goal, but the way you as a team arrive at that goal each time is different. No two jazz concerts or performances are ever the same!
Josh is focusing on teaching students the fundamentals and history of jazz, and then combining all the elements into individual artistry.
To help expand your ear for the repertoire and the idea of improvising freely but with an ultimate musical goal in mind, Josh made some recommendations:
BEGINNER: "Naima" by John Coltrane
INTERMEDIATE: "Monk's Dream" by Thelonious Monk
ADVANCED: "On the Corner" by Miles Davis
Hear our conversation with Josh by clicking the "Listen" audio link at the top of the page.
Learn more about Josh at the Interlochen website.
