The things I've heard...

When you grow up in music you get the chance to meet a diverse and eclectic array of inspirational people who truly understand the power of words and communication. Even my earliest teachers had ways with words that would cajole and nurture the very best out of you. Sadly, most people appear to believe that music education is more like Whiplash, this is simply not the case. Our professional musicians err towards humour and incite over aggression every time.

Herbie Hancock said “Jazz is about being in the moment”, how true is this? Particularly when our young students are slaves to phone screens.

“Life is a lot like jazz, it’s better when you improvise”, is acknowledged to have come from George Gershwin. Perhaps during these Covid times, this sentiment would help all people manage their changing circumstances.

I have a few favourite memories from tutors that inspired me.

“That’s mustard that is Jon, great!” and “That’s  gravy, that is!” are both positive supportive phrases coined by Jim Muirhead who was in charge of the University Big Band in Huddersfield. Being from the north, food and positivity are often linked together in unexpected ways!

Whilst at Leeds, the great maestro Al Wood was also keen to use humour to teach “That’s swinging like a concrete ball”, something not to be aspired to.

What are your favourite "sayings"?

As I have matured as an educator, I have also developed my own lexicon of “phrases” that work i.e. phrases that shock, inspire and tease out communication which is vital to a all good teaching relationships.

I would really like to know what your favourite quotes and sayings are. please do send them in or write them at the end of this post. Currently I am enjoying this quote from Count Basie “Well, if you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night”. I believe this highlights how people need to keep working on their craft. In music, business, science and every other discipline, you should always be aware of the benefits of “building upon existing ability and experience over change”.

If you want to read some more quotes, try these links:

https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Count5/memorable_jazz_quotes/

https://wiki.musicbrainz.org/Jazz/Quotes

Maybe some of my quotes will be included on our new #wikipedia page coming soon…

#nuture #legacy