Pass it on. This is the title of a wonderful composition written by bassist Dave Holland, who attributes the phrase to drummer Ed Blackwell. At its core, jazz music is a language passed from musician to musician, generation to generation, selflessly. Pass it on. Whether shared by oral and/or written tradition (I’ll let others argue as to which is best), jazz music must be heard to be learned. Seeing and hearing it produced; an even better learning experience for any musician. Pass it on.
I teach because I want to ignite the enthusiasm and love for jazz that was sparked in me by my mentors. From my first exposure via television glimpses of Louis Armstrong and Count Basie, through memorable undergraduate studies with Julian Priester and Gary Peacock, to a recent lesson with guitarist Joe Lano, a continuum of joy emerges from almost every jazz musician I come in contact with. Pass it on.
As an educator, I am exposed to a wide array of students and teach a wide variety of music subjects. If they will listen, I share everything I know and search out what I do not. If they do not listen, I do the same, trusting osmosis. People generally contemplate and appreciate enthusiasm and passion in others. I have a passion for music, especially jazz music, and I am privileged to be able to enthusiastically Pass it on.