Quote:
Originally Posted by koricancowboy  Hi Patrick,
First of all thanks so much for taking the time to answer all of our questions, I have learned quite a bit reading your part of the forum. Well my question is, how do you go about practicing both classical (orchestral and solo) and jazz. I'm having quite a time incorporating jazz into my routine. I practice about four hours a day. Thanks in advance for your answer.
Sincerely,
Oz
P.S. I'm gonna ask Lynn on the jazz side as well!  |
Great Question! Not an easy answer:
The fact that we change our mind-set for the two genres is one of our problems. I believe practicing scales and arpeggios, dilligently in both styles, is necessary to accomplish proficiency in both styles. There are numerous etudes in each style and some that cross into both. And there is repertory by composers who specialize and appreciate both styles (Proto, Clayton, Turetzky, Meyer, Barbe, myself, and others!). So, I think the best thing to do is remember that ALL music is made of scales and arpeggios in different patterns and inflections. Mastering the mechanics to bring about those genre-details is paramont. Bow use is featured in Classical, pizz in jazz: but Christian McBride is a master of the bow and I dare say that I wish I could have his technique for certain classical pieces. I think if we can somehow, in ourselves, decide that music is music, only inflected in styles that differ (Baroque, Romantic, Modern, Jazz, Classical, Rock, Folk...) but all having the same components, then it is less of a daunting challenge to practice them ALL! Be a proficient player. Then add style!
Best to you!!!
Patrick
Practicing classical and jazz 
