UNT stats

[pedro]

Mr. Seaton, I'm curious what your current enrollment is at UNT for bass students?

# Jazz Majors - undergrad
# Classical - undergrad
# Jazz - Grad students
# Classical - Grad students

Thanks.

[Lynn Seaton]

Hello,
Here are some averages for UNT that vary in numbers year to year.
# Jazz Majors - undergrad- 20
# Classical - undergrad - 13
# Jazz - Grad students - 3
# Classical - Grad students - 2
# Classical - PHD students - 2

[pedro]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[pedro]

Not sure if you have this information but how many of the grad students got their undergrad degree at UNT?

Also, I'm curious whether or not you have a particular philosophy regarding grad school. Specifically whether its best right after finishing undergrad or better to get some experience first.

[Lynn Seaton]

Hi,
For direct contact about UNT, one is welcome to email me at lseaton@music.unt.edu .
Some Graduate students came from UNT and some from other places. Going to Grad school right after undergrad is fine for most, while others would benefit from other experiences first. Some people have a hard time returning to the student life once they leave. Others are much better students and appreciate school after a break. There is no set pattern that fits for all. Most Grad schools (including the University of North Texas) have high expectations for admittance.

[pedro]

Once again thanks.

[ding_man]

How do you have room for 20 undergrad bassists!

[Lynn Seaton]

We are lucky to have one of the largest bass programs in the world at UNT. The large jazz ensembles have spots for about 25 bassists. 8 semesters of lessons are required for jazz majors-4 classical and 4 jazz. New jazz bass students take a group jazz class with me twice a week while studying classically with another teacher. They take private jazz lessons later. I also teach 3rd semester Advanced Improvisation for all instruments where the bassists have more time with me. With people being in different stages of their academic career, the spread of students with lessons and classes is balanced.

[ding_man]

Originally Posted by Lynn Seaton

We are lucky to have one of the largest bass programs in the world at UNT. The large jazz ensembles have spots for about 25 bassists. 8 semesters of lessons are required for jazz majors-4 classical and 4 jazz. New jazz bass students take a group jazz class with me twice a week while studying classically with another teacher. They take private jazz lessons later. I also teach 3rd semester Advanced Improvisation for all instruments where the bassists have more time with me. With people being in different stages of their academic career, the spread of students with lessons and classes is balanced.

How many other people give private lessons? Do you have grads do some?

[Lynn Seaton]

For jazz lessons there is one TF. All the jazz bassists will get some lessons with me and will have me their first year in a jazz bass class that meets twice a week.
as said before, they also will see me in Advanced improvisation that I teach. Additionally, there is a Spring Semester elective Rhythm Section Masterclass that is co taught by me and the other rhythm section faculty: Fred Hamilton guitar, Ed Soph drums, and Stefan Karlsson piano. For classical lessons there are several TF's since all bassists will take them regardless of their major. The wonderful bassist and teacher Jeff Bradetich is the classical teacher and oversees that program and it's TF's.

[Illbay]

Mr. Seaton:

Do you know Robert Brown, who until last year was a graduate student and then instructor at UNT, a jazz keyboardist? Just wondered it you did; I'm taking jazz pedagogy with him here in Houston presently.

Could you give me the names of at least three (3) double bass instructors in the Houston area, if you know of any, that you would recommend for Jazz? I am 50 years old, and thirty years out of playing full time. I'd like to get back into it, but am very rusty.

Thank you.

[Lynn Seaton]

There are some good bassists in the Houston area. There is a great web page that lists many of them with a short resume. That would be a good place to search for a jazz teacher. Go to: www.jazzhouston.com and click on the bassists. Yes, I know Robert from UNT. He may be able to recommend someone as well.

[Illbay]

Originally Posted by Lynn Seaton

There are some good bassists in the Houston area. There is a great web page that lists many of them with a short resume. That would be a good place to search for a jazz teacher. Go to: www.jazzhouston.com and click on the bassists. Yes, I know Robert from UNT. He may be able to recommend someone as well.

Actually, he recommended I ask you!

Thank you for the information. My mid-life crisis has manifested as a desire to become a decent Jazz bassist.

I have purchased a WAV4. Would you consider that adequate for learning and practice?

Thanks again.

[pedro]

For jazz lessons there is one TF. All the jazz bassists will get some lessons with me and will have me their first year in a jazz bass class that meets twice a week.
as said before, they also will see me in Advanced improvisation that I teach. Additionally, there is a Spring Semester elective Rhythm Section Masterclass that is co taught by me and the other rhythm section faculty: Fred Hamilton guitar, Ed Soph drums, and Stefan Karlsson piano. For classical lessons there are several TF's since all bassists will take them regardless of their major. The wonderful bassist and teacher Jeff Bradetich is the classical teacher and oversees that program and it's TF's.

I'm a little confused, just how much face-to-face lesson time with you will the typical undergrad get by the time he finishes his degree? And if you know can you tell me if the classical bass students are similarly handled by Mr. Bradetich and his TF's? Thanks.

[Lynn Seaton]

Students get face to face time with me twice a week the first year (2 semesters) in the Jazz Bass Fundamentals Class which is like a group lesson. They later will get private lessons with me - usually 2-3 of the 4 semesters of required jazz lessons and the rest with a TF. This depends on the loads of course. We also meet with all jazz bass majors once a week in the Jazz Bass Departmental where those students in lessons perform a short program followed by a group discussion of various aspects of the performance. Jeff Bradetich sees some private students, has TF's for others, and there are two group bass classes in the evening - one for solo literature and one for technique for those in classical lessons. I have an open door policy that encourages students to come by and see me regardless of whether they have a class or lessons with me. In the first year a student will probably see me face to face 75 or more times if they make all their bass classes and departmental performances.

[Lynn Seaton]

Illbay wrote: "I have purchased a WAV4. Would you consider that adequate for learning and practice?
I am sorry, but I am not familiar with a WAV4. Maybe some of the readers of this forum will comment.

[pedro]

Thanks for the reply. I'm curious if you are able to help your students with the business aspects of the life of a musician in their post UNT careers? Sounds like you're a busy fellow, and training them musically has to come first but I have to believe that there is a lot more to earning your keep as a musician than just being a good player.

[Illbay]

Originally Posted by Lynn Seaton

I am sorry, but I am not familiar with a WAV4. Maybe some of the readers of this forum will comment.

The WAV4 is the Chinese-made (and thus less expensive) cousin to NS Designs' CR-series Electric Upright Bass.

[pedro]

Illbay that photo in your profile looks mighty familiar to me.

[Illbay]

Originally Posted by pedro

Illbay that photo in your profile looks mighty familiar to me.

"You got it wrong, sir! I'm only the cleaner!"