U of M and Minneapolis Questions

Dogbertday · #1 07-28-2008, 03:08 PM

So I'm not sure where this should go really but I figure this is as good place as any.

I'm wondering if anyone goes to the University of Minnesota and is involved in the Jazz program up there (graduate school specifically). I'm considering grad schools and would like some oppinions on the advantages/disadvantages involved here. Also, I'm wondering what kind of city it is for a working bassist (amount of work, etc.) I double on electric as well and would gig on both...

I think something this site may be lacking is a review section for schools so people can share their experiences at each institution... but that's a discussion for another day..

Thanks in advance!

Kam · #2 07-28-2008, 06:43 PM

I don't believe the U of M offers a MM in Jazz, and if it did I wouldn't recommend it. I believe they have strengths in their ethnomusicology and composition departments. I lived in Mpls for about 6 years and the general consensus of most of my peers was that it is a shame that the music school is not all that great since the area itself has some really excellent opportunities for artists.

charlespf · #3 07-28-2008, 11:01 PM

I'm don't know anything about UM's grad program for jazz, but I know that Bob Hurst is fantastic. Their jazz program in general is pretty solid. Ellen Rowe is a wonderful person and musician, and the faculty also has Geri Allen, who is absolutely amazing. The playing opportunities around here are pretty good, but you really have to figure out your niche, because it can be somewhat limited stylistically.
The scene also isn't so much like a big city, because everything is pretty spread out. You should expect regular drives to Detroit and Toledo.

charlespf · #4 07-28-2008, 11:04 PM

Oh man, I'm a moron. That and a little bit of a townie. I just reread the OP, and realised UM is referring to Minnesota. Ah well, maybe someone else'll check out my post looking for info on Umich sometime.

Lawlzfitzgerald · #5 07-28-2008, 11:16 PM

yeahh minneapolis has a thriving music and arts scene. but if youre into jazz youre probably going to be a bit dissappointed. a few jazz clubs to play at i think. but as said above. things are pretty spread out.

sorry i dont go there yet (a few years too young D: ) and i cant tell you more. sister is going there though and she says theres a good sized jazz following. nothing spectacular though especially in the way of music programs.

Dogbertday · #6 07-29-2008, 01:13 PM

OK well my options are pretty much the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee which is a great school but I know a lot of people never leave the milwaukee area, also I'd most likely be playing a lot of blues gigs to make the cash.

I'm thinking of Minnesota too because it's the other big city (there's a tuition deal where between the two states you both get in-state tuition), I know it has a great artist and music life, and I heard some good things about the jazz depot.

I like jazz but I'd really like to get more involved with more modern styles as well. I'd be playing both upright and electric doing everything from jazz to hip hop and whatever comes next... of course that's just a general plan but it's where I'm at right now

kraigo · #7 07-29-2008, 01:28 PM

In my experience (Minneapolis resident for 20 years, musician for over 30), the scene is good, but the pay is crap. If you just like to play you'd be OK, but if you want to play for a living, well, it's a tough life.

I haven't heard much about the UofM(innesota's) music program. Macalester (in St. Paul) has a great music program, though.

I love my hometown. Lot's of good musicians here. Lot's of good music here. Well paying gigs? Not that I know of.

KO

mrokern · #8 07-29-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraigo

In my experience (Minneapolis resident for 20 years, musician for over 30), the scene is good, but the pay is crap. If you just like to play you'd be OK, but if you want to play for a living, well, it's a tough life.

I haven't heard much about the UofM(innesota's) music program. Macalester (in St. Paul) has a great music program, though.

I love my hometown. Lot's of good musicians here. Lot's of good music here. Well paying gigs? Not that I know of.

KO

Bass guitarist crossing over here, but I saw MN and thought I could be of some use...

Kraigo has a very good point...if the UofMN doesn't have what you are looking for, don't discount the fact that there are a number of smaller colleges and universities around the metro, some with very well-respected programs. My sister-in-law is involved in the music program at the U (not jazz, though), so I'll ask what she knows...

It is a good scene around town. Pay could indeed be higher, but it's there depending on the music you play / draw you can achieve. If you just want to get out in front of people, this town provides a million opportunities for that.

-Mark "Loves Minneapolis!"

Dogbertday · #9 07-29-2008, 01:47 PM

I'll deffinately check out the surrounding schools... thanks for all the help guys!

paganjack · #10 07-29-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraigo

I haven't heard much about the UofM(innesota's) music program. Macalester (in St. Paul) has a great music program, though.
KO

+1 for the Mac shoutout

[alma mater pride]. There is some ridiculous music at that place. heh...no grad-level program tho

I can't say much for the U of M TC campus music program, but the guitarist for my band went to UM-Duluth for their jazz studies program. i was under the impression that it was a well-thought-of program. he's awesome most of the time. Duluth has a kickin music scene too from what i hear- lots of hippie music.

yeah i don't know how much paid you could expect to get- kind of depends a lot on what/where you want to play. there seems to be an abundance of country cover bands playing the outer suburbs...if that's your thing.

Kam · #11 07-29-2008, 04:15 PM

In regards to the scene, my experience in the twin cities was a good one. I think it offers a great deal of opportunities for bassists and I made a good chunk of income from playing and teaching. I would not have left if the U of M had a good Jazz Masters program. As with everything, people have different standards. I'm originally from Milwaukee, and I don't think the scene there even compares to Mpls as far as opportunity, even though Milwaukee has gotten better since I left in 2001.

Back to the U of M, I would pick it over UWM just because James Clute and Chris Brown have studios there. Chris Brown is the Principal in the SPCO and James Clute has taught almost every badass double bassist to come out of Mpls.

Bass Catcher · #12 07-30-2008, 06:46 PM

I am 26 years old, grew up in Minneapolis and went to college at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. Here's my input:

I think that Minneapolis has a great scene. I know a lot of guys that make most of their living on playing, so it is possible. There is a lot of talent, and I'm always meeting new great players. On the down-side - Minneapolis is a little over-saturated with music at times. There are so many people trying to make music that it's typical to play shows with smaller audiences - because there is so much going on. And just a note - Minneapolis is essentially all I know, so I can't offer another big city as a point of comparison.

I know several great players who got music degrees from the UofM Twin Cities. But - they studied classical music, not jazz. It seemed to be the general consensus between them that the jazz program at UM-TC was OK, but nothing that great. If you're looking for a hardcore jazz program - you should probably look elsewhere.

I think someone mentioned UofM - Duluth - I'll tell you what I can about there as well. UMD is a good jazz school for an undergraduate -they have a jazz studies degree. However, I didn't know any masters jazz students - probably wouldn't be a good place for you either.

Hope that helps!

Matt