Jeff Bradetich

Beto · #1 08-08-2006, 12:09 AM

What can you tell me about him?
I am asking about his teaching and his playing.

Jake · #2 08-08-2006, 06:26 AM

I studied with Jeff at the University of North Texas for 7 semesters. As well a being a great player/musician, he really approaches teaching as an art form and a science. He is like the Phil Jackson of the double bass. I am planning to finish my degree with him. There isn't anybody I'd rather study with. Also, if you want to check out his playing, he's got a great CD called Double Bass Portraits with his wife Judi Bradetich playing piano. It's availible through Lemur.

Ed Fuqua · #3 08-08-2006, 11:09 AM

Having heard any number of bassists out of North Texas State, I would say that Jeff knows how to turn out good bassists.

Aaron Saunders · #4 08-08-2006, 11:28 AM

ALSO having heard several UNT bassists (mostly on Jake Hanlon's recordings) I'm going to agree with Ed. This man knows what he's doing.

Zachmozach · #5 08-08-2006, 12:13 PM

He has big hands.

Jeff Guevin · #6 08-08-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachmozach

He has big hands.

Seriously. Viewing his instructional video, my first reaction was "no fair!".

**Freddels** · #7 08-08-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron Saunders

ALSO having heard several UNT bassists (mostly on Jake Hanlon's recordings) I'm going to agree with Ed. This man knows what he's doing.

I believe that Jeff Bradetich teaches classical bass at NT. Lynn Seaton teaches jazz bass at NT. Most of the jazz bassists there are most likely not going to get lessons with Jeff Bradetich.

Just attempting to clarify.

Ed Fuqua · #8 08-08-2006, 02:19 PM

Actually not, both Cliff Schmitt and Mike McGuirk, who were in the jazz program, worked with Jeff Bradetich. Mike, in particular, has been quite vocal (on this site even) about the contributions that Jeff made on his approach to the instrument.

**Freddels** · #9 08-08-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Actually not, both Cliff Schmitt and Mike McGuirk, who were in the jazz program, worked with Jeff Bradetich. Mike, in particular, has been quite vocal (on this site even) about the contributions that Jeff made on his approach to the instrument.

I said "most" would probably not. I would think that to study with Jeff that one would need to be a pretty good classical player. Were these two grad students?

When I was at NT, there was no jazz bass prof and the classical bass prof was Ed Rainbow. He taught the grad students and the grad students gave lessons to the undergrads. I studied with Andy Eulau when I was there. I was there with Tony Scher.

I'm not trying to knock Bradetich in any way but just trying to clarify Aaron's post about the players that he'd heard from NT. I'm willing to bet that they didn't study with Bradetich.

Beto · #10 08-08-2006, 03:28 PM

How difficult it is to be admited in NT? I mean in both areas(jazz and classical).
I am from Costa Rica and I really want to get both degrees...
How is the scoarships thing going on?

Ed Fuqua · #11 08-08-2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddels

I said "most" would probably not. I would think that to study with Jeff that one would need to be a pretty good classical player. Were these two grad students?

When I was at NT, there was no jazz bass prof and the classical bass prof was Ed Rainbow. He taught the grad students and the grad students gave lessons to the undergrads. I studied with Andy Eulau when I was there. I was there with Tony Scher.

I'm not trying to knock Bradetich in any way but just trying to clarify Aaron's post about the players that he'd heard from NT. I'm willing to bet that they didn't study with Bradetich.

Nope both undergrads, although you really should e-mail Mike to get particulars. They placed first and second the ISB jazz competition in the late 90s.

Andy's a great player and Tony seems to be getting his 15 minutes due to his playing (guitar) and production of Ric Moranis' CD. At least I saw him on 60 MInutes. Do you know his brother Pete, too?

JoeyNaeger · #12 08-08-2006, 03:51 PM

Here is Jeff's bio page on the university website, it has some recordings and some intruction videos on it.

http://www.music.unt.edu/bio/bradetich.shtml

I've been to the summer master class three times now, and I've always walked away with a lot. Not only is he a fantastic performer, but he really knows how to indentify problems and fix them.

**Freddels** · #13 08-08-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Nope both undergrads, although you really should e-mail Mike to get particulars. They placed first and second the ISB jazz competition in the late 90s.

Well, there you go. Great players. Jake states that he's studied with him for 7 semester so he would know more about what it takes to get lessons from Bradetich.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Andy's a great player and Tony seems to be getting his 15 minutes due to his playing (guitar) and production of Ric Moranis' CD. At least I saw him on 60 MInutes. Do you know his brother Pete, too?

Tony's brother didn't go to NT (at least not when I was there). There were a bunch of great players there. James Farnsworth, Craig Handy, Jeff Coffin, Dave Pietro, Dan Wojciechowski, Mike Cain (to name a few). I know I'm leaving out a ton.

Zachmozach · #14 08-08-2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beto

How difficult it is to be admited in NT? I mean in both areas(jazz and classical).
I am from Costa Rica and I really want to get both degrees...
How is the scoarships thing going on?

http://www.jazz.unt.edu/?q=node/5
Ability to play the melody, improvise a walking bass line, and solo on "Confirmation" from memory
Ability to improvise a walking or appropriate style bass line on a chart of complex jazz harmony (e.g. Wayne Shorter or Thelonious Monk tunes, etc.)
Ability to improvise a walking bass line on common jazz variations on a 12 bar blues progressions in all 12 keys
Ability to improvise a walking bass line on the progression to "I Got Rhythm" in at least three keys including Bb
Some jazz soloing ability at least appropriate for second year improvisation classes at UNT (basic jazz standards and blues in several keys)
Ability to play: the melody, an improvised bass line, and solo on at least ten jazz standards from memory.
Ability to play at least two contrasting pieces in the classical style is recommended. At least two years of college-level classical double bass lessons experience is highly recommended.
Attention will be paid to time feel, stylistic authenticity, technical proficiency, tone, musical background, overall musicianship, and potential for development.

A friend just got admitted to be a classical guy and the audition is equally as challenging in the classical field. Not to mention from what I've heard almost all the classical bass majors play jazz as well even though they may not be in a lab band or anything. They will just grab someone and play a tune here or there to jam. Hope you make it in.

Alex Scott · #15 08-08-2006, 09:12 PM

I can not say enough good things about Jeff Bradetich. He seems to always go above and beyond for everyone.

He is one of the most exciting performers I have seen and a great teacher. I did a summer camp with him when I was in High School years back.

Lynn Seaton is also great, I have many friends who went to North Texas who have said he is if not the best faculty member there, one of the best. (And these guys were Sax players and Drummers and piano players)