What happened to the Jam Sessions?

[Monika Herzig]

I'm working on a research project to evaluate the current status and need for jazz jam sessions in today's jazz pedagogy. It would be of tremendous help if any of you jazz musicians and students could take 5 minutes to answer a short survey at this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=kqM8aQHIZ8xjFNWgiXAtsg_3d_3d
I will be glad to share any results and recommendations, but the more participants I get of any ages and level, the stronger they will be. Also, please pass this link on to any of your fellow musicians and students.
Thanks so much and do let me know if you have any further questions.
Monika Herzig

Dr. Monika Herzig
Arts Administration/ Jazz Piano
Indiana University
[e-mail]
www.monikaherzig.com

[nicky quick]

I took the survey dr. abit bit short but fun.. thank you..

[Monika Herzig]

Thanks Nicky, much appreciated, spread the word.
Monika

[Greg Osby]

Hello,

I've completed your survey. Please feel free to contact me for any further information if it is required.

Greg Osby

[Monika Herzig]

Thanks so much, Greg. And please pass the link along to all your jazz musician friends and students. And your wonderful concert that I got to book with you for Jazz from Bloomington several years ago here in Bloomington, Indiana is still fondly remembered - hope we can have you back sometimes.
Best
Monika

[Dave Peck]

I'm am happy to participate. Keep up the good work.

[Monika Herzig]

Much appreciated - spread the word.
Monika

[Pete Oliver]

Hi
I hope it was OK for me to participate in your survey? Even being in the UK and out of action for a while I am sure the same rules apply today for young musicians. I had to make my own way in life fairly early on and the jam sessions replaced my formal music education so for me were essential and enabled me to enjoy 30 years of playing and the rewards they brought, but in today's world I feel a formal music education with jam sessions is the way to go as in Jazz you need to feel that interaction with with players and listeners as well as the theory.
All the best Peter .

[zoot baker]

i find them to be singers that can't improvise and players that not only suck but stand off to the side and try to play blues scales while someone else is playing.

[zoot baker]

the survey is not for someone that just wants to play a few tunes without having a gig. for me jam sessions are not about learning. teaching maybe.

[Nick Drozdoff]

Did the survey. Lot's of fun.

Around Chicago, in some ways jam sessions have muted from the "cutting sessions" of days gone by, and in some ways (or perhaps, clubs) they haven't! Most jam sessions here are events of mutual sharing, learning and musical exploration and communication. In some clubs (two in particular) there is an intense "vibe." In THOSE joints, you'd better know what you're doing or you'll get driven off the stage in a hurry. There is no room for the learning musician in a couple of these places. In most places around here, though, the host and guest musicians are pretty warm and accepting. However, in any of the Chicago jams, I would make sure you knew your tunes cold before calling them. Also, don't show up with a fake book! Certainly some of the host musicians might have a fake book as they are severely outnumbered by the guests and often get stumped. However, the guests calling the tunes shouldn't call something they have to read.

Jam sessions in Chicago can serve as a networking tool as well as a musical growth opportunity. You might not want to have a fake book, but be sure to have plenty of business cards!
;-)

Nick

[sophie jones]

I also like to know about more. your post was great.I just appreciate what you did.Great going.
Jenny Craig
Blockbuster

[sophie jones]

Jazz is great way to express feelings.I just love your post. I would like to know more about JAZZ. I will wait for your next post , i hope that would be as good as now one.
Jenny Craig
Blockbuster