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The minefield of studying jazz

Don't assume that books or teachers have any value. They may and they may not. It depends totally on the situation. It's a buyer beware situation and a most dangerous minefield.

People seem predisposed to believe anything in print. They will argue with top players about something because they read it in a book written by someone else that can barely play.

Lots of well meaning people that frankly can barely play Happy Birthday are allowed to write books and teach. They may be very patient and can explain everything in great detail and with great clarity and offer lots of supposedly helpful exercises and clear methodologies but they have nothing of real value to communicate to you and their understanding of the learning process for jazz musicians is nil. The old saying that some people are good teachers but can't do things seems to be something that teachers made up. If the techniques can't help that person, how will they help you? As Woody Allen once said" "Those that can't do teach, and those that cant't teach, teach gym".

Someone might be a good theorist but can't play. So then if their theoretical knowledge is correct, you use that but their methodologies for how to incorporate that material can't be that good of they would have worked for them. So in that case, be suspicious of exercises they give you to practice. What good did those exercises do them? It's also easy to sit down at your desk and think up all kinds of crazy exercises that you've never actually done yourself nor has anyone else ever done. For example, the ubiquitous  "here's something worthless that you can now practice in 12 keys".

Sometimes top players that teach really couldn't give a hoot if you ever can play. The teaching is just another gig for them and as long as they get paid, it's cool with them. Often what makes a great artist is a totally self centered person with a complete focus on their art and nothing else except maybe other personal needs of theirs. That's not meant as a criticism, just an observation.

Sometimes top players are very insecure about their position and they are afraid to tell you what they really do because you might take their job.

Some will sincerely try and help you but they can't comprehend someone that doesn't have their natural talent and they have trouble communicating with people that don't have the same skill set.

The bottom line is that you have to take responsibility for your own education.

Don't look to others to do that for you.

You have to become a great detective and objectively search and sort through all the evidence to discover the truth. Those that sincerely and tirelessly search for the truth will find it

Copyright © 1999 Reed Kotler