Looking for a "good teacher" as opposed to a "good player" can work
okay for algebra teachers but I would be careful of using that technique
for jazz teachers.
Basically if someones methods are going to work, they should have worked
for them. Someone that has spent their whole life trying to be a top
jazz player and isnt may not be working on things themselves correctly
and in that case they may be of little help to you.
I've found it more beneficial to study with great players and try and
be a great student rather than expect them to be a great teacher.
When you are studying with great players, you know they are approaching
things correctly because things worked for them.
The danger of studying with great players is that sometimes they
have unusual talents, like say perfect pitch , which may figure into
how they can do what they do and their approaches may not work
quite the same for you. Also, sometimes artists are very insecure and
are reluctant to tell you how they really do things.
However, many "good teachers" will break things down in a simple
way that anyone can learn and will share freely with you but unfortunately
they know nothing of any value so what is the point of that I say.
reed
Reed Kotler
reed@justjazz.com
http://www.justjazz.com