What songs should I learn for jam sessions?

Last week we started a new series of articles on Teen Jazz where we answered some of our readers’ questions. One of the questions was “What songs should I learn for jam sessions?” To answer the question I initially threw together a list of songs that I’ve heard or played at jam sessions, but I …

7 things I learned from seeing BB King and George Benson perform

Last week I had the opportunity to see not one, but two music legends perform. The first concert I attended was that of George Benson at the McCallum Theater in Palm Springs on February 16, 2013. The second was BB King at the House of Blues in Anaheim on February 22, 2013. Both of these …

The Teen Jazz Practice Journal

We’ve assembled a weekly and daily practice journal template to help you or your students keep track of practice. Download the Free Practice Journal here. [template id=”182″]

The Secret to Being Productive for Musicians

I am not always as productive as I could hope to be because finding the time to manage various tasks can be quite a challenge. As musicians, we have a diverse range of responsibilities including everything from recording to marketing, performance to teaching, and each of these tasks we may complete each and every day. …

Video Sax Lessons with Bob Reynolds

Looking for a really great resource for practicing and learning to play your instrument? Saxophonist Bob Reynolds has a series of videos with lessons for musicians at any stage. The videos provide really great and insightful advice. There are currently five videos and they each cover a different aspect of practice. I don’t want to …

The Teen Jazz Guide to Keeping Your Facebook Fans

Promoting your music on Facebook is important and learning where to draw the line between what irritates fans and what interests them is always a challenge. It’s important to promote a constant and consistent message without overdoing it, so if you’re looking for that “perfect mix” here’s a list of things that you shouldn’t do. …

Measuring Improvement

Finding the motivation to practice and improve is sometimes hard, especially when you don’t see immediate results. When we first begin to sing or perform, it doesn’t take long to notice a difference. It’s exciting and encouraging to see how quickly we can learn to play new notes and new music, but as we get …

Is it Talent or is it Hard Work and Passion?

I recently read an article that discussed the idea of natural-born talent as a myth. I’m undecided as to whether or not I believe that natural talent is a myth, but I certainly agree that hard work can make up for where talent may lack. I even more firmly believe that working hard can and …

Performance Advice | No One Can Be a Better You

As an artist or performer it can be difficult to put yourself out there. There are so many talented artists and the Internet has millions of people who aren’t too shy when it comes to sharing their opinions on any material that ends up online. You can try to shield yourself by blocking comment features …

A Thank You Goes a Long Way

One of my greatest faults is the fact that I am inexplicably shy. When I confess this weakness, most people are shocked. They can’t understand how I can get up on stage and perform if I’m shy. And they’re right it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. To be honest, I’m not completely sure …