SF "Bay Area" teacher

[mark_m]

I live in the "east bay"; after having played a few years I am feeling like I could benefit from a good teacher. There was mention on the forum previously of one or two really great instructors around town, one in Oakland if I remember correctly... I work in the city so that's a possibility too. Does anyone have any strong recommends?

If not I'll probably go through The Jazzschool, with whom I have some connectivity. Any thoughts appreciated!

[dingfelder]

I highly recommend Larry Schneider.

He is a fabulous player (here are some of his albums http://music.onino.co.uk/music-shrink/225158.html) and he lives in oakland.

Here is a link to his contact info from the jazz school

http://www.jazzschool.com/faculty/fac_l_schneider.php

Tell him I sent you :)

(andy dingfelder)

[mark_m]

Excellent - so he's associated with the Jazzschool, that's really perfect. Thanks!

[Hurling Frootmig]

Check out Mel Martin. www.melmartin.com He is a very talented guy and has some students. He might be able to point you to someone really good.

[mark_m]

Hmm...he teaches at The Jazzschool too. Looks like they've got the goods!

Thanks much for your recommendation.

[dingfelder]

I can't comment about Mel, since I don't know anything about him.

Do check out that link to Larry Schneider's recordings though, it may give you good feel for his recording history...

He cut his teeth in the '70s with Horace Silver and Charles Mingus and has been active on the scene ever since, having played and recorded with such notables as Bill Evans, Horace Silver, Billy Cobham, and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. He has more recently toured for the last several years in Europe as guest soloist with countless rhythm sections.

here are some clips where you can hear him playing: http://www.artistdirect.com/store/artist/album/0,,244044,00.html

FYI: He is playing with Victims of the Groove on Saturday February 28, 8 pm. (Hardymon Hall, at the Jazzschool, 2087 Addison Street, Berkeley, in the Historic Kress Building of the Downtown Berkeley Arts District.)

[mark_m]

Andy, Larry sends a hi back atcha, got email from him last night. Sounds like a great guy.

For anyone what doesn't know, the Jazzschool is a pretty cool place, they have nice concerts in an intimate setting, and there aren't too many places around like it. I saw Mark Murphy sing there not too long ago, the place holds maybe 70 people packed. Susan Muscarella runs it; she's done a great job, I'm sure it's not easy to create and grow a successful Jazz school, and she's now got non-profit status which has been a good thing for contributors. www.jazzschool.com

Another interesting place that I know very little about is the Jazz House, at the intersection of Shattuck and MLK/Grove. Anyone been there?

[mark_m]

Andy, Larry says "come back some time!".

Good guy, had my 1st lesson with him last weekend. He's playing at the Jazzschool this weekend, btw.

[Lenny]

Hal Stein is also a great player and long time well regarded teacher in the East Bay.
What is Larry like as a teacher? Sometimes a great player is not neccessarily a great teacher.

[mark_m]

I'm having a very fine time with Larry, but finding the right teacher is a very individual thing, like mouthpieces and the rest of it...

[Tim Price]

Guys- FWIW- I'd highly endorse Larry in a NY second.
The guy is beyond the norm- great player and fantastic creative human being. What Larry is about on the horn is way beyond anything you can imagine. He is one of the true gifts to jazz in this era. I can't say enough about him-I could use a few lessons from him. ( and Hal Stein)

Also- look for Kenny Brooks- another bad cat. He really is humble and a sweet dude. A#1 sound king IMHO. Fantastic orignal sound.

Tell Larry I said hi-and hope he's doing well.
Nobody sounds as great as Larry. :D