[Martin14]

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend Universities with strong jazz studies programs in Canada. I know of the obvious ones; McGill, U of T, York, Humber, but I am wondering if anyone has info on some of the lesser known ones. I'm looking into studying with Greg Gatien at Brandon in Manitoba but I can't find much information. Can anyone help me out? Recommendations? Suggestions? Pros/cons? Places to avoid? Anything helps.

Thanks

 

[rleitch]

The music program at Dalhousie (my alma mater) is very modest, and has no Jazz program per se. The resident sax guy, however, is Chris Mitchell, and he's a monster. From what I can see, the students in the Dal music program are very happy. If you're looking east, St. Francis Xavier has a very strong jazz program.

I can't see how you could beat studying in Montreal or Toronto though!

Good luck!

R.

 

[sandster]

Capilano College, Vancouver, B.C., has a strong Jazz Program with several outstanding musician/teachers. Also, some good people at Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, (Vancouver Island).

 

[mike713]

I also know a lot of people who are really excited about the jazz program at U of Manitoba - a lot of the faculty are big names in the New York scene.

 

[BarrySachs]

I also know a lot of people who are really excited about the jazz program at U of Manitoba - a lot of the faculty are big names in the New York scene.

I can recommend the U of M programme. Jimmy Greene is the saxophone teacher and Ken Gold is a great alto and baritone man around town. Derrick Gardner joins the faculty next semester. Steve Kirby runs the show. I have been up there several times myself. If you don't mind Winnipeg, it's a great hang.

McGill is good too. Eat your lunch in the William Shatner Pavilion.

 

[paulwl]

Whereas at Manitoba, the New Yorkers will eat it for you. :lol:

Note: 18 years in greater NYC gives me the right to say this.

 

[BarrySachs]

Whereas at Manitoba, the New Yorkers will eat it for you. :lol:

Note: 18 years in greater NYC gives me the right to say this.

I'm hip!

 

[rleitch]

Whereas at Manitoba, the New Yorkers will eat it for you. :lol:

Note: 18 years in greater NYC gives me the right to say this.

You might think New Yorkers are a tough breed...until you meet the bugs in Manitoba!

 

[paulwl]

If I may continue on the stereotype bandwagon, Woody Allen - or at least the character he played - hated visiting Connecticut because there were bugs there. But he didn't mind his Manhattan pad even with a spider the size of an Oldsmobile living in it. We basically make our own reality.

 

[dvdberg]

Grant Mcewan in Edmonton has a respected jazz program. I'm not certain about its suitability as a university program or perhaps as a stepping stone towards a university degree but that's easy enough to check out.

 

[Stretch]

My thoughts, for what it's worth: study jazz independently and/or with a private teacher. Prepare for a career in some other field.

 

[paulwl]

Excellent advice. When it comes to the market that keeps us alive, we do NOT make our own reality.