I'm expecting to take the Jazz Trumpet Grade 1 exam in 3 weeks time. I'm very new to this particular sort of stuff, and I don't have much guidance from anyone.

I was wondering if it might be an idea to record and post on this forum my playing (along with the backing tracks) of a few pieces I might cover, so that anyone who would be kind enough to spare the time could give me a bit of critisism.

What do you say?

Regards,

Mark.

I'm sure you're worrying for no reason - from what I've read from you before, and with your background, you'll be fine.
A few years ago, I started doing the Jazz Piano syllabus, like you, from zero, and, like you also, went for the Grade 1 exam just a couple of months later. I got almost full marks. I'm now working my way through the Jazz Clarinet books and am taking Grade 4 on the 9th November.

Best of luck for your exam!

I'm sure that some people would take the time to listen if you posted it, and who knows you might start a whole new trend. However, the problem with Jazz is that the music is written more recently and thus is probably still in copyright to the composer, so check your pieces before you put them up...

I'd love to take the jazz exams myself but ironically i find my self teaching students how to pass the jazz exams. My main focus has become the jazz exams, teaching saxophone, trumpet and trombone with the odd classical guitar student. When not teaching jazz i lead a jazz quartet locally in a number of local Italian/French restaurants which is fun. My band is being featured on ITV 1 on Friday at 11pm, that should be interesting as i have no idea how we sound.

TenorClef,

According to my TV listing for ITV1 at 11pm there's a programme about the dangers of cannabis. I can't say I approve of your methods of getting through a performance!

Seriously, though, it's a shame some of us won't be able to see your band owing to regional differences in ITV scheduling.

Regards,

Mark.

I have raised the issue of copyright, pointed out earlier on in this topic by AnotherPianist, with the forum Leader.

Until I receive a response I think it would be prudent of me not to post recordings of my performance. I don't want to go ruffling any feathers, particularly those of the ABRSM's lead jazz consultant, Charles Beale, who will be my examiner on the day.

It would be a shame if we can't do this sort of thing as I think it's a good idea with the sole purpose of helping us to be better musicians.

Fingers crossed,

Mark.