Hi,
How can I find a teacher that specialises in jazz syllabus in my area?
Are music shops a likely bet to have a list? Can anyone teach it who can play jazz themselves and is a teacher of the instrument?
I know of a young (about 18 -19) lad who has played in youth jazz ensemble for approx 10 years and now goes to music college and works in local music shop - he hasnt any teaching quals but would be willing to teach - would a 'proper' teacher be better? Can he even enter people for an exam?
any help gratefully received

Thanks
Jacquie

Hi jacquie, most teachers don't teach the jazz syllabus as they are classically trained and likely have not the academic training/disposition to get to grips with the jazz syllabus. Many still do not regard jazz as a serious art form. To my knowledge i am 1 of 2 qualified teachers offering purely the jazz syllabus in my area according to the local ABRSM rep. This has meant a lot of people are in effect teaching themselves. Why not go along for a couple of lessons to the person who has offered to teach you. Their are some great teachers out their with absolutely no qualifications at all, their are also some pretty awful ones too. Use your discretion. What area are you in? Have you checked www.musicteachers.co.uk to see who is avialable in your area? Good luck with the jazz lessons, the jazz syllabus is great fun!

The only requriement to enter people for exams is that you are over 18 so he can enter you if he is. If you're over 18 you can enter yourself if you like. It sounds like this person has a lot of knowledge which is the first step to becoming a teacher; if he doens't have experience of teaching he has to start to gain some somewhere! Maybe you could negotiate a reduced rate ; Then again if he is the only person who does it in the area and he realises this he could charge a lot! I'd say go for it and give him a chance: he needs to start out somewhere and you can always change if you find someone better. Good luck.

I'd also like to find a jazz piano teacher. I have a pianop teacher at the moment for "classical" piano and ive done a few pieces from the jazz syllabas withg her and really enjoyed them. I thought about doing a jazz exam but since i am only grade 4 decided I wanted to carry on having my "normal" lessons to improve.
Do you think I would be able to start the jazz sylabas with another teacher at the same time because I know it is very different to the ordinary one?
Where could I look for a teacher?
Any comments please!!!
xxx

A few suggestions:
- ISM register of teachers (http://www.ism.org)
- Musicians' Union jazz section (http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/special/jazz.shtml)
- Jazz Services (http://www.jazzservices.org.uk/)(click on database then Tutors)

good luck!

I know this is blatant self promotion but I teach jazz syllabus. I think it's a great addition to the exam quest long overdue.

Though classically trained I have always been drawn to popular music of all sorts and really jazz is the only one that has a comparable set of disciplines.

So I can now teach all the usefull theory I've picked up from fringe college courses and booksto people like yourself in the piano lessons environment .

Regards.