Gregory Hillman » Education

What makes it Jazz?

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:21:29 +0000

Describing Jazz to others can be hard for many people who have not studied the foundations and history of Jazz.

To an untrained ear you may believe Jazz has accents on 2 / 4 and uses tied triplets in each measure. You may have heard Jazz is performed by small groups with trumpets, saxophones, guitars, drums, bass players, maybe some vocals, and piano. It is true that there is Jazz that has characteristics like this but just because it has these components does not make it Jazz.

Greg Hillman

When you find music in categories Jazz comes from a tradition of many artists. You may find DJs performing on a Jazz albums or even spoken word artists but to be called Jazz the music must come from the tradition of Jazz.

Please leave your comments and I will help you understand more about the tradition of Jazz.

Most of this understanding comes from University of Washington Music professor Marc Seales and Olympic College Professor Kent Curris.

-Gregory Hillman
Life Long Student Of Music

Piano Lessons in Marina del Rey California

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:35:36 +0000

Are you interested in Piano lessons in Marina del Rey California? Gregory Hillman is taking interviews right now for new students who are interested in learning all about how music is made, how to play live performances, and how to work with a band. Please email him directly for more information at contact@gregoryhillman.com

Piano Lessons in Marina del Rey

The lessons will focus on Tonal Music Theory, Jazz analysis, dictation, transcription, and improvisation. Please send your educational goals and contact information or contact me for your first trial month of lessons. Your first month is $300 which includes 4 one hour lessons. Lessons are great for youth or adults.

Piano Educator Background

My background is in piano performance, recording, and live performance tours with independent and signed bands since 1985. I also took piano as a child and at the University of Washington Jazz studies program under Marc Seales from 1996-2000. I frequently play in Jazz combos at venues and on cruise boats including Roy Hargrove Monterey Jazz cruises and Kent Curris from Olympic College in 1995. I have been teaching music education since 1993 for High School students (Tadd Morris and Multi Dementional Educational Resource Center), private adult and youth lessons, college students, and professional adults. I also take lessons and believe that education is part of being a professional. Please contact me today to reserve your lesson or to find out more details. Thank you.

Piano Lesson Packages

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:26:18 +0000

Ever wanted to learn the keys?

Are you interested in leaning about how music is created?

Would you like to create music yourself?

Would you like to understand music theory and how why notes are put together?

Don't have a keyboard, piano, or organ?

I can help. Studio locations in Santa Monica, Venice, Mar Vista, Playa del Rey, and Marina del Rey!

B.A. University of Washington - Jazz Studies - History and Analysis - Transcription - Dictation - Sight Reading - Music Promotion - Live Performance -

Boardwalk

- $300 Per Month. Includes: 1 lesson new lesson CD and up to 4 one hour lessons once a week.

Check out 2 Free music education books a week from our library.

Sidewalk

- $500 Per Month. Includes: 1 new custom lesson CD or Email of your choice and up to 4 one hour lessons once a week.

Check out 2 Free music education books a week from our library.

Freeway

- $1000 Per Month Includes: 1 new custom lesson CD or Email of your choice and up to 4 one hour lessons once a week.

1 private performance per month at any venue.

1 exclusive performance or lesson related DVD each month.

1 possible live performance and up to 2 group lessons per month.

1 unit worth of music promotion each month ($100 value).

1 hour of studio recording time each month.

Check out 4 Free music education books a week from our library.

http://www.gregoryhillman.com email:contact@gregoryhillman.com

Kurzweil K250 Classic 80s Keybaord

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 06:34:57 +0000

Kurzweil K250 was released in June of 1984 as a software-based instrument. It includes EPROM chips which may be updated from time to time. The K250 was obviously designed to be played in professional studios but it is very durable and can be used in performances. It is larger and much more heavy than modern keyboards that are used for live performances but the sounds and feel make it worth while. This K250 has been used in live performances and in the studio. It has been played at venues such as the Exper-imental Cafe in Oxnard California. The K250 started at over $10,000 between 1983-1990 but today is may not be worth quite as much.

History of K250

June 1984 K250 released to the public.
February 1985 Version 2.0 released.
May 1985 Daughter Board released.
October 1985 Version 2.2 available.
March 1986 Version 3.1 available.
August 186 Version 3.2 available.
March Version 4.1 available.

The Kurzweil K250 is a tool that is used for the creation of music. It includes a keyboard editor, instrument voicing editor, sound modeling program, MIDI, sequencer, and software utilities. Players will find a large instrument list along with various keyboard setups. It has a 12 voice polyphonic digital synthesizer.

Artists that have used the K250 Keyboard

Many notable artists have used the K250 in live performance and studio sessions. Artists that use the K250:

Herbie Hancock
Prince
Stevie Wonder