Visit www.HearandPlayJazz.com for more… Great musicians (…or at least the ones that sound better than “good” ones) have a few traits in common. They have specialized knowledge of a variety of genres and can “activate” any of these playing modes in an instant. They are unpredictable in that their playing incorporates various styles regardless of what primary genre they’re operating in. They are multi-dimensional and “cook much more than chicken” (…so to speak). Basically, they never run out of things to play. They’re not afraid to explore musical elements outside their comfort zone. Their musical growth never reaches a final destination but is a continuous journey. …And I have to admit. I’m guilty as a teacher of sticking with “one” primary genre. For over 7 years, we’ve taught primarily gospel music by ear. Yes, you can pick up our 300-pg home study course and find general music theory, ear-training, and various progressions from other genres, but our main focus up until now has been on gospel music. I simply called it “drilling deep” or focusing only on one type of player. It was the classic “don’t try to please everyone” and “stick with what you know best” philosophy. But even I’ve realized the necessity for gospel (and ALL) musicians to explore other genres as there is a lot to be discovered by doing this. Not only do you increase your creativity by pulling chords, patterns, licks, and tricks from other places, but you break yourself away from being limited to …

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