Steinhardt’s Jazz Studies Produces ‘Master lass’ DVDs with Legendary Musicians

By Timothy Farrell

    Jazz Studies at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development has partnered with Artists House Foundation, an online information resource for musicians, to produce a series of jazz master classes featuring legendary jazz performers such as Hank Jones, Clark Terry, Phil Woods (pictured at right), Jimmy and Percy Heath, Cecil Taylor, Barry Harris, and Toots Thielemans.

      Each extended play DVD includes oral histories and performances by each artist as well as in-depth interviews with renowned jazz critic Gary Giddins. Student performances are also critiqued by the artists, concluding with round table discussions between the artists and students. 

      “In keeping with Steinhardt’s and NYU’s increasing global presence, we’re sending free sets of these DVDs to jazz programs at 1,000 schools throughout the world,” said Lawrence Ferrara, chair of Steinhart’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. “We want to spread the word about what we’re doing in jazz here at NYU, in New York, the Mecca of the jazz world.”

      David Schroeder, director of Steinhardt’s Jazz Studies Program, spearheaded production.

      “The master class DVD series is a great educational tool as well as an important archival document that preserves the experiences and musical approaches of some of the finest jazz musicians of our time,” Schroeder said. “They are an amazing resource for anyone interested in the creative process and how jazz musicians think about music.”

      Funding for the series was made available through grants from the Norman and Rosita Winston Foundation, the Herb Alpert Foundation, and Jeffrey Putterman. Copies of the series can be purchased via Artists House Music’s online store, www.ahmusic media.com. Free excerpts are available at www.artistshousemusic.org.