jazz/shreddermom

Would love a sort of comparison of these two programs, if anyone has any insight.

My S is applying and sending prescreens to both (amongst other jazz guitar programs), but we're in CA, and looking at the possible audition dates on both coasts, it's becoming clear that NEC's one solitary jazz guitar date could be very tough for us (if he is invited to audition, of course). And they require a live audition for jazz, no DVD's allowed.

He'll apply regardless and hope it works out, but I'm just wondering: how do these two guitar jazz programs compare? Looking at the websites, they seem similar in being more traditional jazz programs (unlike, say New School, which he's also applying to).

Thanks in advance.

jazz/shreddermom

how about just anyone with any MSM jazz guitar experience?

stephmin

I guarantee you NEC's department today is on nobody's watch a "more traditional jazz program"! It is very avant garde. But whatever that means anyway.

jazzzmomm

My son is beyond happy as a guitar player at NEC. He is so immersed in learning and playing and becoming an artist. I think one of the things that distinguishes NEC is this attitude that the individual artist is nurtured there, so creative approaches to jazz are introduced and encouraged. But there is no shortage of rigorous teaching going on there. It's not for someone who loves the traditional approach--which is what you get at MSM, a more conservative program for sure, and no less excellent, just different.

When my son was at MSM for precollege I honestly felt that his quirky playing style was not welcomed by the guitar professor from the college who directs the precollege. They kept telling him to do more "jazzy riffs" !? But there were other players who played that way and loved it. His style is supported at NEC and he feels great.

jazz/shreddermom

Thanks, Jazzzmomm.

jazz/shreddermom

Does anyone have any experience with guitar jazz at MSM?