MJF's Digital Music Education Project

Monterey Jazz Festival Unveils the Digital Music Education Project
September 8, 2007 at Sand City Borders on Monterey Peninsula

Innovative Jazz Education Program
Connects Artists and Students Online

The Monterey Jazz Festival iannounced the unveiling of its newest educational initiative, the Internet-based Digital Music Education Project (DMEP). DMEP features educational audio interviews with prominent jazz musicians for use as a learning tool by musicians of all skill levels worldwide.

DMEP will be unveiled to the public at the Sand City Borders on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 4:00 PM. The presentation will be led by Patrick Norager, who heads up DMEP under the leadership of the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Education Director, Dr. Rob Klevan.

Sponsored by AT&T and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Digital Music Education Project is using the technology of today to educate the musicians of tomorrow.

Jazz musicians are featured in DMEP interviews, sharing tips they’ve learned on their instruments that will benefit interested students. By sharing personal stories about the artists and recordings which influenced their formative years, DMEP provides insight into both the interviewed artists themselves, and the discussed recordings.

Anyone can subscribe to DMEP podcasts at no cost using iTunes or most web browsers. Once subscribed, DMEP users automatically download new artist interviews and content to their computers or iPods. This ever-expanding digital archive promises to connect the next generation of musicians with the musical heroes who inspired and influenced today’s most respected jazz artists.

Initial interviews with trumpeter Randy Brecker, drummer Peter Erskine, bassist John Clayton and saxophonist Bob Mintzer to name a few, are now available with their thoughts about their influences, educational tips and recommended recordings. Students and fans can listen to free previews of each recommended tune, which can also be purchased through iTunes or Amazon.com.

DMEP webpages will constantly expand with new interviews, providing a “Master Class/Q&A” opportunity with influential artists. Students will gain new insight and expand their sound library as they learn about the specific jazz tunes and artists, illuminating and shaping their musical future.

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL DIGITAL MUSIC EDUCATION PROJECT PARTY
Saturday, September 8, 2007
4:00 PM
LOCATION:
Borders Sand City
Edgewater Center
2080 California Avenue
Sand City, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 899-6643
Located off the Fremont Blvd. exit on Highway 1
in the Edgewater on Monterey Bay Center.