Faculty Testimonials



Read What The Faculty Are Saying About The Summer Jazz Workshops
BASS/TUBA – Rich Armandi – “The chance to work side by side with such giants of Jazz like Rufus Reid and Jamey Aebersold is an unbelievable experience. The workshop is a week of total immersion in an art form we all truly love. Such an opportunity can and does change lives!!”
BASS – David Friesen – “The Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshop is designed with the intention to provide each individual jazz student the highest quality of instruction from full time jazz musicians who are internationally known having the ability to communicate their knowledge with the student, and full time jazz instructors from major Universities. The students will experience a week of learning new skills on his or her own instrument, how to improve their ensemble playing skills, having the opportunity to hear a variety of jazz concerts every day by major jazz artists, making new friends and establishing a basic foundation for their lives to continue the learning process and improvement as a jazz player.”
GUITAR – Mike Di Liddo – “The workshops have been invaluable for my students. They get entrenched into a week of playing, listening, and studying jazz music that they simply cannot get anywhere else. The workshops give you a clear picture of where your playing is and what you need to do to get better. Additionally, the workshops are unique in that students are involved in a positive musical experience that puts them in a pleasantly challenged atmosphere. A kind of surreal setting with daily classes in theory, small groups, masterclasses, faculty concerts, evening jam sessions, and approachable, caring faculty. I’ve always thought it is what college should be.”
GUITAR – Dave Stryker – “The time I spent when I was a teenager at the Aebersold Summer Workshops provided the spark that set me on to a lifetime in music. Now I’m proud to be on the faculty of the Aebersold Workshops, as I try to pass along what I’ve learned over the years playing with some of the greats. Attending the Aebersold Workshop is the smartest move you could make if you are interested in getting better at playing jazz.”
PIANO – Phil Degreg – “I think the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops provide a wonderful immersion experience in jazz for students of all ages and levels. The faculty has been consistent over many years, and are very good teachers in addition to being excellent musicians. The program is time-tested and very well organized; students always come away inspired and with concrete strategies for practicing their instruments.”
PIANO – Dan Haerle – “The Summer Jazz Workshops are a great place to hear and interact with some of the best professional musicians around! Plus it’s a fantastic opportunity to spend a week studying and playing music with others who have the same interests!”
PIANO – Todd Hildreth – “It’s not just a top notch faculty that teaches and performs; it’s an entire culture of learning, creativity, and excitement. You’re surrounded by people as thirsty for knowledge as you are, and instructors just as eager to share what they know. I remember the conclusion of my first week and thinking – why didn’t I do this sooner?”
PIANO – Andy LaVerne – “From a piano player’s perspective, the Aebersold Workshops offer a delightful musical smorgasbord. A full compliment of highly trained and experienced pianists sit on the faculty, able and willing to share their knowledge. Ample playing opportunities in ensembles with students and faculty daily are followed with evening concerts to learn from and enjoy. It’s a fully immersive and inspiring experience that will get you and keep you on the right path to achieve your musical goals!”
SAX – David Kana – “Jamey’s Summer Jazz Workshops have changed my playing & outlook on life. Looking back, this changed my life forever; it can do the same for you!”
SAX – Shelley Yoelin – “What makes the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops outstanding is the integration of Theory, Ear Training, Instrumental Technique and Concert Performances with an intense dose of improvising/playing under the guidance of skilled instructors who are sensitive to the individual needs of each student.”
SAX – Tom Walsh – “Each year the Summer Jazz Workshop is like a big family reunion where we spend a week immersed in jazz–playing, learning, and listening to great concerts. People of all ages and ability levels come together to share their love of jazz. It’s an amazing experience!”
TROMBONE – Tim Coffman – “The Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops are an incredible opportunity to work with and hear world class jazz musicians every day! Imagine having Rufus Reid as your bass master class teacher, or having Jim Snidero as your saxophone master class teacher, or Steve Davis as your trombone master class teacher? Real hands on attention from the world’s best jazz players and teachers!”
TROMBONE – Rick Simerly – “As a jazz musician and educator, I’m of the opinion that there isn’t a better jazz workshop in the world. Regardless of your proficiency level, the Aebersold Workshops give you all the tools plus the motivation to improve your playing skills as a jazz musician! Do you want to improve? Do you want to be a better jazz musician? Do you want to work side by side with top jazz educators and professional musicians? It’s a no-brainer – attend the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops – end of story! Regardless of ability, if you are a jazz musician, there’s not a better week long experience on the planet!”
TRUMPET – Jim Ketch – “I attended Jamey’s Summer Jazz Workshop in the early 1980s. I had just joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and wanted to strengthen my jazz playing. Our combo was primarily composed of adults except for this 13 year old saxophonist. He would improvise and get stronger chorus by chorus. Pretty soon the faculty began to stop by our combo to hear this 13 year old saxophonist. It was Chris Potter! This camp has been such a positive force for jazz and jazz education for forty years. Come be part of the Aebersold family. The atmosphere is positive, the faculty encourages and leads by example, and the students come first!”
TRUMPET – Bob Symer – “It is gratifying to see so many people of all ages desirous of self improvement. The assembled staff are “world class” accomplished players and helpful, experienced teachers. The tuition cost is reasonable for the student, as they benefit from varying jazz lessons and hearing some of the finest jazz anywhere.”
VIBES – Dick Sisto – “Message to workshop students, old and new: the Art of Jazz Improvisation is learned through the process of repetition. In the words of the great master, Miles Davis, the skill is developed by playing it “over and over and over and over again.” There is no better place to practice, improve and master the elements of jazz than the Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop. It is in the process that we realize the goal.”