Opinion on Jazz lessons?

[thesoleman123]

I took lessons last year my senior year in high school to work on auditions for college jazz band. I don't know about many of you but the lessons did little for me. I got little tips on fulcrum and more technical stuff but nothing helped me more than listening to jazz constantly. So I am just wondering if I should return to the jazz lessons or keep using my ears?

[Spreggy]

A good teacher should be able to give you lots to work on. Maybe try a different teacher?

[jayp]

Ive been taking jazz lessons for 1 year and im still working on john rileys book we also incorperate funk and rock, afro cuban and some hip hop stuff but almost always jazz

after every lesson there is always something new or something on the table to look forward too, i agree with the last post. maybe find a new teacher . and dont expect every lesson to blow you away, sometimes its necessary to have a lesson so some one can make sure your steered in the right direction with you studies.

but in the end i guess it depends on where ypur paying abilities are at and how comfortable you feeel not having a teacher, you dont need to have someone hold your hand all the time.

[foursticks]

Yes, find a different teacher is your best option. You'll know once you've found the right one. Also, make sure you give them a outline of what you want to achieve and see what their thoughts on it are too.

[Joe_Ita]

I agree, to find a new teacher is the best option.

[Alexdrum75]

I took lessons last year my senior year in high school to work on auditions for college jazz band. I don't know about many of you but the lessons did little for me. I got little tips on fulcrum and more technical stuff but nothing helped me more than listening to jazz constantly. So I am just wondering if I should return to the jazz lessons or keep using my ears?

To me the teacher, if you're just a beginner, it's invaluable.
If you're not a beginner, as I suppose you are, the teacher can help you stay focused and motivated, and to rewake some interest in jazz.

Other than that, there's no substitute for careful study of master drummers and for playing in a actual environment (a.k.a. smoky clubs) with fellow musicians.

But try maybe to find a new teacher so you can first rule out this parameter.

[FunkyJazzer]

Hmm, an interesting thought. I myself am skeptical of having a teacher help me in jazz. To be honest, nothing has helped me more than just using some pioneering books (Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer) and just listening my ass off. But I think you should try another teacher, someone who has alot of experience playing jazz and teachin jazz. If you get the same problem, then maybe your right about the listening thing.