WASHINGTON - He came into the room decked out in his distinctive uniform.
He was smiling.
He did not appear threatening, though his large stature would suggest otherwise.
His first words shocked attendees, but what he asked was true.
"Did you know that the Department of Defense is the largest employer of musicians'" he asked.
Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Adams, a Soldier-musician (trombonist and vocalist) with the Jazz Ambassadors-America's Big Band, trained music educators yesterday on the art of improvisation at a week-long conference hosted by the National Association of Music Educators in Arlington, Va.
The conference, "Music Education Week in Washington", is held annually and is aimed at a national audience of music teachers, students and their families.
This year's symposium included educational academies designed to enhance music educators' perspectives and supply them with new tools and techniques that they can transplant into their classrooms.
"It is a gift. It is a lot of work," commented Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Adams when asked about teaching a young musician how to perform quotes and licks.
"Rather than delving into that aspect of Jazz, I would like to share with you some methods, some simple ways, to teach music improvisation," said Adams.
Simple it was ... well, to experienced musicians and music teachers, that is.
Adams supplied participants with a comprehensive K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid) method for understanding how to improvise over chord changes.
Adams, once a teacher himself, realized the impact his presence, his training could have on those that attended his instructional session.
"Providing best practices to those who will, ultimately, be molding the musical lives of youngsters all over the world, is extremely important," he said.
Adams added, "My being here, my ability to reach out to both music teachers and music students helps spread the word about opportunities for musicians in the Army."
His lecture, stemming from his published methodology, "Maximizing Your Practicing Time on Three Quick Improv Lessons", from the Brass Players Cookbook, provided sample lessons and proven techniques that teachers can use to create effective and efficient practice sessions.
Topics included Western music scale structures, chord properties and analyzing chord changes.
"Music educators are at a big disadvantage, particularly because students do not know major scales," he told focused attendees.
"The alphabet is to language as the major scales are to music. It is imperative that kids learn them as early as possible," he said.
Adams admitted that music is not just about technique, though, stating that feeling is another major component to improvisation.
"Encourage your students to feel the music as they explore ... encourage them to play what they are hearing in their heads," suggested Adams.
"There is nothing worse than having a gifted student who is continually spinning his wheels," he remarked as he illustrated the use of guide tones to transition from one measure to the next. Participants nodded in agreement.
Adams offered some key tips for music educators.
"Have students work on things they cannot do well, and try to ensure they remain focused," he said.
Adams confessed that keeping a young musician focused is easier said than done but offered, "Changing gears can sometimes help. Break instructional sessions into smaller chunks-intersperse other activities throughout practice times."
As the lesson came to a close, Adams provided some last minute advice, "In addition to keeping practice sessions with your students simple, it should be fun!"
Sgt. 1st Class Adams has served as a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) in the United States Army for 11 years, and he exemplifies a true commitment to service to our Nation. His dedication is one such story that illustrates why the Secretary of the Army dedicated 2009 as The Year of the NCO.
About The United States Army Field Band:
The United States Army Field Band, the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, has performed for more than 100 million people worldwide for more than 50 years. As the premier touring musical representative for the United States Army, this internationally-acclaimed military unit travels thousands of miles each year performing for enthusiastic audiences all over the world. Through these concerts, these Soldiers representing Soldiers continue to tell the Army story and keep the will of the American people behind the members of our armed forces.
To learn more about The United States Army Field Band, visit us online at www.armyfieldband.com.
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