Tag Archives: music education

SKF to Gruber – We Need Teachers Who Can Work With Kids

SKF NOTE: This is my letter, written the morning of July 13, 1983, to drummer/teacher Fred Gruber. This morning I am scanning a stack of papers. Interview transcripts, drum columns, old contracts, and letters. Letters to me from drummers. And … Continue reading

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The Hallmark of Great Drummers

SKF NOTE: Who knows why certain memories appear when they do. This morning, a snow storm swirling outside, my high school music teacher, Art Simeone, came to mind. Particularly the drum lessons he gave me from his piano player’s perspective. … Continue reading

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Music, Economics Exercise Kids’ Minds

SKF NOTE: Thank you, Franklin Vanderbilt. Economics plus art plus kids equals a positive recipe for success. How can we help? ===== Lenny Kravitz’s drummer, Franklin Vanderbilt, tries to save Chicago’s kids with music By Emily DeCiccio, Fox News What … Continue reading

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The Joyful, Continuing Path of a Musical Self-Education

  SKF NOTE: I found a monaural cut-out copy of John Coltrane’s Africa/Brass album in a drugstore on a wire display rack filled with cut-out albums. Africa/Brass is the John Coltrane Quartet with a big band. That was my introduction … Continue reading

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Keith Copeland – Preserving Mainstream Jazz for Black Kids (1984) 

SKF NOTE: I rediscovered my Keith Copeland interview transcript in July 2015. Keith and I spoke over dinner at a Centre Island, NY restaurant. I have forgotten the restaurant name. Neither do I remember how this interview came to pass. … Continue reading

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