Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of MusicApril is Jazz Appreciation Month, and what better way to celebrate than by diving into the vibrant world of jazz music with CCM faculty member, Tsuyoshi Honjo! A passionate clarinet and saxophone instructor, Tsuyoshi leads our exciting Jazz/Rock Combo and Jazz Jam sessions. We sat down with him to learn more about his unique approach to jazz education and why learning jazz is a must-explore genre for any musician or music lover.
Jazz/Rock Combo: Building Improvisation Skills & Musical Independence
“Don’t let the name fool you,” Tsuyoshi explains. “Jazz/Rock Combo isn’t just jazz fusion. It’s a dynamic blend of jazz styles, rock, Latin, and funk, designed to introduce students to the essential skill of jazz improvisation.” This ensemble provides a crucial stepping stone for students, many of whom have only experienced structured band or orchestra settings. “We focus on accessible tunes by artists like Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder, allowing students to develop musical confidence, independence, and the vital skill of musical communication.”
Tsuyoshi is particularly excited about the upcoming recital, where the combo will be showcasing their own creative jazz arrangements, including a samba-infused rendition of the Super Mario Theme and a jazz-tinged Japanese pop song. “The students’ growth has been incredible,” he shares, “allowing us to tackle more complex and unique jazz repertoire.”
Jazz Jam: A Safe Space for Jazz Exploration & Learning
The Jazz Jam sessions offer an informal, experimental environment for jazz beginners and seasoned players alike. “This is where it all began,” Tsuyoshi says. “It’s a space for students to try jazz improvisation, make mistakes, and learn from them. They discover their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, the joy of performing and connecting through live jazz music.”
His advice for newcomers seeking to participate in a jam session? “Have no expectations and an open mind.” The Jazz Jam is about embracing the learning process and finding your own jazz voice.
The Importance of Jazz & Finding Jazz Inspiration
For Tsuyoshi, jazz music is more than just a genre; it’s a transformative experience. “I was a metalhead,” he reveals, “but discovering the depth of jazz music opened up the entire world of music to me, leading me to contemporary classical.” He emphasizes jazz’s unique ability to facilitate musical communication without boundaries. “It’s a genre that has influenced so much of today’s music, making it essential for students to explore jazz history and its impact.”
When asked about his jazz inspirations, John Coltrane’s name comes first. “He pulled me from rock guitar to jazz saxophone,” Tsuyoshi explains. “His music and spirit are my constant inspiration.” He also credits Ra-Kalam Bob Moses, Dave Bryant, and Dave Liebman, with whom he had the privilege of studying. “Meeting and talking with great jazz musicians is invaluable,” he says.
Tsuyoshi’s advice for anyone wanting to learn more about jazz during Jazz Appreciation Month is simple: “Go to live jazz shows! No matter the performance, it will change you. You won’t be the same person after the experience.”
This April, let Tsuyoshi Honjo and the incredible world of jazz music inspire you. Explore the genre, attend a jazz performance, and discover the transformative power of jazz education.
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