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dan's words and deeds
News and thoughts by Pianist Dan Cray
and the Dan Cray Trio.
. . .
5.19.2007
Northwestern Cuts Its Jazz Studies Program--An Open Letter to Dean Montgomery
Dear Dr. Montgomery,
As someone who helped to build the Jazz Studies Program at Northwestern into a degree program during the 1990’s, I am dismayed to hear of its imminent demise. My history with Northwestern dates to my high school years when I took part in the National High School Music Institute for two summers. Based on my overwhelmingly positive experience, and the support and guidance of Mike Kocour and Don Owens, I decided to pursue both music and history at NU. The other option was to forgo music altogether. My career and life are a testament to the fact that I made the right decision.
My first two years of classical piano lessons at NU were valuable to be sure, but music really came alive for me when I fashioned an Ad-hoc degree in Jazz Studies with administrative support and put all of my energy into learning this complex and emotionally visceral music. Since graduation, I’ve made a living primarily by performing rather than teaching. I’ve proudly represented Northwestern at international festivals and competitions, most notably at the American Pianists Association, an historically classical organization that proudly gives jazz an equal amount of support. Not a week goes by that someone at a gig doesn’t ask me where I went to school. Usually, my response is followed by “Northwestern—great music school, right?” What should I tell these people now, Dr. Montgomery?
The decision to cut the Jazz Studies Program reflects a provincial attitude more appropriate for the middle of the last century. There is no debate that Jazz is a viable art form, and in fact is America’s only native art form. There is also no debate that elite music schools consider this to be true! One need only look to Julliard and Eastman, both of which Northwestern begs to compare itself to. Each features an independent Jazz Studies Program, with a full curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Northwestern already faces a significant handicap compared to these schools because its main facility is a 19th century dorm with no soundproofing and terrible pianos. Why compound this misery by showcasing for the world that your spirit is equally handicapped—corrupted by a narrow, outdated, and ultimately uncreative mindset?
Why would any creative person ever come to such a place? How can I honestly recommend Northwestern to the talented kids and their parents who I come across so frequently in the course of my career?
I urge you not only to reconsider this short-sighted and self-destructive decision, but also to reflect on who the real life ambassadors for the school are. Brad Haak, the other “failed” classical pianist in my freshman class just directed the music for Elton John’s musical Lestat on Broadway. I’m sure Northwestern was prominently mentioned in his bio.
Sincerely,
Dan Cray
BM, BA Northwestern class of 1999
www.dancray.com
posted by Dan at 12:41 AM
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