bas

Michael McLaughlin[/quote]
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that Des Moines was a backwater. Even if it is.

Wow....pretty harsh! Have you ever been there??



Michael McLaughlin[/quote]
I grew up in Minneapolis and got out of there as fast as I could.

I think alot of playwers that I've played with in the Twin Cities would heartily disagree with you there.



Michael McLaughlin[/quote]
The aural and oral tradition is essentially important in jazz.

I think that this MUST and does exist in a good jazz education at any level. That is not to say that it does exist everywhere, but a solid institution will base everything on this point.



Michael McLaughlin[/quote]
I'd say if you're a youngster and want to learn jazz and you live in Omaha or something you better move somewhere else.

I couldn't disagree more with this point! It is proven in the part of the country in which I live. I will say that as a performer it does get tricky, but a good creative scene can and does exist outside of major metropolitan areas.

Seems to be quite a closeminded elitist attitude...I hope that I am wrong because you seem to be a wonderful teacher have many great things to add to this forum.