Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
SUNY Fredonia Jazz Flextet, a great example of working together.
(Photo: Lordi Deemer)The question often comes up for those of us in the music business. A parent has a child immersed in jazz, or music in general, and they find out that we work in this world of sound. “Should I discourage my child from getting a music degree?” If it’s someone who has the money to send their child to college easily, the answer is simple. If it’s a financial challenge, the question requires a bit more thought. But the answer is always the same from this writer’s viewpoint.
Encourage them. Encourage them to do something they love. Encourage them to be the best they possibly can be in music — the best musician, composer, band leader, music educator or music entreprerneur. Encourage them to learn their craft and make it a lifelong pursuit, one that involves continuous learning and sharpening of their skills as well as a deep understanding of the world they’re working in.
Then be prepared: There’s a good chance they will make their living doing something else.
After all, most of us do. Engineers spend five hard years getting a degree filled with math, physics and science only to wind up in the marketing department because they find it more interesting. Doctors become business executives. Writers become doctors. This life has so many forks in the road, so many paths to wander down and explore.
So, why encourage them? And why jazz? Because if a student learns to one thing well, they will be able to learn to do many things well. If your student puts in the practice, effort and focus — if they learn to deal with the struggles it takes to learn their instrument, craft and art — they will be able to put those tools to work toward any pursuit they choose in the future.
They learn how to learn.
There’s also a good chance they’ll be a life-long musician and something else. The great trumpeter Eddie Henderson is also a doctor, as detailed in the killer documentary Doctor Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius.
Author Daryl Davis — who wrote the incredible book Klan-Destine Relationships after traveling the nation, as a Black man, interviewing members of the KKK and opening up dialogue with many who renounced their association — holds a degree in jazz from Howard University.
But we all understand the concerns. These are uncertain, AI-driven times for all graduates, and college is expensive. The following pages offer a wide range of college experiences at a wide range of tuition prices. Just click below to dive into this special digital edition, which we’ve created to help you on your jazz education journey!
Choosing a school needs to be based the direction a student wants to start the journey, paired with how far away or how close they want to go, how big or small of a school experience they want and, of course, what a family can afford.
It’s a worthwhile pursuit. Jazz is a noble calling. And the community is a beautiful tapestry of fascinating people who love this music. Explore. DB
CLICK HERE TO SEE DOWNBEAT’s 2027 COLLEGE GUIDE!
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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