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…
University Of The Arts in Philadelphia is among the 212 schools listed in this year’s Student Music Guide.
(Photo: Kevin Merinsky/University Of The Arts)DownBeat’s annual Student Music Guide contains essential information for students who are preparing to enter college or graduate school. This comprehensive guide includes detailed school listings, complete with deadlines, costs and key faculty members. Plus, we’ve got the DownBeat Jazz Education Awards, as well as articles that explore the challenges jazz education programs face due to the pandemic. DB
• The Importance Of A Music Degree: Jazz educators offer insights on the value of a music degree in the current environment, where online learning is a necessity for so many students.
• Best Practices For Online Music Instruction: Jazz educators explore the keys to “getting it right” when it comes to remote learning for student musicians.
• Teaching Asynchronous Ensembles: Jazz educators discuss their approaches to ensemble courses, now that it’s impossible for many combos and bands to assemble in the same room.
• Robert ‘Doc’ Morgan Demanded Excellence
• Lee Secard Sets High Standards
• Tina Raymond Leads By Example
• Academic Programs Restructure Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
• Schools Devise Multiple Plans For Fall
These stories originally were published in the August, September and October 2020 issues of DownBeat. Subscribe here.
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…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
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“There was something about her tone and sound and phrasing — an intimacy, a vulnerability, an honesty,” says Joshua Redman, who produced Cavassa’s record after she toured with his band.
Jun 16, 2026 1:27 AM
Gabrielle Cavassa is an avowed perfectionist. So when she failed to place despite becoming a finalist in the 2018 Sarah…
