Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Kaya Baird, 9, studies the art of improvisation with jazz pianist Jeremy Siskind during the 2019 Yamaha Music School Music Camp.
(Photo: Courtesy Yamaha Corporation of America)Students ages 8 to 15 had the opportunity to meet and learn from acclaimed musicians—including pianist Jeremy Siskind and Grammy-winning drummer M.B. Gordy—during a recent music camp held at the headquarters of Yamaha Corporation of America in Buena Park, California.
The five-day summer camp in July hosted 50 youngsters who attend Yamaha Music Schools throughout North America. The students took lessons, attended workshops, performed together, made new friends and learned firsthand about the music industry. Participants also performed daily concerts for employees and guests.
On the final day of the camp, nine students performed on the front steps and lawn of the Yamaha campus. The concert, which drew more than 100 audience members, featured the kids’ original compositions. Several Yamaha employees performed with the students, including clarinetist Rory Mazela, marketing specialist for wind instruments, and drummer Joel Tetzlaff, marketing development specialist for drums.
Following the concert, campers visited the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, where they learned about the history of American music through artifacts and interactive exhibits.
“Creating new music-makers and being close to our customers is very important to Yamaha, demonstrated by the fact that we opened our doors to children and their families for four days,” said Mike Morrell, manager for music education. “We were so energized by the way the children and parents responded. The friendships and experiences that were developed during the camp will be deeply valued for years to come, by both Yamaha and the camp attendees.”
Established in 1954, Yamaha Music Education programs enhance the offerings of music schools and music instrument dealers in 40 countries worldwide. In the United States, more than 60 locations are authorized to offer Yamaha Music School programs. To date, more than six million students from around the world have graduated from the program. DB
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
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…
“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…
