Alan Pasqua is a highly regarded pianist, composer and Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. He is a former member of The New Tony Williams’ Lifetime and has played, toured or recorded with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Jack Dejohnette, Joe Henderson, John Patitucci and Stan Kenton, among many others.
Alan Pasqua is an Assistant Professor in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California and discusses teaching improvisation. He teaches classes for pianists and other instrumentalists in jazz improvisation and jazz styles and analysis. He discusses that even as the teacher he has to improve in the class as well. He explains that he likens music and improvisation to architecture. He notices that students improvise from chord to chord but eventually a musician becomes intuitive about it. He encourages looking at music from the intuitive side and what makes the song the song. Mr. Pasqua also discusses how he has his students pick an artist that shows a definite change in musical growth including sound and style. He likes to have his students try to listen to music in a different way because he believes that they can find interesting things musically. Also in this segment, he discusses phrasing with breath and body.
Alan Pasqua is a highly regarded pianist and composer who began studying both jazz and classical piano at the age of seven. He attended Indiana University and received his B.A. in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory, where his teachers included Thad Jones, David Baker and Gunther Schuller. Alan has performed with such notable musicians as Eddie Money, Bob Dylan, Santana, Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, and Elton John, among many others. In addition, he has worked on a number of motion picture soundtracks for such composers as John Williams, Quincy Jones, and Jerry Goldsmith. He co-composed the CBS Evening News Theme in addition to composing the soundtrack for the Adam Sandler film The Waterboy. Alan currently co-leads a trio with the legendary drummer Peter Erskine, whose recordings have received critical acclaim. He recently formed The Alan Pasqua Jazz Collective, a quartet comprised of Darek Oles on bass, Jeff Ellwood on saxophone, and Tim Pleasant on drums. Alan is also known for his dedication and contribution to jazz education and currently serves as Assistant Professor in Jazz Studies at USC.
Alan Pasqua, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California, talks about his background. He attended Indiana University for two years and then transferred to the New England Conservatory. During his college career, he had the opportunity to study with artists such as David Baker and George Russell. Also in this segment, Pasqua shares that he is a pianist and teaches jazz piano. However, he also likes to work with drummers, vocalists, bassists, and horn players. Pasqua discusses the importance of spending time with instruments outside of one's discipline.
Alan Pasqua, Assistant Professor in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California, gives advice on pursuing a career in the arts. He advises that no matter what, support one's art. If it's what the individual must do, then the individual must find a way to support it. He lists ways that he has supported his art. He played in rock and roll bands, scored motion pictures, and was a studio musician. Pasqua also discusses global thinking. People must think more globally today. They also must think of new ways to market one's self. Also in this segment, he explores the opportunities of education. Education provides greater opportunities to be an artist. Pasqua points out that if he were simply a pianist, he would be facing a much narrower road. Furthermore, he explains that teaching is also rewarding. His level of accountability has gone up.
Alan Pasqua, Assistant Professor in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California, discusses what students need to know when pursuing a career in the arts. He points out that the numbers are against them. Only a small percentage of students are able to make a life playing music. Pasqua shares his concern about how his students can make a living as artists. He considers it his responsibility to show students how to make a living. He recommends being a composer and member of a performance rights organization. Also in this segment, Pasqua explains the significance of relationships. The individuals one meets today are the individuals one will work with in the future.
