Artist Blog
Writings by new and established artists
Featured This Month
Paul Read: Spotlight on Phil Nimmons
Paul Read shines a spotlight on Canada's pioneering Composer, Arranger, Clarinet Player, Band Leader, and Educator Phil Nimmons in this multi-media post (including a 40+ min interview, audio…
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Fred Hersch: A Composition Exercise to Try Today
Fred Hersch shares an exercise involving a hat, a kitchen timer, and a pencil that you should try today.
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Rick Lawn: Remembering Manny Albam
Rick Lawn remembers his mentor, composer and educator Manny Albam.
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Managed and curated by trombonist and composer JC Sanford, the ISJAC Artist Blog is a collection of writings by some of the most visionary minds in the jazz composition and arranging community. Featuring articles by composers from all walks of the industry, the ISJAC Artist Blog is updated monthly with both new and archived pieces.
Our two most recent articles are always available on the ISJAC site, with the full archive accessible for our member community.
Not a member yet? Join today!
The Archive
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An Interview with John Clayton
In this interview with Paul Read, John Clayton recounts his compositional origins, his processes, and his advice for young composers.
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Michael Phillip Mossman: On Arranging
Michael Phillip Mossman reflects on his work as an arranger, how those opportunities shaped him, and a few pieces of directly applicable tips and…
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Thinking Forward (Blog 17)
Artist Blog Curator and Composer Paul Read talks about the hidden benefits of curating this blog and asks for your feedback.
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Scott Robinson: Following the Music
Scott Robinson reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a musician abroad.
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Ryan Keberle: Eight Things I’ve Learned About Jazz Composition and Arranging as a Freelance Trombonist
Ryan Keberle talks about soloing, technique, and conception; eight lessons he’s learned while playing great composers’ music as a freelance trombonist.
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Adam Benjamin: Some Thoughts on Listening
Adam Benjamin talks about listening with 7 different important checkboxes that musicians should definitely consider.
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Bob Mintzer: The Ever Evolving Writing Process
Bob Mintzer reflects on his process as a composer through his background, techniques for generating ideas, and executing those ideas.