Valleywide : Tips From a Legend at Free Jazz Classes

The jazz legend has something to say to the young musicians who will be carrying his passion well into the next century.

“A lot of students can learn their instruments well,” said Buddy Collette, 73, “but in jazz, you are part of a team. You have to have the experience of working together.”

This summer, for the second year in a row, thanks to Collette and other instructors, many are getting that chance. They are taking tuition-free jazz classes on Saturdays at the Music Center in Los Angeles. The group includes about 25 San Fernando Valley high school and middle school students.

The musicians break into separate groups to work on different instruments, and then come together to perform complete pieces.

“We’re trying to give them exposure to what the composer was trying to do,” said Collette, who has performed with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dexter Gordon, and has been a central figure in the L. A. jazz scene for decades.

The classes are run by JazzAmerica, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit advocacy group. They are funded by the Music Center and through private donations.

“Basically, jazz is not taught in the schools,” said Michael O’Daniel, the group’s managing director, “and even if they do take classes, they don’t have time to work on the subtleties of the music.”

Classes began in June and will continue through July 22.