D C DowDell - Jazz - Jazz -

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Expert Profile: D C DowDell

Expertise: D C DowDell will answer questions about Jazz improvisation, composition, chord voicing, scales and modes, practice techniques and ear training. Professor DowDell also enjoys discussions on Jazz musicology and the evolution of style.

D C DowDell is a professional Jazz pianist/composer who currently teaches online Jazz studies at A Passion for Jazz!. Professor DowDell has been teaching music for over 25 years at 2 major universities, several community colleges as well as accepting students for private study.

As an educator, D C DowDell has published articles at the university level and recently published Basic Musicianship a primary reference text for pianists, vocalists and composers.

D C also maintains an active performance schedule, having appeared with Rosemary Clooney, Marilyn McCoo, Bobby Vinton to name just a few. Generally, D C stays in the Southern California area with Jazz ensemble or as a solo artist.

Organizations
American Federation of Musicians
National Music Teachers Association
International Association of Jazz Educators

Education/Credentials
Bachelors of Music Education from UCLA
Masters of Music Composition from UNT

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Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Music and all Art is an essential part of the "human experience." A basic understanding and appreciation of Music can only serve to broaden ones character and deepen the connection between ourselves and those around us. As public schools are forced to cut back their programs, the private music lesson experience will not only supplement the school, but may eventually replace it in many areas.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Students ask, "So how do I improvise?"
There is no 'big secret' to improvisation. Ultimately, one plays what one hears. Listening is key to opening up these endless possibilities. What you hear is comprehensive of what you've heard others play (live or recorded), what you've played before, what your mentors have suggested, what your proficiency allows you and what your heart tells you.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
"My creed for art in general is that it should enrich the soul; it should teach spirituality by showing a person a portion of himself that he would not discover otherwise... a part of yourself you never knew existed." - Bill Evans

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 2412
Knowledge	10.0 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	10.0 Best of the best
Timeliness	10.0 Best of the best
Politeness	10.0 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		5
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		67

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	03/30/08
10	10	10	10	12/09/07
10	10	10	10	11/21/07
10	10	10	10	05/09/07
10	10	10	10	10/25/06

User Comments

Thanks for the information Professor DowDell. This is what I wanted.
(Jazzfan on 12/09/07)

Thank you Professor DowDell.
(Loyiso on 11/21/07)

Thank you Dr. DowDell. This is very helpful. These charts are terrific!
(Buddy on 05/09/07)

Thankyou so much for answering my question so nicely, clearly and to the point...and within 3 hours! It was the answer I have been searching around t
(Carina on 10/25/06)

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Recent Answers from D C DowDell

2008-03-30 chord analysis: Hello Ricky and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com. The arrangement by Dan Coates of "As Time Goes By" may be doing many things, sorry, I'm not familiar with his chart of the tune. Hundreds...

2007-12-09 Jazz Improvisation: Hello Jazzfan and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com. Jazz improvisation is the process of spontaneously creating fresh melodies over the continuously repeating cycle of chord changes...

2007-11-16 jazz chord voicing&scales for versatility: Hello Loyiso and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com. A "versatile" pianist is just that; proficient in playing all styles of music. It results from study and experience. I can recommend...

2007-09-21 Improvising.: Hello Eric and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com. This chart should be helpful: http://www.apassion4jazz.net/jazz-chords-scales.html Thanks for the interest, D C DowDell...

2007-09-19 improv: Hello JazzyMcGee and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com. An improvised chorus stays the same number of measures (bars) as it is written in the tune. A player may choose to only solo...