Paula Zeitlin
Senior Music Performance Faculty Emerita in Jazz Violin and Viola
Jazz violinist and bandleader, jazz violin and viola improvisation instructor, BlueJazz Combo Program Director and Coach
My goal in teaching improvisation is to help students use what they already know (instrumental technique, playing experience), and develop skills that will help them become confident jazz improvisers and performers. This includes learning jazz theory and harmony on the instrument, learning different jazz styles and repertoire, developing string-specific jazz bowing and left hand techniques, and exploring advanced improvisation concepts.
As director and coach of the BlueJazz Combos, my focus is on developing ensemble playing and performance, arranging, and improvisation. Students bring their musical backgrounds and interests (classical, big band, rock, fiddle, pop, salsa, funk, fusion, etc) to suggest, compose and arrange music for the combos.
Education
- B.A., Earlham College
- M.A., University of Chicago
- Professional Diploma, Jazz Violin Performance, Berklee College of Music