Don Braden, the Educator

Don Braden is a dedicated, experienced and passionate educator. His vast experience with jazz masters such as Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Tony Williams, Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Roy Haynes, and many others has helped him develop a thorough understanding of jazz performance. For over nine years, he has been Music Director of two major education organizations: the Litchfield Jazz Camp, and NJPAC's Wachovia Jazz For Teens. He has also worked for years as an instructor for the world renowned Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Camps, for William Paterson University, and for the innovative New York Comes to Groningen Program at the Prins Claus Conservatoire in Groningen Holland.

(Braden in Cleveland during the 2004 Tri-C Jazz Fest)

Braden has done master classes, residencies and guest soloist appearances at educational institutions all over the U.S. and Europe, including Harvard University, Princeton University, Spellman College, Morehouse University, Clark Atlanta University, University of Denver, University of Louisville, University of Southern Florida, Miami-Dade Community College, Portland State University, Duke University, the Rotterdam Conservatory, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the New School for Social Research, the Manhattan School of Music, and others, plus a variety of high, middle and elementary schools.

Don Braden has a number of solid college/pro level big band charts, as well as a host of medium and small ensemble arrangements, many of which can be heard on his CDs. He also has three original works (so far) for full symphonic orchestra with jazz ensemble, which includes a recent premiere in the Netherlands in November 2006.

Don Braden Jazz Seminars

Saxophone Master Class

This class focuses on the physical elements of jazz saxophone performance. Braden will demonstrate proper posture, good breathing techniques, sound production, pitch control, embouchure, and mouthpiece positioning. Discussion will also include elements specific to saxophones, including reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, neckstraps, and general maintenance. Students' performances will be critiqued.

Don Braden Quartet Master Class

Members of the Don Braden Quartet will demonstrate various improvisational techniques and discuss band interaction, rehearsal and cueing. They will also demonstrate and comment on thei respective instruments.

Techniques of Improvisation: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced

This series outlines the tools of jazz improvisation for various levels and includes rhythm (swing!), melody, chords and scales. Special emphasis is placed on developing piano skills, and basic piano voicings. Advanced students will learn to enhance their command of extended harmony, theme and variation, jazz phrasing and odd metric groupings

The Business of Music 1: Survival tactics of a Working Musician

Successful strategies for earning your keep through music.

The Business of Music 2: Financial Issues of a Working Musician

Topics include long term investing, insurance, tax management and suggestion for avoiding or eliminating debt.

Priorities for Practice

Ideas for designing your daily practice routine and making it work.

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