"Coming of Age" with Jaz Sawyer

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jaz Sawyer began playing drums at the age of 2 and also learned the trumpet and the bass before beginning music studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music/Preparatory Division at the age of 15. Sawyer was a member of the San Francisco Youth Orchestra for two years before graduating from the San Francisco School of the Arts, and participated in Stanford Jazz Workshop’s programs for several years while in his teens.  Jaz has performed in numerous venues across the world including The Blue Note, The Village Vanguard, Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, The New Morning, The Concertgebouw, Red Sea Festival and North Sea Jazz Festival, and has worked with Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Phil Lesh & Friends, Abbey Lincoln, The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Bobby Hutcherson, Jacky Terrasson, Irvin Mayfield, Mlumbo and many others. Now 29, he holds a B.F.A. degree from the Mannes Jazz & Contemporary Music Program and a Master of Public Administration degree from the Metropolitan College of New York.  Jaz will be on the faculty during Jazz Camp Week 1.

At an early age I started playing drums to records and having fun. I was no child prodigy but I could play a few beats, keep time and loved solos. Some of the first lessons I received from teachers actually discouraged me, beginning with one teacher who gave me too many advanced concepts and drum music that I couldn’t read at 8 years old. I stopped taking lessons until I joined school bands. Occasionally, I would get to jam or see a few of my mentors. Eddie Marshall was one of my first teachers. When I was 11, I would go to Eddie's house in the summer to hang with his son. I would always show up 2 hours early or stay 2 hours late to play and jam with Eddie. He would play recorder or piano and let me drum as much as I wanted until my mom picked me up, saying "Times up!" I learned the important lesson of aligning yourself with a good teacher with experience who is motivated to see you learn, succeed and have fun.

I attended SJW for the first time in 1992. With a little experience under my belt from performing in the Herbert Hoover Middle School Jazz Band (SF) and help from mentors, I was prepared to take the camp by storm. I landed a scholarship, and was blown away by the Stanford facilities. Seeing kids my age, professionals, and all those drums gave me the ideal environment to learn my craft. I was humbled through the quick realization that music can provide you with friendly competition as well as constructive criticism that will help make you into a better musician. As your abilities improve through practice and lessons, it is important to understand how to work with others and be a team player.

A few approaches I learned early on and still employ today were learned in my time at SJW. Punctuality, being on time for classes, rehearsals, lessons and gigs, and preparedness through being familiar with the lesson or the music helped me achieve my goals. Use your time to identify your strengths and weaknesses through self-evaluation, as well as asking peers and mentors for feedback about how you can improve. The renowned artists, educators and others will recognize your abilities during the Workshop, so take advantage by participating as much as you can in the lectures and small group settings. A valuable member of any group is someone who is reliable, versatile, flexible to changes, open to direction, and above all a team player. Impressive technique may earn you a top spot on a “first call” gig list, but it’s a combination of these factors that will help build your reputation. Consistent practice, as well as putting in time and being persistent will help you to succeed. The benefits of studying music and performance come through the fun and accomplishment that you can experience. Who knows, sooner or later you may be performing not only with your peers, but the greats as well!