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SOLO CLINIC & EDUCATION INFORMATION 

2x Grammy Award Winning saxophonist/composer Jeff Coffin is an internationally-renowned performer & clinician. On the road with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones since 1997, and as a Yamaha and Vandoren performing artist since 2000, Jeff brings an awe-inspiring energy, a unique personal approach, and his extraordinary qualifications to every clinic and performance he does. Since 2001 Jeff has given over 100 clinics to various Colleges, Universities, High Schools and Jr. Highs.

Students, and audiences alike, from Farmington, Maine to Perth, Australia have been astonished by Jeff's unique teaching and performing techniques and his listening, improvisation and performance clinics have helped countless students gain valuable insight into a deeper understanding of music. His seemingly instant connection and rapport* with students of all ages and all levels has brought continued high praise from students, parents and directors from around the world. 
*please see clinic testimonials below clinic outline
 
To bring JC to your University, College, High School or Jr. High... email JC

 

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JC Big Band Charts for sale. Jeff can perform these charts with your big band or you can order them separately.
Tall & Lanky ~ Wobble ~ Fruitcake ~ Weird Beard are published and available to purchase at University of N. Colorado Press. 
These are great arrangements by: Bret Zvacek and David Joyner
(Grade Level 4+)

UNIVERSITY of TORONTO clinic article link (12/07)
 
 
 
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"Jeff Coffin is a wonderful musician and a great clinician. His passion for the music and his sincerity toward students make a great combination.
I highly recommend him."
BOB WASHUT ~ Professor of Music/University of Northern Iowa
 
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"I had seen Jeff perform with the Flecktones on several occasions, so I knew of his ability to connect with the audience and make exciting things happen on stage. What I never imagined was his ability to connect with high school kids and make even more exciting things happen in the classroom! I strongly encourage any jazz teacher who needs to give his or her jazz students a kick in the pants to have Jeff come in for a workshop. Trust me, this guy is the real deal with kids."
JIM WARRICK ~ Coordinator of Jazz Studies
New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL

 

clinic outline:

JEFF COFFIN

2'x GRAMMY WINNING SAXOPHONIST/COMPOSER
of BELA FLECK & the FLECKTONES

Other Grammy Nominations incl. Best Pop Instrumental Composition
Yamaha & Vandoren Performing Artist
5 Solo CD’s under his own name of all original compositions.

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Jeff Coffin regulary performs over 150 dates a year on the road with Grammy winning and internationally acclaimed band, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. Jeff also performs with his own group the Jeff Coffin Mu'tet as well as doing workshops, clinics, and performances with colleges, universitites, high schools and jr. high groups around the world.

CLINIC OUTLINE:
Jeff continues to stress and reinforce basics and fundamentals as being the essential building blocks or “roots” of music.

“Without roots the tree doesn’t grow. I feel that the things I cover are essential to the continued growth of ALL musicians at ALL levels.” (JC)

A solo performance starts the ball rolling and what follows is a thoughtful, open, candid back and forth discussion about what the students heard and that eventually ties in the basic elements that Jeff considers to be the most essential for students…

“The Big 5"

 

1. LISTENING SKILLS

2. TONE/DYNAMICS

3. RHYTHM

4. ARTICULATION

5. HARMONY

By addressing and discussing these elements in a way that is interesting, honest and thought provoking as well as having Jeff demonstrate answers (through his playing) to many of the questions students ask helps make this a unique and inspiring approach to teaching and learning that will last far beyond the time spent in the classroom or concert hall.

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Please see Jeff's Educational Background below the testimonials...

JC CLINIC TESTIMONIALS
 
"I had seen Jeff perform with the Flecktones on several occasions, so I knew of his ability to connect with the audience and make exciting things happen on stage. What I never imagined was his ability to connect with high school kids and make even more exciting things happen in the classroom!  We had Jeff join our 125 jazz ensemble students one afternoon recently for a sax masterclass, followed by a jam session with our top band. It as magic for everyone in the room, and especially me.  I strongly encourage any jazz teacher who needs to give his or her jazz students a kick in the pants to have Jeff come in for a workshop. Trust me, this guy is the real deal with kids."
Jim Warrick ~ Coordinator of Jazz Studies
New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL (2006 & 2007)
Including a performance at the Midwest Band Conference/2007 
 
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"In my fifteen years of directing our university's premier jazz ensemble we have had the privilege of bringing in a number of the most recognized jazz artists today. While their visits to campus always leave our students inspired, never has anyone reached the students to the degree Jeff Coffin did. For the duration of his two-hour masterclass, as well as his several hours in rehearsals and performance the students were completely engaged. I have never seen them respond with the eagerness he was able to inspire in them. Whether playing his saxophone or talking about the importance of listening to music on multiple levels, his approach captured the students like I have never seen. Jeff left our campus with a new, and rather large, following. Jazz fans from the community continue to sing his praises every time I encounter them, which doesn't surprise me since they bought every CD he brought with him within 15 minutes of the end of his appearance with our student ensemble. Given the opportunity, I would tell any high school or college jazz band director to bring Jeff Coffin in to work with your students."
Dr. Gary Wurtz ~ Director, "Swingin' Axes" Jazz Band
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas (2007)
 
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"Thanks for a wonderful clinic and concert.  Our students were very pumped up about the whole experience. The concert was inspiring and very high energy, and the clinic was not only full of great information, but was presented in a way that way easy to understand. Thanks again for a great job!"
Chris McCormick - Director of Jazz
Tennessee Tech University (2007)
 
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"The entire process was great for the band, from announcing our first ever guest artist/clinician to stepping up the rehearsal intensity with jeff’s music, through the clinic, rehearsal with jeff and performance experiences.  But the total impact really didn’t hit me until we played a couple gigs a week after jeff’s visit.  The band sounded better than ever, and was just plain ready to play.  Members who I never before had been able to coax into improv situations stood up and played some things that worked!  The interest is at an all time high, and several players have inquired about joining in the fall.  The investment that we made in having Jeff work with us will continue to pay dividends for quite some time!"
Tom Lundberg ~ Director of Jazz
Walters State Community College, Sevierville, TN (2007) 

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Jeff Coffin’s performance with my University Jazz Ensemble and his clinic the next day was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my twenty-year teaching career.  Jeff’s playing was 100% excitement and his music was a ball to play. We got a standing ovation on the FIRST number! In his clinic, all the attending educators and the local music store sponsors were delighted at how accessible and inspiring Jeff was to the students. No one should miss the chance to hang with Jeff Coffin, a first-rate musician and a beautiful human being to be around.
 Dr. David Joyner
Director of Jazz Studies/Associate Professor of Music
Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA (2006)

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"We just wanted you know that the Master Class you gave at Brighton Music Center (Pittsburgh, PA) on 9/11/06 was the best we ever had.
You immediately connected with the group of students and adults that were in attendance. You have a unique ability to make learning exciting and fun.
 Feedback we continue to receive has been very positive.
Students especially loved the part of the class that included them playing along with you. You are an inspiration and we appreciate you sharing your knowledge of music with all of us.
Don’t forget to stop and see us anytime you are in town."
Sincerely, Terry Magursky and all the Staff at Brighton Music (2006)

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"Jeff's clinic was exciting, thought provoking, and inspirational. 
A masterful teacher, Jeff is able to connect with students on
all levels and guide them to the next level."
TIM ISHII ~ Director of Jazz Studies
Univ. of Texas in Arlington, Arlington, TX (2006)

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"Jeff, I wanted to let you know that even a year after your visit to Andover, your presence has had lasting and far reaching effects.  There is a real vacuum in a young musicians life that you fill with the kind of message you deliver.  The passion and love for the artform of music is the root of it all.  It's what makes us want to be virtuoso. It's what makes us want to seek new experiences and opens our minds and hearts to new music.  It's what keeps music in our lives, no matter what path we choose.  That's the message my kids received, and it still echoes through the room twelve months later."

JOE WRIGHT ~ Director/Andover H.S - Andover, MA (2006)

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"Bringing Jeff Coffin to our college was one of the best decisions we've ever made.  Musically, he is in a league of his own.  His playing brought the house down.  But beyond that, his attitude toward music, and music education specifically, was so upbeat and positive that our participating students couldn't help but be inspired by him. I have heard nothing but positive comments from everyone involved.  He helped our students perform better than they thought they could, and that is no small accomplishment.  Jeff is truly a unique individual, and a great guy. Bringing him to your school is one of the best things you could do!"
ED JACOBS ~ Asst. Prof. of Music/Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL (2006)

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"Jeff Coffin is truly a fine player and an excellent clinician.
His energy is infectious."
DAVE SEILER ~ Director of Jazz Studies/Professor of Saxophone
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH (2005)

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"Jeff's unique ability to connect with all levels of students is astounding!

His clinic presentations on jazz and how to listen are very informative and deeply insightful. All students involved were totally captivated for over two hours!"
MILES OSLAND ~ Director of Jazz Studies/Professor of Saxophone
University of Kentucky (2005)

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“Our experience with Jeff was totally inspirational. The concert was one of the most exciting and well attended concerts ever at our university. Not only was Jeff completely supportive of our efforts he is a wonderful clinician and educator. He didn’t just come in and blow, he took the time to work on the finer points of phrasing, feel and concepts that only an artist on his level can. I feel that his commitment to the spirit of improvisational music and composition is exactly what all university jazz ensembles need to experience. I highly recommend Jeff to any and all music programs interested in raising the bar in their ensembles.”
JOE CAPLOE ~ Director of Percussion & Jazz Studies
University of Wisconsin Platteville (2005)

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"Jeff Coffin is a wonderful musician and a great clinician. His passion for the music and his sincerity toward students make a great combination.
I highly recommend him."

BOB WASHUT ~ Professor of Music/University of Northern Iowa (2005)

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"We were completely knocked out by Jeff’s creativity, energy, and enthusiasm during his campus visit at UNI. He brought skill, knowledge, and vision to his presentation, and packaged it all in real accessibility. I look forward to the opportunity to bring him back." (2005)
CHRIS MERZ ~ Director of Jazz Studies/University of Northern Iowa

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"When Jeff works as a clinician he does more than just demonstrate the masterful skills for which he has been recognized by the media and his many fans; simply put, he inspires...many of our students told me that working with Jeff has changed their lives and how they approach music."
CALEB CHAPMAN ~ Executive Dir., The Music School, Orem Utah (2005)

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"Jeff Coffin was absolutely wonderful with the students. His playing simply blew everyone away and his attitude was inspiring as well. Our band has never played that well. I wish we could bring him in every year...Jeff's workshop on listening was excellent as well and the participants had a chance to contribute. He has a great way of drawing everyone in and making them hear the elements he thinks are important. Highly recommended!!"
STEVE GRISMORE ~ Professor of Jazz/Univ. of Iowa & Augustana U.
Rock Island, IL (2005)

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"Jeff Coffin is an excellent clinician. He exposes students to an open approach to improvised music in a very straight forward way."
RODNEY WHITAKER ~ Professor of Jazz, University of Michigan (2004)
Bassist ~ Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis

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"Jeff was a faculty member at the Maine Jazz Camp from 1992-96. He brought energy, creativity, drive, passion, and a willingness to give of himself above and beyond the boundaries of class time. Our students not only learned something about music; they learned something about themselves."
STEVE GROVER ~ Maine Jazz Camp Director 1992-94, Faculty 1984-97

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JC EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

~  YAMAHA & VANDOREN Performing Artist/Clinician 
    2000-present

~  Advisory Board Member W.O. Smith Community Music School
    Spring 2006-present

~  Adjunct Faculty/Cumberland University, Lebanon TN 
    Fall 2005-present (Teaching Jazz Improvisation & Small Groups)
    Founding Member "COSMIC FACULTY" at Cumberland University

~  article published in Downbeat Magazine (May 2008 issue)

~  Bachelors Degree in Music Education/Univ. of North Texas (1990)
    One O'Clock Lab Band Alumni
 
~  Recipient NEA Jazz Studies Grant 1991-studied with Joe Lovano

~  Extensive clinic and private teaching work 
    2000-present
 
~  VandoJazz Saxophone Etude Book 
    Includes exercises by JC and many others...a great one to check out!
 
 
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