1.  JAZZ IMPROVISATION/COMBO CLINIC 

(Jim teaches the fundamentals of jazz improvisation and important aspects of combo performance). He embellishes points on his student handout, "Ten Tips to Improve Your Improvising." 

Improvisation clinic at Desert Mountain High School, Scottsdale, AZ

2.   “PLAYING JAZZ VIBES IN A NUTSHELL”

(Students learn the basics of playing jazz vibes. Topics include mallet choice, getting a good sound, pedaling and dampening, 4 mallet chord voicings, basic improvisation tips, and basic repertoire). Depending on the number of instruments available, the clinic ends with students all playing a blues together.  

with percussion students at University of Wisconsin/Parkside, Dave Bayles, Director

3.  A HISTORICAL LOOK AT THE JAZZ VIBRAPHONE

 Jim talks about the contributions and styles of Red Norvo, Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson Cal Tjader, Gary Burton and Bobby Hutcherson and performs songs from their recordings.  If there is internet access and a projector,  YouTube clips can be played to enhance the presentation.

Grand Haven, MI Public Library, Feb. 2, 2025

4.  Clinician/Performer

Jim can combine a clinic with a performance at your high school or college school jazz band concert.

2017 South Suburban College Jazz Festival Clinician/Adjudicator and Performer

 a guest with the Northwestern Michigan College Jazz Band, 2024

Quotes

"We enjoyed a warm jazz program on a bleak winter afternoon last February. Jim Cooper presented “Good Vibes” a historical tribute to jazz vibraphone players. Mr. Cooper, a jazz vibraphone player, interspersed video clips of the greats with a performance in each musicians’ style.  This program was a hit with our audience as it was musically entertaining and educationally stimulating."

 Martha Boetcher, Library Director, Saugatuck-Douglas District Library

"You are the most organized mentor we've had in the program..."

Kewit-Wang Mentorship Program, Jazz Institute of Chicago

"Thank you for your wonderful clinic, Jim.  The students loved hearing you play. The information handout you gave out was informative. My students were really excited about the things you showed them.  They've been practicing like crazy ever since!!!"

Patricia Brumbaugh, West High School, Traverse City, Michigan

(Jim completed his B.A. degree in Music Education (K-12) and Percussion from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and his M.M. degree in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University.  He taught big band, jazz piano and improvisation during summer sessions at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp since 2001.  He is currently teaching jazz piano at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, MI.)

 JIM HAS GIVEN CLINICS AND WORKSHOPS AT THESE SELECTED SCHOOLS AND VENUES:

Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI; "A Melodic Approach to Improvising," 

West and Central High Schools, Traverse City, MI; “Jazz Combo Improvisation"

South Suburban College, South Holland, IL; Adjudicator/Performer

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ; vibes/improvisation

Aquinas College Jazz Camp, Grand Rapids, MI; vibes, piano, combos

Desert Mountain High School, Scottsdale, AZ, Jazz Improvisation 

Michigan State University, East Lansing; vibes clinic

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp; jazz piano, big band, improvisation

Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, WI; vibes clinic

National Institute of the Arts, Taiwan, vibes, history and improvisation

Saugatuck/Douglas MI District Library, "Good Vibes; Jazz Vibraphone History”

Louitt District Library, Grand Haven, MI, "History of Jazz Vibes"

  For information regarding fees and dates, email Jim at: jimcoopermusic@comcast.net