Is there a big difference in playing with classical trained and jazz musicians?
David: Yes, the big difference is that classically trained musicians generally are very highly skilled in sight-reading and usually not as comfortable improvising or moving freely in any given musical structure. Classical musicians are usually very accurate, very humble at taking direction from a musical conductor/director, and continuously throughout their career work at developing and refining their tone, sound and projection. There’s not as much attention on rhythmic phrasing and personal interpretation. In classical music, this is not usually required unless they are a soloist. From my experience, classical musicians often feel a bit trapped by these constraints. I have a deep admiration for the discipline, humility and refinement of classical musicians. I always find that I learn so much from them all when I play with an orchestra. Jazz musicians, on the other hand, tend to be free spirits. There’s sometimes the opposite challenge of self- centeredness and personal expression. The
