In part one of this two-part conversation, Dr. Scott Jones joins Alan and Steve to explore what it means to teach for musical independence—not just prepare students for the next concert. Scott shares a practical framework for helping students read, listen, adjust, and make musical decisions on their own, with special attention to rhythmic independence, notation, intonation, style, and embodied musicianship. They also discuss short individual playing, classroom culture, and why celebrating effort is essential if we want students to grow into confident, independent musicians.
Part 2 continues the conversation with grading, evaluation, and repertoire choices through the same lens of independence.
About Scott Jones, PhD
Scott A. Jones is professor of music, associate director of Bands, and director of the Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Center for Integrated Arts and Enterprise at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. His primary teaching responsibilities include conducting the Symphonic Band and leading the undergraduate conducting curriculum.
A deeply collaborative musician and educator, interdisciplinary partnerships frequent Jones’ teaching and creative work. Collaborative partners with ensembles under his direction have included visual artists, composers, folk artists, the literary arts, digital media, dancers, and choral ensembles among others.
An ardent supporter of living composers, Jones has commissioned more than 40 new compositions for wind band and chamber winds. A firm believer in creating opportunities for students to interact with great artists of our time, the musicians under Jones’ leadership have also collaborated with Libby Larsen, Frederick Fennell, Eiji Oue, Aaron Jay Kernis, Frank Battisti, Seiji Ozawa, Augusta Read Thomas, Eddie Daniels, The Empire Brass Quintet, The American Brass Quintet, the Imani Winds, and a host of other distinguished musical figures.
Jones has been honored with an Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching at Ohio State is a two-time recipient of the Ohio State School of Music Distinguished Teaching Award. His guest conducting engagements regularly include All-State Bands and Honor Bands.
Resources:
- Émile rhythm website
- Collaborative Rehearsal Resources
- Midwest Clinic session video: “Inspired by Orpheus: Collaborative Rehearsal and Performance in the Large Ensemble Setting”
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