Join hosts Ryan and Vin as they interview jazz guitarist and educator Dr. Davy Mooney of the University of North Texas on this episode of the Fret Dojo podcast.
This was a fascinating discussion that showed us a glimpse of what it was like growing up in the jazz music mecca of New Orleans and how the music scene differed for musicians from places like New York City and Austin.
We also heard some great tips for jazz guitar students from the head of the department at one of America’s leading jazz guitar programs. Great stuff!
Audio Version:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:55 — 102.4MB)
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Key Highlights:
- Mooney grew up in New Orleans and was introduced to jazz guitar through local teachers and the jazz program at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts high school.
- He started on electric guitar playing rock and gravitated toward jazz via progressive rock and metal.
- Davy says teaching at UNT has made his own playing more modern and he tries to give students tough but constructive feedback.
- Mooney discusses his recently released 7th album, “Way Back”, as well as his two jazz guitar instructional books published by Mel Bay.
- The differences in the New Orleans and NYC jazz scenes. New Orleans has more opportunity to “fake” different jazz styles; in NYC you have to specialize more.
- Davy gave us his unique insights into the challenge of playing solo guitar gigs and his approach to practice and goal-setting.
- He advises students to set realistic goals and not get frustrated playing things that are too difficult and provides other valuable insight for any aspiring jazz guitar student.
Where to find out more:
Davy on Bandcamp: https://davymooney.bandcamp.com/
Davy’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DavyMooneyMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davymooney/
Davy’s Instructional Books on Mel Bay: Davy on Mel Bay
What are your thoughts?
What stood out or gave you something to think about (there’s a lot here!)?
Leave your comments below!
