http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:19:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1941748 This semester has one of the most stressful semesters ever. I had to drop a class so that I can get everything done. I haven't been able to blog and keep everyone up to date as to what is going on. Some definite changes are going to be made. To focus on the most important aspects of my life, some things are going to have to go. I won't get into those now, but I will say that my family will need me more than ever starting this summer. ]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:19:00 GMT E53EDD52BF668C4724D48BDA94FB5B52 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1750881 I have come to some conclusions about my life in general...1. If I want to change my situation, I have to do something about it. I can't whine and cry when things don't happen the way I want them to happen. I have to work and be patient.2. I believe a change in my musical situation is needed. I will leave it at that...you want more details, email me.3. I want to spend more time with the family...we need to stick together. Otherwise we'll grow apart.That's it for now...Starting in February, I will blog 3-4 times a week, so that people will be up to date...later
1. If I want to change my situation, I have to do something about it. I can't whine and cry when things don't happen the way I want them to happen. I have to work and be patient.

2. I believe a change in my musical situation is needed. I will leave it at that...you want more details, email me.

3. I want to spend more time with the family...we need to stick together. Otherwise we'll grow apart.


That's it for now...Starting in February, I will blog 3-4 times a week, so that people will be up to date...later

]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:09:00 GMT 5BACFC07B431AEDA60150BD197BDFB79 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1654872 It is here...the end of the semester. Grades are in (GPC) and I finished my 1st semester at UGA. It was rough...I hardly saw my wife and kids over the last two weeks because so much was going on, from school concerts to writing papers to grading. I'm just glad that its all over (until Jan. 9th 2012)As I reflect over the year, there were some high and low moments. I do believe that 2011 was a good year and 2012 looks to be a better year. A few things that I will do.1. Hunt for more gigs....can't wait for people to call me.2. schedule a couple of short promo tours of my CD,release in March 20123. Look for more ways to bring the money in....I can't AND WON'T work 2 teaching jobs for too long. Jody will start Pre-K in the fall and hopefully there's a pre-k age 3 program for Joni.4. Get myself together physically, mentally and spiritually5. Blog more....everyday!!!6. I see the Jason Passmore Big Band in my future...and a sax quartet.Basically, I'm tired of waiting for things to happen. If I don't do the work, nothing happens. If I don't ask, I don't receive. Bottom Line. Life is too short to waste time. The older I get, the more I realize that. One thing that we all have in common is that we will all leave this earth. Everything that lives, dies. I want to spend my life reaching for the impossible, not settling for the mediocre.That's about it...Merry Christmas and have a happy new year.
As I reflect over the year, there were some high and low moments. I do believe that 2011 was a good year and 2012 looks to be a better year. A few things that I will do.

1. Hunt for more gigs....can't wait for people to call me.

2. schedule a couple of short promo tours of my CD,release in March 2012

3. Look for more ways to bring the money in....I can't AND WON'T work 2 teaching jobs for too long. Jody will start Pre-K in the fall and hopefully there's a pre-k age 3 program for Joni.

4. Get myself together physically, mentally and spiritually

5. Blog more....everyday!!!

6. I see the Jason Passmore Big Band in my future...and a sax quartet.

Basically, I'm tired of waiting for things to happen. If I don't do the work, nothing happens. If I don't ask, I don't receive. Bottom Line. Life is too short to waste time. The older I get, the more I realize that. One thing that we all have in common is that we will all leave this earth. Everything that lives, dies. I want to spend my life reaching for the impossible, not settling for the mediocre.

That's about it...Merry Christmas and have a happy new year.

]]> Sun, 25 Dec 2011 02:04:00 GMT 0C54718CDD32FE05915782300DFDE30C http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1540020 It's the day before my 37th birthday and the 3rd day of my Thanksgiving break. I should be enjoying the time with my family and kids. Instead. I'm getting stressed about how I going to get this school work done. My professors are saying that I should enjoy the process of getting a degree. Right now, it's turning into a chore and a drag. In the last entry, I had said that I realize that I'm doing too much. I still feel that way. My professor also said to me that I shouldn't be gigging and trying to get another degree. It worked for my 1st two degrees. Also, she doesn't know the entire financial situation. The gigs help pay off debt and the bills. The way I feel now is that if I can't leave my job to pursue this degree, I just need to stop. I know I need to do something quickly when a colleague looks at me and says that I looked stressed and all of the happiness is gone.What I will not do is give up playing my instrument to get a degree. I'd rather not have the degree than give up playing. I thought after not teaching privately would help and it has helped; not as much as I thought it would. In many ways, I miss it; it kept me connected to the band world.What I want to do is perform, teach and write music, within a balanced schedule. Not 95% teaching, 4% playing and 1% writing. For what I want to do, I really DONT need the Ph.D.When I look back on my decision, I was motivated by money. I figured if I'm going to be in the public school system, make all of the money. Now, I'm not sure if I really want to do that. I have other interest and goals. I have a family that I want to spend time with. This is the reason I'm working so much: I want to pay off debt so that I can have more choices in my profession. Right now I feel stuck in a job; I REALLY HATE this feeling. I want to be able to leave if I want to. I don't see myself there for 20 more years.That's it for now...gotta go. TTYL
In the last entry, I had said that I realize that I'm doing too much. I still feel that way. My professor also said to me that I shouldn't be gigging and trying to get another degree. It worked for my 1st two degrees. Also, she doesn't know the entire financial situation. The gigs help pay off debt and the bills. The way I feel now is that if I can't leave my job to pursue this degree, I just need to stop. I know I need to do something quickly when a colleague looks at me and says that I looked stressed and all of the happiness is gone.

What I will not do is give up playing my instrument to get a degree. I'd rather not have the degree than give up playing. I thought after not teaching privately would help and it has helped; not as much as I thought it would. In many ways, I miss it; it kept me connected to the band world.

What I want to do is perform, teach and write music, within a balanced schedule. Not 95% teaching, 4% playing and 1% writing. For what I want to do, I really DONT need the Ph.D.

When I look back on my decision, I was motivated by money. I figured if I'm going to be in the public school system, make all of the money. Now, I'm not sure if I really want to do that. I have other interest and goals. I have a family that I want to spend time with. This is the reason I'm working so much: I want to pay off debt so that I can have more choices in my profession.

Right now I feel stuck in a job; I REALLY HATE this feeling. I want to be able to leave if I want to. I don't see myself there for 20 more years.

That's it for now...gotta go. TTYL

]]> Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:08:00 GMT 3F6B350FD9AE232C3043A42C86367EE1 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1437212 It has been 3 months since I've blogged...way too long. Here is an update of what's up1. The 1st Odyssey Music Project CD is complete and Available through <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/odysseymusicproject">CD Baby, iTunes and many other distribution areas.2. As of 2 weeks ago, the recording for the Jazz CD is complete. I think the title track will either be "Exodus" (To represent the journey from sideman to leader on a project) or "Beautiful Day". Now to schedule the photo sessions, pick a cover, liner notes,etc..3.I have started my doctorate in music at UGA...it's definitely kicking my butt, but I will be better for it in the end.4. I have come to the realization that I am doing too much...I knew it the whole time. I've been working a lot to get rid of some debt. What I don't want to do is miss my children growing up right in front of me. Therefore; some things will be eliminated from my schedule. I am grateful that I have a wife and family who support me in my endeavors. My wife just wants me to be happy..as long as bills are paid, she does not care what I do for income, as long as it's legal.5. School (public school) is going well...definitely a lot better than last year. I still feel that I need to be there at least 4-5 years before I see the fruits of my labor. There are still remnants of the two previous music teachers. I don't feel that I've made my mark on the school yet.6. I have been gigging 10-12 times a month for the last 3 months. I hope the gigs continue to come and maybe one of the many jobs I have I can leave.7. I've stopped private teaching for this semester...I will probably pick it back up for 1 day a week. I wasn't sure If I could handle everything with going back to school.That's all for now...TTYL
1. The 1st Odyssey Music Project CD is complete and Available through CD Baby, iTunes and many other distribution areas.

2. As of 2 weeks ago, the recording for the Jazz CD is complete. I think the title track will either be "Exodus" (To represent the journey from sideman to leader on a project) or "Beautiful Day". Now to schedule the photo sessions, pick a cover, liner notes,etc..

3.I have started my doctorate in music at UGA...it's definitely kicking my butt, but I will be better for it in the end.

4. I have come to the realization that I am doing too much...I knew it the whole time. I've been working a lot to get rid of some debt. What I don't want to do is miss my children growing up right in front of me. Therefore; some things will be eliminated from my schedule. I am grateful that I have a wife and family who support me in my endeavors. My wife just wants me to be happy..as long as bills are paid, she does not care what I do for income, as long as it's legal.

5. School (public school) is going well...definitely a lot better than last year. I still feel that I need to be there at least 4-5 years before I see the fruits of my labor. There are still remnants of the two previous music teachers. I don't feel that I've made my mark on the school yet.

6. I have been gigging 10-12 times a month for the last 3 months. I hope the gigs continue to come and maybe one of the many jobs I have I can leave.

7. I've stopped private teaching for this semester...I will probably pick it back up for 1 day a week. I wasn't sure If I could handle everything with going back to school.


That's all for now...TTYL

]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:58:00 GMT ACFACBAE5A9C5B107DA6065D122EB74E http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1111103 I know what you're thinking...here we go again. My problem is the fiances. I want to go back to school, I don't want to take out student loans. I'm not 100% positive that our finances can handle it. The Passmore Family has a sizable amount of debt and I don't want to do anything to hurt anyone. Anything I do should be bringing money into the family, not costing the family money. That's the situation. Maybe I should wait some more and work on reducing our debt. That's what I'm thinking. I don't know, but I will continue to pray and meditate. ]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:50:00 GMT 9C8348329C774074FEEDEE8E072927AD http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1102232 At the beginning of July, the gig prospects were not good...now it looks pretty good. It's like that sometimes as a musician. It's all about being a "business owner". You have projected earnings, but nothing is guaranteed (I was reminded of that again in June of this year).I have to be patient and hustle...not everyone will like what I have to offer, AND I can get upset when they reject me. I have to keep this in mind : SWSWSWN (Some will, some won't, so what, next).
I have to be patient and hustle...not everyone will like what I have to offer, AND I can get upset when they reject me. I have to keep this in mind : SWSWSWN (Some will, some won't, so what, next).

]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:39:00 GMT 3E76E39113D90709455CA9BDFE5B5DD8 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1078176 The title of this blog is a question that has been on my mind for while. Currently I am in the studio recording original jazz music for a live CD. There have been times during the process that I've asked myself "Do I put out what I like or what sells?" I really shouldn't struggle with this....In my mind, a musician should write and arrange music that he likes. But what if it doesn't sell? Is it a waste of time and effort. I don't think so.Here's another question: If an artist releases a CD of "watered-down" music, is the artist "selling out"? Kenny G, in some peoples minds, was a sellout, but his CDs have made him millions. I believe he was only doing what Arista Records told him to do. After a while, he got tired of doing the "let's remake a pop standard and have some artist sing and have Kenny G play solos behind him/her" thing and Arista eventually dropped him.I like some of his stuff...I have had to play alot of it for weddings, private parties, etc.. Does that make me a sellout? Here's what I'm saying: Make whatever music CD you want. If you do what the people want, it will sell. If you make a CD to impress your favorite musicians, you'll lose in the long run. I think the "trick" is to find the middle ground where people will like what you do and making music that's creative and artistic. I struggle with this everyday. Don't be afraid to comment. TTYL
I really shouldn't struggle with this....In my mind, a musician should write and arrange music that he likes. But what if it doesn't sell? Is it a waste of time and effort. I don't think so.

Here's another question: If an artist releases a CD of "watered-down" music, is the artist "selling out"? Kenny G, in some peoples minds, was a sellout, but his CDs have made him millions. I believe he was only doing what Arista Records told him to do. After a while, he got tired of doing the "let's remake a pop standard and have some artist sing and have Kenny G play solos behind him/her" thing and Arista eventually dropped him.

I like some of his stuff...I have had to play alot of it for weddings, private parties, etc.. Does that make me a sellout?

Here's what I'm saying: Make whatever music CD you want. If you do what the people want, it will sell. If you make a CD to impress your favorite musicians, you'll lose in the long run. I think the "trick" is to find the middle ground where people will like what you do and making music that's creative and artistic. I struggle with this everyday. Don't be afraid to comment. TTYL

]]> Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:56:00 GMT CEC9363FBC20E4004779E4C085734B1B http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1074314 It can be very frustrating to be a musician..Here's something I want you to think about.One of the things I like to do is to check out artist that are unknown to me, especially saxophonist. It can be very frustrating when I hear someone who puts out a CD with ok to good tracks and the performance of the lead instrument is not of the best quality. Disclaimer: I am not saying that I can play circles around any saxophonist on the planet...I still have TONS to work on. However, It's obvious that there's something missing. I hear this a lot in the smooth jazz genre. I hear it in others as well. Some artist, instead of playing their own music, will play the same smooth jazz/R&B material and people go nuts. Maybe it's because the audience knows the material, I don't know.I guess it's the same in the traditional jazz arena. I get tired of playing the same stuff on a regular basis..that's one of the reasons I like freelancing. It's something different all of the time.At the same time...sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do to get to places we want to be.I'll go figure it out now...TTYl
One of the things I like to do is to check out artist that are unknown to me, especially saxophonist. It can be very frustrating when I hear someone who puts out a CD with ok to good tracks and the performance of the lead instrument is not of the best quality. Disclaimer: I am not saying that I can play circles around any saxophonist on the planet...I still have TONS to work on. However, It's obvious that there's something missing.

I hear this a lot in the smooth jazz genre. I hear it in others as well. Some artist, instead of playing their own music, will play the same smooth jazz/R&B material and people go nuts. Maybe it's because the audience knows the material, I don't know.

I guess it's the same in the traditional jazz arena. I get tired of playing the same stuff on a regular basis..that's one of the reasons I like freelancing. It's something different all of the time.

At the same time...sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do to get to places we want to be.

I'll go figure it out now...TTYl

]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:49:00 GMT 903E1D38BC33C160260AECA8920EABA0 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1056604 A few days ago, I posted about starting at Lesley University. Well... I spoke to the people in the graduate office at UGA and the music department. They are allowing me to move my acceptance for the fall 2011 semester. I honestly didn't think they would do that. In my mind, i was just going on faith. I realize that I really want to start back. Also, my career goals make getting a terminal degree almost a necessity. The one advantage that I wi have is that I have experience in k-12 and post-secondary experience. I want to move to a university position full time. That may happen before I finish. I just dont know how long I will keep the full time gig in public school. My wife doesn't care where money comes from as long as bills are paid. We will see. I am hoping for some form of assistantship for 2012-2013. That and gigs and teaching should work out. We just got to get the debt down. I got to set up for a gigTTYL
I realize that I really want to start back. Also, my career goals make getting a terminal degree almost a necessity. The one advantage that I wi have is that I have experience in k-12 and post-secondary experience. I want to move to a university position full time. That may happen before I finish. I just dont know how long I will keep the full time gig in public school. My wife doesn't care where money comes from as long as bills are paid. We will see. I am hoping for some form of assistantship for 2012-2013. That and gigs and teaching should work out. We just got to get the debt down. I got to set up for a gig


TTYL

]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:19:00 GMT C13AF29E8E2F6BDBD033A9924672BED8 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1043404 I was talking to my wife yesterday and I realized thT I just want to play and write music. That is what's best for me and that's what Im great at doing. As far as a career, I feel that everything else would be a waste of time (I don't think I feel that way about teaching). Going back to school for anything else may be a wasteful adventure....I at the plot where I can waste time doing frivolous and non-fruitful stuff.The reality is that the music business is a tough business and a person had to have thick skin in order to succeed, plus some people skills and drive ( notice I didn't say talent...that's for another posting). Right now gigs and music sales are not paying the bills. Hopefully in the next few years it could. As much as I enjoy teaching my k-5 students, that's not an area I want to stay in education. I enjoy private teaching because of the schedule. Whatever God has for me I don't know but I dont want to waste anymore time or money.TTYL
The reality is that the music business is a tough business and a person had to have thick skin in order to succeed, plus some people skills and drive ( notice I didn't say talent...that's for another posting). Right now gigs and music sales are not paying the bills. Hopefully in the next few years it could. As much as I enjoy teaching my k-5 students, that's not an area I want to stay in education. I enjoy private teaching because of the schedule. Whatever God has for me I don't know but I dont want to waste anymore time or money.

TTYL

]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:30:00 GMT D3D032948ACB75B65C84332CDDAD6A65 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1039477 We'll I have some interesting news:I've found a graduate program where the class times are one weekend a month. It's a cohort program through <a href="http://www.lesley.edu">Lesley University. It looks like I will be able to work to get a Ed.S (Specialist) degree starting July 9th. I will be 'grandfathered' into the old pay system for advanced degrees.I've fought back and forth (hence the title of the blog) and realized that I do want to go back. In this cohort I'm applying for, the group of students meet at a specific location once a month on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the time, is study and other stuff.This is better for me because I don't have to drive a whole bunch for school. Going to UGA would have burned a hole in my wallet and ripped my car to shreds.It's not a Ph.D, but If I still want it, I'm sure the opportunity will avail itself to me. I hope everything works out. I was told just to get everything in within the next 3-4 days.TTYL
I've found a graduate program where the class times are one weekend a month. It's a cohort program through Lesley University. It looks like I will be able to work to get a Ed.S (Specialist) degree starting July 9th. I will be 'grandfathered' into the old pay system for advanced degrees.

I've fought back and forth (hence the title of the blog) and realized that I do want to go back. In this cohort I'm applying for, the group of students meet at a specific location once a month on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the time, is study and other stuff.

This is better for me because I don't have to drive a whole bunch for school. Going to UGA would have burned a hole in my wallet and ripped my car to shreds.

It's not a Ph.D, but If I still want it, I'm sure the opportunity will avail itself to me. I hope everything works out. I was told just to get everything in within the next 3-4 days.

TTYL

]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 03:39:00 GMT 15C06C21ED0490A3BAADD8DC4B6FFDD5 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1037096 I've had a change of plans..after thinking long and hard, I've decided to go ahead and start offering music for sale on my <a href="http://www.odysseymusicproject.com">website. The thing with perfection: you never reach it. There is always something I can do better.Music is available from me directly...soon "Evening Sky" will be on iTunes, CD Baby and other distribution markets. website. The thing with perfection: you never reach it. There is always something I can do better.

Music is available from me directly...soon "Evening Sky" will be on iTunes, CD Baby and other distribution markets.

]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:21:00 GMT 8A946BC45691EA57CC412A3B917A9B6B http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1035463 If you read my last few postings, you know I've decided not to go back to school at this time. I realized that studying education is not what I want to do and if I go back to school, I want to study things I want (performance, composition, whatever). I also don't know how long I will be in public school education. I have aspirations of teaching in a university setting full time. I also do not want to give up playing opportunities.Update on the Jason Passmore Jazz CD:4 tracks have been recorded (two with me and Daniel Padron and two with another group, we're working on a name change). All of the tracks sound great and I will be getting 2-track mixdowns soon, but don't expect to hear any of it soon. I have quite a few more tracks to record.I'm looking to release it around Nov-Dec. Update on the Odyssey Music Project CD.I've hit a snag...hopefully by July digital sales will be announced. Music is complete, but I need to do final mixing and mastering. I guess I want everything to be exactly how I want it.TTYL
Update on the Jason Passmore Jazz CD:

4 tracks have been recorded (two with me and Daniel Padron and two with another group, we're working on a name change). All of the tracks sound great and I will be getting 2-track mixdowns soon, but don't expect to hear any of it soon. I have quite a few more tracks to record.I'm looking to release it around Nov-Dec.

Update on the Odyssey Music Project CD.

I've hit a snag...hopefully by July digital sales will be announced. Music is complete, but I need to do final mixing and mastering. I guess I want everything to be exactly how I want it.


TTYL

]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:23:00 GMT 114A296BC4380319A06590A4B8840374 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=1018560 A few weeks ago, I believed that I was to start at UGA for an Ed.D degree in music and teaching this summer at Georgia PErimeter College. Both of those fell through. The GPC classes didn't materialize and I had a change of heart about school.Here's why I'm NOT going to school1. No More student loans2. Want to spend time with the wife and kids3. Don't want to give up everything I doing as far as private teaching and gigging.4. Too Much other debt5. I'm broke6. See 1-5As time went on, I realized that I'm not in a position to go back to school, even though I still want to go. It's not in God's plan, so I just need to forget about it for now.Now that I have more time, I've picked up a few students and some gigs have come through. It's funny how these things work out. I've also realize that I just want to write music and gig (and get paid for it). I enjoy teaching...I have to find other ways to make it happen. If I can get upward towards 25-30 live students and a bunch of online students, I may can make the transition of leaving public school teaching. We are also thinking about homeschooling....The more we work in a public school, the more we DO NOT want our kids there. Don't get me wrong, there are some great public schools out there. Speaking from personal experience, the majority of the schools can be great schools if ALL parties (students,teachers/staff, parents) so the things necessary to make an excellent school. That's all I will say about that.TTYL
Here's why I'm NOT going to school

1. No More student loans

2. Want to spend time with the wife and kids

3. Don't want to give up everything I doing as far as private teaching and gigging.

4. Too Much other debt

5. I'm broke

6. See 1-5

As time went on, I realized that I'm not in a position to go back to school, even though I still want to go. It's not in God's plan, so I just need to forget about it for now.

Now that I have more time, I've picked up a few students and some gigs have come through. It's funny how these things work out. I've also realize that I just want to write music and gig (and get paid for it). I enjoy teaching...I have to find other ways to make it happen. If I can get upward towards 25-30 live students and a bunch of online students, I may can make the transition of leaving public school teaching.

We are also thinking about homeschooling....The more we work in a public school, the more we DO NOT want our kids there. Don't get me wrong, there are some great public schools out there. Speaking from personal experience, the majority of the schools can be great schools if ALL parties (students,teachers/staff, parents) so the things necessary to make an excellent school. That's all I will say about that.


TTYL

]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:28:00 GMT 1D8D727A922FC70CF6F479BFBF102E82 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=972095 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_utnC7Wl8_M/Tc_9v_hgfcI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/SIsDut3lPbk/s1600/UGA_logo_-_Thin4c.jpg">After some thought and finding out about an ED.D program in Music, I've decided to take my talents to that city 60+ miles from Downtown ATL. Yep...I will be attending the University of Georgia to pursue a doctorate in Music Education. Here's why1. I figured if I'm going to teach in public school, I should get paid as much as I can. I know that teaching is not about the money; however, there is a July 15 deadline to start an advanced degree and actually get paid for it.2. I want to move to full time college teaching. Hey, I enjoy teaching.3. I also feel that teaching a bunch of lessons and doing gigs will not take care of my family on a long term basis. I will continue to teach lessons4. Under the SEAT program at UGA, I don't have to quit my job. The majority of the music courses are in the summer. I only have to take 1-2 classes during the fall and spring semesters. I can take them at the Gwinnett County campus. I didn't want to get another performance degree. I felt that my time would have been wasted.5. I had checked out other universities around the south, including Auburn, South Carolina, Florida State. I would either have to quit my job and/or move. It would have been too much of a hassle and I DID NOT want to do an online program. I want to attend where I can see the professor and call him/her and be active in the schools music department. I will probably apply of an assistantship for 2012-2013.I'm excited...the only thing is that I start June 11th, so I got to get a buch of stuff together before then. No summer for me, except for 2 weeks, where for 1 week we will be in Florida relaxing.More to come later
After some thought and finding out about an ED.D program in Music, I've decided to take my talents to that city 60+ miles from Downtown ATL. Yep...I will be attending the University of Georgia to pursue a doctorate in Music Education. Here's why

1. I figured if I'm going to teach in public school, I should get paid as much as I can. I know that teaching is not about the money; however, there is a July 15 deadline to start an advanced degree and actually get paid for it.

2. I want to move to full time college teaching. Hey, I enjoy teaching.

3. I also feel that teaching a bunch of lessons and doing gigs will not take care of my family on a long term basis. I will continue to teach lessons

4. Under the SEAT program at UGA, I don't have to quit my job. The majority of the music courses are in the summer. I only have to take 1-2 classes during the fall and spring semesters. I can take them at the Gwinnett County campus. I didn't want to get another performance degree. I felt that my time would have been wasted.

5. I had checked out other universities around the south, including Auburn, South Carolina, Florida State. I would either have to quit my job and/or move. It would have been too much of a hassle and I DID NOT want to do an online program. I want to attend where I can see the professor and call him/her and be active in the schools music department. I will probably apply of an assistantship for 2012-2013.

I'm excited...the only thing is that I start June 11th, so I got to get a buch of stuff together before then. No summer for me, except for 2 weeks, where for 1 week we will be in Florida relaxing.

More to come later

]]> Sun, 15 May 2011 21:05:00 GMT C6247B9104BF1340F1DB90EE094FAFB9 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=972096 Here is what's happen over the last two weeks....1. Did a concert with the GPC Jazz Band with guest artist Duffy Jackson. It was amazing...one of the best concerts the band has done.2. Finishing up at GPC and my 1st year as a general music teacher. I'm so ready for vacation.3. 9 tracks of the 1st Odyssey Music Project CD are now done. CD cover is done and now I'm waiting on the CDS. I will probably have the tracks for sale soon4. played a few other gigs where most of the stuff I played came out OK. More stuff in the next entry
1. Did a concert with the GPC Jazz Band with guest artist Duffy Jackson. It was amazing...one of the best concerts the band has done.

2. Finishing up at GPC and my 1st year as a general music teacher. I'm so ready for vacation.

3. 9 tracks of the 1st Odyssey Music Project CD are now done. CD cover is done and now I'm waiting on the CDS. I will probably have the tracks for sale soon

4. played a few other gigs where most of the stuff I played came out OK.

More stuff in the next entry

]]> Sun, 15 May 2011 20:57:00 GMT 95CC70B626E9012F24A7A5C2BB962B31 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=942929 I have a couple of gigs today...the Usual Suspects played at the Inman Park Festival. Wall to wall people and impossible to drive through. Once I got into the area, it took over an hour and a half to find parking, park and get my stuff to the stage. I could not find the musicians loading area to save my life. I was REALLY upset. The funny thing about this gig is that this gig was the best the Usual Suspects had ever sounded. I thing the energy of the crowd and the energy of Duffy Jackson, guest drummer who was with the Count Basis Orchestra in the 1980s. When great musicians are around, everyone is forced to elevate their skill.That was the afternoon gig...The evening gig was with Taryn and the Wednesday Quintet at Georgia Tech for a Swing dance. I was subbing in this group. I had to remind myself the whole night that this was a dance gig...I had to play more Sidney Bechet and Lester Young and less Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. On this gig, I played mostly tenor sax and clarinet and some alto. So for both gigs, here are the instruments that were available:Soprano SaxAlto SaxTenor Saxclarinetflute/piccoloMy truck was full of stuff; the list didn't include stands, reeds, etc.. and a cart to carry it all.Alright, time to go. TTYL around, everyone is forced to elevate their skill.

That was the afternoon gig...The evening gig was with Taryn and the Wednesday Quintet at Georgia Tech for a Swing dance. I was subbing in this group. I had to remind myself the whole night that this was a dance gig...I had to play more Sidney Bechet and Lester Young and less Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. On this gig, I played mostly tenor sax and clarinet and some alto.

So for both gigs, here are the instruments that were available:

Soprano Sax
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
clarinet
flute/piccolo

My truck was full of stuff; the list didn't include stands, reeds, etc.. and a cart to carry it all.

Alright, time to go. TTYL

]]> Sun, 01 May 2011 10:09:00 GMT D302F9109C1A37AAA4847DD55B243500 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=934922 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGu3Th44ttI/Tbd8Xx3wlpI/AAAAAAAAAJs/kiPHUBFsmlw/s1600/Mission-Complete-Stamp.gif">The tracks for the 1st OMP CD are complete...now to figure out order, master, copyright,etc...all of the fun stuff. I'll probably have for sale in about a month for the loyal fans (digitally from my webpage, until the CDS have been ordered) then make available on CD baby, iTunes, etc..Will this album make me rich? probably not...I'm creating electronic music because it combines two items that I love dearly: Music and technology. <a href="http://www.odysseymusicproject.com">Click Here to go to the Odyssey Music Website
The tracks for the 1st OMP CD are complete...now to figure out order, master, copyright,etc...all of the fun stuff. I'll probably have for sale in about a month for the loyal fans (digitally from my webpage, until the CDS have been ordered) then make available on CD baby, iTunes, etc..

Will this album make me rich? probably not...I'm creating electronic music because it combines two items that I love dearly: Music and technology.

Click Here to go to the Odyssey Music Website

]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 07:08:00 GMT 06FEE07329C52A11C4D99E0679E7DF98 http://jasonpassmore.com/blog.cfm?feature=1099887&postid=934803 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6jYP9NOm2E/TbdkUsgCNiI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-7_nkflx79c/s1600/12065669231219144528Anonymous_work_in_progress.svg.med.png">As I'm typing this, I realize that I have so much material...I just need to finish it all. I am happy that the gig prospects are looking better each week. I know, however, I have to get out there and get my hustle on. It's a business!!! If I'm not making myself available, I won't be working.On the CD front..I shall have at least one release by the end of summer. I plan on 4 by the end of 2011. I know that's alot, but I have that much material. Again...I need to finish it. Shortly, I will be changing the reverbnation accounts to reflect these changes.TTLY
As I'm typing this, I realize that I have so much material...I just need to finish it all. I am happy that the gig prospects are looking better each week. I know, however, I have to get out there and get my hustle on. It's a business!!! If I'm not making myself available, I won't be working.

On the CD front..I shall have at least one release by the end of summer. I plan on 4 by the end of 2011. I know that's alot, but I have that much material. Again...I need to finish it.

Shortly, I will be changing the reverbnation accounts to reflect these changes.

TTLY

]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:28:00 GMT 347148B9D822B3BA5716B15309E6B52A