About
"Art and Music are both timeless and Learning is endless."
Passion for the art of Jazz music and using harmonies that make timeless standards come
alive are what Doug strives to achieve with his guitar. Doug has been playing for many years
and has studied with some of the best musicians. Currently working to perfect his
musicianship, Doug is studying at Berklee College of Music in the Guitar Studies Degree
program.
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Beginning in his early teens, Doug was a member of different bands playing the popular music of that time. Through the years his music has developed to include jazz music as part of his repertoire. He was fortunate to find other musicians that shared his desire to play and became part of a jazz ensemble. It was at this time that his thirst for knowledge led Doug to study with an old time jazz musician who shared his knowledge and experience of music and performing. His teacher had played on the club circuit for many years and provided a wealth of information about jazz music and its history.
Doug’s musical journey continued when he met up with a young professional guitarist, a
Berklee graduate, that continues to mentor Doug and work to hone his playing skills. Together they break down complex melodies and learn the harmonies of the greatest jazz musicians of our time.
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Doug’s ultimate goal is using his knowledge and experience as a musician to teach others
while creating new music and ensuring the art of Jazz music continues through future
generations.
Music is life. I am dedicated to my music and passionate about my playing. I like when I can create harmony that makes others feel something. I am committed to learning from other musicians as I explore new ideas that reflect my feelings. Whether it be a child's laugh, a bird's tweet, the rustling of trees or the gentle flow of a small stream, I try to bring the emotions we feel in our lives to song. As an artist I am aware of the audience and the importance of a song's message. An artist must be sensitive their listeners. Besides creating, I want to teach others and help to develop their creativity.
I begin a piece by playing and listening to the melody, thinking of harmony. As I play a piece I try to reflect what I'm feeling, using the tone which best expresses those ideas. I am drawn to flowing melodies and harmonic chord changes that "tell a story."
Many years ago I met a elderly jazz guitarist who I studied with for a time. He would reflect on the years he spent as a studio musician and nightclub performer. His stories helped to feed my passion and i decided to learn all I could about music and the guitar. I am currently studying with another guitarist and attending school.
As my mother once said. "learning is a life long endeavor," I play with other musicians to share and learn new ideas that I can use in the music I create.
