The Jazz Music Institute was founded in 1996 and has been a higher education tertiary institution since 2009.
In the following blog series of ‘Where Are They Now?’, we talk to some of our alumni who we haven’t heard from in quite some time! We find out where life has taken them since graduation, and how studying at JMI benefited them throughout their career and life.
For this particular blog, we were lucky to chat with JMI alumni Clayton Young who graduated from JMI’s Bachelor program. Read on for the full interview.
Firstly, what do you play?
Tenor and Baritone Saxophone.
What have you been doing since graduating from JMI?
I moved to Canberra for 18 months and while studying outdoor education. I found a passion for attending the local jam sessions in the area thanks to my understanding of the jazz repertoire that I had learnt at JMI. When I moved back to Brisbane I was lucky enough to hold down a fortnightly jazz residency in the City for 3 years. I have also been playing in an Originals Blues Rock Band called Shakes Fear and the Skeleton Gang, which has been a great way to take my jazz experience and apply it to a different genre.
What has been one of your biggest musical highlights in your career thus far?
What are your future goals in music?
Hopefully make a more traditional blues recording with the Skeleton Gang band and start a new originals jazz group in the next 6 months.
How has studying at JMI helped you to get where you are?
It’s given me a solid foundation to be able to play in a wider variety of genres than I ever could have expected.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about studying music and especially jazz?
Give it a go, because if you have any interest in jazz music, JMI will really nurture your passion and help it grow.
Any advice for current students as they complete their Bachelor?
Enjoy every moment at JMI, because it will be over before you know it.
What musicians have you been listening to lately?
Joe Henderson’s later career with John Scofield.
Bill Frisell/Paul Motion trio with Joe Lovanoe.
Any music links of yours we can listen to?