We caught up with one of our esteemed alumni, Scott Foley, to find out what he has been doing since graduating from the Jazz Music Institute (JMI). Graduating in 2017, Scott shared insights into his journey and experiences post-JMI. Here’s his story.
JMI Alumnus Scott Foley, a saxophone player and music educator, shares his experiences since graduating from the Jazz Music Institute.
From Saxophone Studies to Vocal Ventures
Scott Foley, a JMI graduate, began by reflecting on his musical background and current pursuits. “I specialized in Saxophone during my time at JMI, and it remains a passion for gigs and performances. However, since graduating, I’ve also delved into Voice work, which has been an unexpectedly fascinating avenue to explore,” Scott explained. This diversification highlights the adaptable skillset fostered at JMI, allowing graduates to explore varied musical paths.
Musical Inspirations: Back to the Classics
When asked about his current musical influences, Scott revealed a penchant for revisiting jazz icons. “Lately, I’ve been drawn back to the classic jazz musicians who initially ignited my passion for the genre, such as Cannonball Adderley and Art Pepper. The ‘Basie Big Band’ album has also been on heavy rotation for me recently!” This connection to jazz history underscores the strong foundation in jazz tradition provided by JMI’s curriculum.
Post-JMI Achievements: Education and Performance
Detailing his activities since leaving JMI, Scott outlined a path combining education and performance. “Immediately after graduating from JMI, I pursued my Master of Teaching (Music), and successfully completed it. This qualification opened the door to a full-time classroom Music teaching position, alongside which I teach numerous private instrumental and vocal students. Furthermore, I actively perform in Big Bands and Musical Theatre productions whenever possible.” Scott’s multifaceted career exemplifies the practical and versatile skills gained through a JMI music education.
Future Aspirations: Composition and Genre Exploration
Looking ahead, Scott shared his ambitions for future musical endeavors. “My primary goal moving forward is to dedicate more time to writing music. My musical interests span a wide range of genres, from Jazz and Musical Theatre to Pop and Contemporary styles. I’m eager to immerse myself in composition, allowing these diverse influences to converge and shape my creative output. I’m excited to see where this exploration takes me.” This aspiration to compose original music reflects the creative encouragement and artistic development nurtured at JMI.
JMI’s Impact: Confidence and Versatility
Scott emphasized the profound impact of his JMI education on his career trajectory and confidence. “JMI exceeded my expectations in building my confidence across diverse musical settings. Whether performing on stage or teaching a class, I feel genuinely comfortable and prepared. A career in music often involves navigating various roles and disciplines, and JMI equipped me with a wealth of practical and theoretical knowledge that has proven invaluable in every musical context I’ve encountered.” This testament to JMI’s comprehensive approach underscores its effectiveness in preparing graduates for the realities of a dynamic music career.
Advice for Aspiring Music Students
Drawing on his positive experience, Scott offered valuable advice to prospective music students considering jazz studies. “I wholeheartedly recommend pursuing music education. It’s a path that offers immense rewards and opens countless doors. Specifically, studying jazz at JMI provided me with exceptional preparation for navigating various genres. The jazz curriculum honed my listening and responsive skills, and instilled a robust theoretical understanding, perfectly positioning me for a fulfilling career as a contemporary gigging musician.” Scott’s endorsement serves as a strong encouragement for those considering music, and jazz in particular, as a viable and enriching career path.
