Dick Dunscomb is a master jazz pedagogue and one of the most respected authorities we have in jazz education.  I have known of Dick's expertise since he first adjudicated my high school jazz band some 35 years ago!  Most recently, Dick came to Jacksonville to work with my kids before we performed at The Midwest Clinic.  WOW!!  Talk about diagnose and prescribe!!  He immediately started pointing out matters that I wasn't hearing...at all!  Most importantly, he offered clear and succinct remedies that worked like magic in making our jazz band sound so much better.  And all with a gentleman's touch of a true professional...

 

Don Zentz

Director of Jazz Studies

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

Jacksonville, Florida

 

“It is always a pleasure working with you and watching young musicians grow from your tutelage. Working with you as a guest conductor with the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble 1 at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago and also recording the Big Band examples for your Jazz Zone publication, your effectiveness and knowledge in bringing a jazz ensemble to its next level is amazing. Thank you again and hope we do something together soon.”

 

 J.B. Scott

Associate Professor of Music
UNF School of Music

Music Flagship Program

Director of Jazz Studies

Director, UNF Jazz Ensemble 1
Director, Great American Jazz Series

Warburton Signature Artist

 

J. Richard (Dick) Dunscomb is a legend in jazz education!  He has been recognized all over the globe for his work.  Dick knows the music and he relates well to students of all ages. I have seen him work with a large big band in middle school to an All-Star collegiate jazz band in Italy and he gets great results and everyone has a wonderful time! He is a master teacher who knows how and when learning takes place…he seizes the moment and makes good things happen and now he is available to share his skillset with you and your students! 

 

Mary Jo Papich

Jazz Education Network Co-founder and Past President

 

"We were fortunate enough to be able to have Dick Dunscomb in as we were starting our Jazz Band from the beginning at Dekaney High School.  His help proved invaluable in teaching our young musicians, developing our rhythm section and teaching various jazz styles and idioms.  More importantly, he helped us to create a curriculum of teaching the art of improvisation and soloing."

 

Trent Cooper

Head Director, Dekaney High School 2007-2021

Houston, Texas

 

Professor Dunscomb and I met during a FBA adjudicator training seminar and that has led to an amazing collaboration between the two of us.  Ever since that encounter, he has been working with the HB Plant Jazz Band on a weekly and/or monthly basis and has completely changed our focus, rehearsal expectations, and performance outcomes.  The wealth of knowledge he brought to rehearsals has been incredible.  The way the students have responded to his feedback is something special.  Professor Dunscomb truly cares about jazz education and loves working with students who are willing to improve their jazz performance skills.  For me personally, I have learned so much from watching him rehearse and talking with him.  I am forever grateful for his willingness to mentor all of us in the field of jazz education, something that is very near and dear to his heart.

 

Brian P. Dell

Director of Bands at HB Plant HS in Tampa, FL 

 

Dick and Michele spent two days in Gainesville to provide a clinic for one of our local high school jazz ensembles and to give a presentation to our undergraduate Instrumental Methods class at the University of Florida. The quality of their insights, information, and advice was spot on in both contexts. They were able to quickly and precisely identify strengths and areas for improvement in articulation, time, ensemble sound, improvisations, and stylistic interpretation and to provide practical suggestions for improvement. The information they provided got right to the heart of the most important considerations in teaching jazz style and improvisation and was inspiring for our students. Dick and Michele are consummate professionals and remarkably generous in sharing their time, expertise, and resources. Having them with us provided a great experience for all involved.

 

Barry Hartz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Education
University of Florida
 

 Mr. Dunscomb, 

We cannot thank you and Michele enough for your time and teaching! The students and I had an absolute blast! We will be talking about that evening for years to come! 

The clinic with Dick Dunscomb and Michele Fernandez was an invaluable experience. The students enjoyed every minute and experienced tremendous growth in such a short amount of time. These educators are unparalleled in their expertise, an absolute treat for growing musicians! 

 

Noah Graben

Director of Bands

F.W. Buchholz High School (FL)