My name is Jack Watson and I am currently a Jazz Studies major at Northern Illinois
University. I have been playing saxophone for eight years, clarinet for six years, and flute for
five years. As a performer, I have been a leader of a jazz quartet based in the Quad Cities and
a sideman for groups like The Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra, singer/songwriter CJ Parker,
and Quad Cities rock band The Mamiltons, as well as experience as a pit musician for
musicals like The Little Mermaid and Footloose. Along with performing, I have experience
in composing and arranging music for classical, jazz, and popular music ensembles. Recently,
I was featured on CJ Parker’s debut album “I” on Saxophone and Flute, and I recorded and
independently released an original composition, “Slowly”, with the jazz quartet I lead. Both
are available for listening on all streaming platforms.
University. I have been playing saxophone for eight years, clarinet for six years, and flute for
five years. As a performer, I have been a leader of a jazz quartet based in the Quad Cities and
a sideman for groups like The Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra, singer/songwriter CJ Parker,
and Quad Cities rock band The Mamiltons, as well as experience as a pit musician for
musicals like The Little Mermaid and Footloose. Along with performing, I have experience
in composing and arranging music for classical, jazz, and popular music ensembles. Recently,
I was featured on CJ Parker’s debut album “I” on Saxophone and Flute, and I recorded and
independently released an original composition, “Slowly”, with the jazz quartet I lead. Both
are available for listening on all streaming platforms.
As a teacher, I believe that students learn best when they are in an environment where
they feel comfortable to make mistakes. In my opinion, mistakes are essential to the learning
process and I strive to create that space in private lessons. I also believe that a good teacher
sets an example for their students, which is why I try to keep an active schedule of local live
performances. I want my students to feel inspired and see music not only as a hobby but a
potential career. Above all, I believe that the goal of music educators should not be creating
the next Mozart or Charlie Parker, but instilling a great appreciation and understanding of
music in their students. I hope to make music with you soon!
they feel comfortable to make mistakes. In my opinion, mistakes are essential to the learning
process and I strive to create that space in private lessons. I also believe that a good teacher
sets an example for their students, which is why I try to keep an active schedule of local live
performances. I want my students to feel inspired and see music not only as a hobby but a
potential career. Above all, I believe that the goal of music educators should not be creating
the next Mozart or Charlie Parker, but instilling a great appreciation and understanding of
music in their students. I hope to make music with you soon!
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** Jack is the Jazz Vanguard instructor at The Music Connection, LLC — sign up today to learn about jazz techniques in this new jazz combo class — class starts January 7th, 2024