Andreas Oberg vs. Jimmy Bruno

[starjag]

This is regarding the online programs offered by Andreas Oberg and by Jimmy Bruno.

For people that have used one of them or both:
Can you tell me about your background before you started the program?
Could you please describe your experience?
Maybe compare the two programs?

Thanks!

[marcwhy]

I was on Jimmy's first site, but not the new one. I am an advanced-intermediate jazz player: degree in classical guitar, lots of experience performing jazz (for cash money, too!), etc. I only had positive experiences with Jimmy: the material was good, his personal master class comments were right on, and the "community" was very supportive.

Both programs are relatively inexpensive, so I'd recommend signing up (I think quarterly, right?) and checking them both out for yourself.

Enjoy!

Marc

[AmundLauritzen]

Jimmy taught me to play jazz guitar from the beginning, so I'm biased. I've checked out Andreas' site. He is a monster player and a great teacher. I think it depends on how you learn. Some people learn easier by the chord scale method, and for them I think Andreas Obergs site is the best choice. Jimmy has a different approach that has really worked for me. It is more key center oriented.
If you're an intermediate or advanced player, I'd recommend giving Mark Elf's site a shot. He is the only one so far teaching bebop language. I'm studying at Bruno's and supplementing with Mark Elf's teaching because I need practical musical examples. Jimmy gives you all the tools but he wants you to figure out everything for yourself in terms of what to play on those chords.
Some people are endlessly creative and just keep developing naturally like that, but I need to get examples, licks etc that I can dissect to make new lines from.

Bruno, Oberg and Elf are all great teachers. Martin Taylor also has a teaching site if you're interested in solo jazz guitar. And if you want to learn Gypsy Jazz, Stochelo Rosenberg has a site too.
I think they all have sample lessons. I'd encourage you to check those out and compare them to see who appeals the most to you.

In the end you'd have to figure out how you learn best and find the teacher that can convey the information in a way that hits home with you.

[FatJeff]

Don't forget about Rich Severson's material (which I always like, although I usually get it on an ala carte basis), as well as the Robert Conti stuff.

[Jazzpunk]

Bruno's site didn't click for me but a lot of folks seem to enjoy it. I am currently studying with Sheryl Bailey through her Bebop Dojo and really enjoy it.

All of the sites mentioned are great bargains. Just give one of them a shot and find out what works best for you.

Good luck!

[AmundLauritzen]

Hi Jazzpunk, can you give a short description of what Sheryl's curriculum encompasses, and how she teaches?
I've taken a look at it on TrueFire but it didn't describe it in detail enough for me to decide to try it out. She was a guest teacher at the old Bruno site and I really dug her approach. I'm interested in knowing a bit more about her teaching style, what she teaches etc.

[Jazzpunk]

Originally Posted by AmundLauritzen

Hi Jazzpunk, can you give a short description of what Sheryl's curriculum encompasses, and how she teaches?
I've taken a look at it on TrueFire but it didn't describe it in detail enough for me to decide to try it out. She was a guest teacher at the old Bruno site and I really dug her approach. I'm interested in knowing a bit more about her teaching style, what she teaches etc.

The site is currently divided into the following sections:
Chord
Rhythm
Technique
Melodies
Ear training
II V I

There is quite a bit of material up there already and the curriculum is growing. Sheryl takes requests as well if there is something you would like to see her do a lesson on.

The best part for me has been the weekly one on one video correspondence (via uploads not through real time skype). The lessons on the site are basically just jumping off points to get you started and than she addresses your individual needs. Sheryl is a really great teacher imo and seems to genuinely care about making sure you are progressing.

You'd have to try for yourself though because finding the right teacher is such a personal thing. You may dig it and you may not. I think truefire has a 30 day money back guarantee if your not happy but make sure to verify that if you decide to sign up.

From what I remember the Bruno site had more lessons on comping through standards so if that's something you're looking for right off the bat than that may be the way to go.