My UALR Trip!
- Ed Levy
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 26
I recently had the opportunity to visit the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), where I performed with their jazz ensemble, gave a series of masterclasses, and spent time playing with the students. The music was a mix of styles, including a Pat Metheny jazz-world fusion tune, a rhythm changes, swing tunes, a latin/mambo tune, and more.
Traveling with Gear
Traveling with gear can always be a challenge, especially when flying. I’m glad I brought my Carvin HH2 headless guitar—it fit easily in the overhead compartment, which wouldn’t have been the case with a standard-sized guitar. The last thing I need is a guitar/baggage mishap! My pedalboard, from right to left, consisted of:
1. Fulltone OCD – Adds clarity and crunch, perfect for soloing.
2. Boss OC-2 – Octaver, blending two lower octaves for a deeper, fuller sound.
3. Xotic RC Booster – Adds sparkle and presence to the tone.
4. Boss Chorus Ensemble – The light blue one, adding lush depth and movement.
5. Boss RV-3 – Reverb and delay, creating rich textures.
For the Metheny tune, I needed a mix of effects to replicate that Juno horn sound from his guitar synth. Instead of plunking down $400 for a specialized pedal, I used my existing setup to create an interesting non-guitar tone, which worked perfectly.
The Trip Kicked Off
The trip was fast-paced right from the start. I was whisked away from the airport and directly to rehearsal late Sunday night. The ensemble was in full swing, and despite the late hour, they sounded tight. They only had eight rehearsals before the concert, but their preparation showed in their performance. The concert itself showcased their impressive work.
The concert itself was a huge success. The students played exceptionally well, and the energy in the room was fantastic. I was particularly impressed by how well they performed alongside professional musicians, elevating the ensemble and showcasing their growth in such a short time.
Masterclass 1: Things to Practice, Bebop Bootcamp, and More
The next few days were filled with masterclasses, each focusing on different aspects of music. The first masterclass began with a focus on things to practice, scale-chord relationships, and chromaticism. I shared how incorporating chromaticism into lines can add complexity, excitement, and expression, giving the students a broader palette to work with.
We then moved to the Bebop Scale Bootcamp segment toward the end of the first masterclass. This part was the most popular, as everyone had the chance to play. We stood in a circle during this session, and those who didn’t bring their instruments sang the bebop lines. The students were fully engaged, and it was inspiring to see how quickly they internalized the bebop lines and applied them over the form and progression.
Masterclass 2: Solo Jazz, The Lion King, and NYC Musician Q&A
In the second masterclass, I began by playing an unaccompanied jazz chord solo of My Romance, demonstrating voice leading and harmony in a solo context. Then, I shared a recording from The Lion King Broadway show—a pit excerpt I had recorded. Listening back, it was remarkable how the energy came through, showing how every show—whether on a Saturday night or a Tuesday matinee—maintains the highest standards. The performance was always exceptional, with world-class musicians delivering incredible performances consistently. The students and faculty were inspired by the dedication and consistency required to maintain such a high level of playing.
Following this, we had a Q&A session where students and faculty asked questions about life as a NYC musician, gigging, and the challenges and rewards of the profession. It was a great opportunity to share my experiences with them.
One standout moment was when a student asked how to prioritize self-care and find balance as a musician. I shared a quote from my friend, the great Jeffrey Campbell (who’s played for Sting, MJ: The Musical, and Mamma Mia): “NYC is my gym.” I added that living in New York is like an obstacle course that helps keep you in shape, emphasizing how the city’s challenges keep us sharp, both as musicians and individuals.
The Final Night
The last night was spent with the jazz band director and trombone professor, where we played jazz standards and original compositions for hours. The vibe was relaxed and productive, and it was a great way to wrap up my time at UALR.
Looking Ahead: Bebop Scale Bootcamp
I’m excited to announce that the next Bebop Scale Bootcamp session will be on Tuesday, March 18th at 8 PM. The response from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how much it has helped their playing. If you’re interested in taking your jazz, improvisation, and solo playing to the next level, I highly recommend you join us!
Final Thoughts
This trip to UALR was a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share music with such enthusiastic students and collaborate with the incredible faculty. Looking forward to more!
Cheers,
Ed Levy
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