EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University music students are learning from one of the best this week.
Jazz trombonist Steve Davis is in East Lansing to share his experiences with aspiring artists.
Davis knows the importance of music education; it's part of what led him to becoming a musician.
"In the public schools in Binghamton, New York, we had a great program for jazz music and a lot of great, young musicians and a lot of support from the teachers," said Davis.
Now, he's passing on his knowledge to students across Michigan.
It's part of Michigan State University's Jazz Artist in Residence program created by professor Rodney Whitaker.
"About five years ago, the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union gave us an endowment, and it was professor Whitaker's vision to bring in the world's greatest artists," said Max Colley III, MSU jazz events coordinator.
The week includes workshops and performances in different cities.
Learning from other musicians and getting hands-on experience is how Davis grew his skill set.
"You definitely learn from your mentors and your colleagues and even younger players that you're playing with. You never stop learning," said Davis.
"We have the modern history right with us. They talk about life on the road, the experiences that they play with, the people, it's a first-hand connection with some of the masters of this music," said Colley.
Aside from being a musician, Davis is also a professor at the University of Hartford.
"I can't wait to go home next week and pump up our students and my colleagues and faculty and just let them know there's some really great work going on here in East Lansing," said Davis.
Friday night, Davis will be performing at MSU's Fairchild Theater with the MSU Jazz Orchestras.
To get tickets, go tohttps://www.music.msu.edu/event-listing/jazz-orchestras-and-jazz-trombonist-steve-davis [music.msu.edu].
