This research project will focus on jazz education through the study of a mallet instrument called the vibraphone. Most instructional texts focus on the study of theory, style, and great vibraphone players of the past. This project looks to explore how one can teach the “language” of jazz on a mallet instrument in a one on one setting. The project was done using an oral history methodology. Interviews with professional performers and educators of the vibraphone, in which they share their insights, will be a prime source of information. Articles and previous research will be considered to draw conclusions as well. Common practices and their relationship to the history of jazz will be analyzed and presented.
