I feel it begins to fill a vacuum which has not been here in terms of this important art form known as jazz. The program includes combo classes, lectures, private lessons, big band ensembles and jazz theory. He has the desire to help young musicians. It is utmost in his mind, and that makes him special. Burrell sees big things in store for the program, most importantly for its students.
Students can go on to grad school or become jazz performers, writers or producers.
But one of the most important goals involves creating a sense of joy in the classroom, something not always present at the university, Burrell says. That sense of pleasure is not there. Some professors are too serious. I want the students to discover their music. The biggest joy comes when the students start to play their own stuff.