Jonathan Dimond

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Born: June 3, 1971 Primary Instrument: Bass, electric

EDUCATION Jonathan has been University-educated in the fields of Classical music and Jazz/ Improvisation. His degrees include: • Bachelor of Music in Classical trombone performance - Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Brisbane, Australia, 1992) • Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Improvisation (with Distinction in Performance) - New England Conservatory (Boston, USA, 1995) • Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation (with Academic Honors) - New England Conservatory (Boston, USA, 2006)

Jonathan has also undergone vigorous training in North Indian classical music in Pune, India. Jonathan Dimond's teachers have included: Arthur Middleton, Phil Davis (trombone); Jerry Leake, Warren Senders, Shri Bharat Jangam (tabla); Bob Moses, Cecil McBee, John Lockwood, Oscar Stagnaro (bass); Ran Blake, Scott Sandvik, Dominique Eade (improvisation and Third Stream methodology); Abby Rabinovitz, Peter Row, Harriotte Hurie (Indian modal improvisation); Joe Maneri (microtones); Mary Mageau, Gerhard Brophy, Stephen Cronin, Dominique Eade and Pozzi Escot (composition).

TEACHING EXPERIENCE Since 1989 Jonathan Dimond has been active as a private teacher, passing on his experience and skills in a wholistic and dedicated manner. In 1994 Mr Dimond was the Teacher's Aid for a class in North Indian music, employed through the Third Stream Department of New England Conservatory. He also ran the Jazz Composers' Ensemble at NEC from 1993-5. In 1996 he commenced part-time Tertiary lecturing at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, teaching a self-designed ear training course and electric bass. In the same year he also took on regular employment in St.Josephs High School's music department. In 1997 Mr. Dimond commenced five years full-time employment as Jazz Department Coordinator at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, teaching ear training, jazz and classical theory, bass, trombone, introduction to Indian music, songwriting/ arranging, concert practice, and assuming administrative responsibilities. In 2000 he was tenured into this position. In 2002 he resigned from the full-time position in order to pursue a diverse range of performing and teaching experiences in Australia, the USA and Japan.

RECORDINGS Commercially-released recordings which feature Mr. Dimond as a composer, arranger, trombonist, bassist, and/or tabla player include:

“Journeys: People, Places” (2005, JD Records) A CD of original compositions in the jazz and Indo-jazz fusion style.

“Airwaves: 100 Years of Radio” (2005, Serrated Records) Loops and Topology created a work that celebrates the century with a 75-minute composition looking back over some key figures and events as immortalised by radio recordings. The combined 8-piece band play along with the recorded voices of Churchill, Hitler, Gandhi, Earhardt, Whitlam, Howard, Freud, Einstein, Bradman, Melba, and a host of others, including Marconi himself. These figures are heard in “voice portraits” - a new technique using characteristic intonation patterns of a person's speech to make melody. The band plays music designed to emphasise this melody, so that when Bill Clinton talks about “that woman”, it sounds like he's singing. The result is a new kind of opera. The two ensembles combine different approaches - Topology's contemporary classical perspective and Loops' jazz background - to create a new, wide-ranging ethos.

Artisans Workshop: “Artisans Workshop” (1993, Tall Poppies) “Youth and exceptional ability virtually guarantee that their music will offer listening experiences akin to the gravity-defying configurations of skaters on a tall ramp...” Sydney Morning Herald

Mastaneh Nazarian: “Kafka Pony” (2006, MastMusic)

Loops: “Recursion” (1999, JD Records) “The European classical tradition is at least as influential here as jazz. But then avant- garde sound sculpture, progressive rock and Indian classical music are also salient ingredients in this fascinating recipe.” Sydney Morning Herald

Loops: “Ek!” double CD (2001, JD Records) “All of this music is lyrical in a fresh and unsentimental way.” Sydney Morning Herald

JuJu: “Jeff Usher's Jazz Unit Vol.I” (1991) and the double CD “Jeff Usher's Jazz Unit Vol.II” (1993)

New England Conservatory Jazz Bigband: “Events Dancing” (1995, Music & Arts)

Jonathan Dimond has also played in commercial studio projects for T.V. and radio.

Soon to be released are 2 new CD's by Jonathan - a CD with Bulgarian Moonshine Co., and a CD with Ron Feuer, Ernie Watts and Paul Tavenner.

PERFORMANCES Jonathan's talent was spotted early, as published in a review of a concert he participated in during a tour to Sydney: “ at age 14 (Jonathan) sounds like Bill Harris did all those years ago”. (Kevin Casey, 8/4/1986).

• Artistic Collaborations: Jonathan Dimond has featured on-stage with such diverse and renowned artists as John Denver, Paul Grabowsky, George Russell, Mike Nock, Roger Dean, Lou Rawls, Bob Moses, Ronnie Corbett, Gulfam Sabri, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Ran Blake, Satoko Fujii, James Morrison, Arthur Lipner, Darryl Pratt, Virgil Donati, Roger Frampton and Urbie Green. He has participated in masterclasses with Cecil Taylor and Trilok Gurtu.

• Venues: He has performed at such key venues as the Sydney Opera House, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Jordan Hall (Boston), Lincoln Center (New York), the REDCAT theater (Los Angeles) and the Brisbane Powerhouse.

• Bands: Since 1995 his chief creative performance outlet has been his band “Loops”, an eclectic ensemble which performs original compositions fusing jazz, classical and world musics. Loops have performed in festivals, concerts, clubs, and theatres around Australia. Prior to “Loops”, Jonathan was also a member of the group Artisans' Workshop.

• Guest Artist: As a 6-string electric bassist, Jonathan has featured with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra on the Steve Martland composition “Hard Times” (written for the Australian Chamber Orchestra and “Bang On a Can All Stars”, performed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics). He also performed the Australian premiers of Jeff Beal's “Concerto for Jazz Bass and Orchestra”, and Gerard Brophy's “Hot Metallic Blues”. He has performed as guest bassist with Wind Symphony Ensembles at Boston University (conducted by David J. Martins) and New England Conservatory (conducted by Frank Battisti), performing works by Frank Zappa and Rob Smith.

• Shows: As a trombonist, tabla-player and electric bassist, Jonathan has performed in numerous settings as a pit musician for music theatre. Some of the show productions have included “Jerry's Girls”, “Grease”, “Bats”, “Workin'”, “Stars”, and “Kiss of the Spiderwoman”.

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Numerous awards and scholarships have facilitated Jonathan's study and performances in India, Japan, U.S.A. and across Australia. These include: • American Composers' Forum “Subito” grant for assistance in producing a CD of original compositions, 2004 • Asialink Performing Arts Residency for professional development in Japan, 2002-2003 • Playing Australia grant to tour interstate, 2000 • Queens Trust scholarship to travel to India for intensive study of tabla, 1998-1999 • Australia Council for the Arts: Individual Development Grant, to study North Indian music, contemporary composition, improvisation & ear-training in Boston, 1994-1995 • Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor's Performing Arts Fellowship to travel to India for intensive study of tabla, 1995-6 • Arts Queensland: Professional Development Grant, to produce a concert of original Third Stream music in Boston, 1995 • Won three “Honors Ensemble” auditions at New England Conservatory with his trio (1993-1994), quintet (1994-1995), and trio (2005-2006) • Prize for Excellence in Trombone, Queensland Conservatorium, 1989 and 1991 • Winner of Brass Specialist Shop Competition, Queensland Conservatorium, 1991 • Winner of Yamaha Brass Competition, Queensland Conservatorium, 1992 • Winner of Queensland Conservatorium Jazz Prize, 1991, and joint winner, 1992 • Dr Gordon Spearitt Prize for Best Research Project, 1992

Last Updated: July 25, 2007

Primary Instrument:
Bass, electric

Location:
Hawthorn East, VIC

Willing to teach:
Beginners

Credentials/Background:
TEACHING EXPERIENCE Since 1989 I have been active as a teacher, passing on my experience and skills in a wholistic and dedicated manner to individuals and groups in various settings. In 1994 I was the Teacher's Aid for a class in North Indian music, employed through the Third Stream Department of New England Conservatory, Boston, USA. In 1996 I commenced part-time University lecturing at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Australia, teaching a self-designed ear training course and electric bass. In the same year I also took on regular employment in St.Josephs High School's music department. In 1997 I commenced full-time employment as Jazz Department Coordinator at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, teaching ear training, theory, bass, trombone, ensemble, improvisation, Indian music, songwriting/arranging, performance presentation, and assuming administrative responsibilities. In 2000 I was tenured into this position. For a list and description of University music courses that I have designed and delivered, visit my University Courses page. In mid-2002 I left the Conservatorium in order to pursue a diverse range of performing and teaching experiences overseas. From 2002-5 I was based in Los Angeles, California and taught at centers such as Bang a Drum. During this period I also spent 2 months in Tokyo, Japan researching my bass book and performing. From 2005-6 I was based in Boston, Massachusetts and taught out of my home studio and also at Brookline Music School. After 4 years overseas I am now based back in Australia, settling in Melbourne and re-establishing my teaching both privately and at the Box Hill Institute of TAFE. TEACHING PHILOSOPHY At the heart of education is the word "educe", which means an educator's role is to help the student realize for themselves their true potential wisdom, skill and knowledge and to bring it forth into the world. Because music is such a creative act, the education of music will always be a challenge that I feel passionate about. How rewarding it is to witness a student bravely come to terms with his or her obstacles and shortcomings, and to assist them with strategies which are tailored to their situation and their background. Over time, it becomes apparent that the student learns how to be their own teacher, and the teacher learns as much about act of learning as the student! When I teach, I teach with the whole of music in mind. Theory, notation, improvisation, composition, ear-training, memorization, technique, and historical considerations are a few of the facets that are taken into consideration in such a wholistic approach. DISCIPLINES / AREAS OF TEACHING OFFERED I am happy to offer individual lessons, classes, workshops and lectures in the following areas of music. For more information click the links: Electric Bass Guitar Tabla Introduction to North Indian Rhythm (for all musicians and enthusiasts) Trombone Ear Training Music Theory Notation/Scoring Composition and Arranging Improvisation Jazz and Classical Ensemble coaching TEACHING MATERIALS AVAILABLE There are a number of articles I have written which may be of help to the music student. Feel free to download them from my web site. Click on "teaching".

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