I was seriously considering attending a conservatory for jazz, until I realized that none of the guys I like attended school. Monk, Byrd, Dizzy; none of them went. Miles did for a bit, so did Trane, but it seems as if you have to find your calling in the streets. Am I wrong there?

The academisation of jazz has given us crap, in my humble opinion: Scofield, Lovano, Marsalis; they all bore me. I think that the Berklee method of improvisation is just wanking with scales incessantly, from what I’ve heard. I have no interest in that.

I’m currently a sophomore in high school, but I’m in an advanced program that lets me graduate with an AA degree from an accredited college. Am I on the right path? I want to make the music I hear in my head, but I’m not sure university will help me at all.

For what it’s worth, I command a fairly advanced knowledge of theory, but I can hardly read music, although I know all my keys. I prefer to learn by ear. I’m a competent guitar player, but I dabble in violin, trumpet, and piano.

Thanks for any help guys.