"Wow!! What a clinic. The teacher that took those kids for lunch after your class said that they couldn't stop talking about all of the stuff that you covered. They loved the work that you did with the rhythm section. They all felt that they better understood each piece after you had gone through it with them. They finally started to 'feel' the music. You got them interested from the start, and we were interested all the way through. I learned a lot; and I know that the kids did, too. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us."
Ron Cadez, Director of the Collège Bêliveau Jazz Band; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

"'Everybody learned from his clinics. The string orchestra is used to being more confined,' said Sokolow [West Orange (NJ) High School director]. 'His focus on groove and feel was different for the kids and worthwhile.'.... García has a reputation beyond borders in the jazz world."
West Orange (NJ) Chronicle

"Adam Weinstein, a drummer and senior, said García helped the [jazz band] students master a Latin song they were working on
'We were playing it as written and were having trouble expressing the feelings,' he said. 'He told us some of the rhythms Latin players use,
and we brought it into the piece and definitely got the Latin feeling we needed for the song.'"
New Jersey Star-Ledger

"'Everyone involved felt strongly that the educational component was the foremost consideration; so the first aspect we addressed was securing a clinician. In my opinion, a quality clinician is the crucial piece of the festival. We wanted an individual who was an excellent jazz musician, readily capable of demonstrating concepts via his/her own playing and/or singing. It was equally important that this individual be a gifted jazz educator, able to communicate clearly, and experienced with high school musicians and the challenges that they typically face in performing jazz. Since we decided to have a single clinician for our festival, it was important that this person be adept at addressing aspects across the entire ensemble: rhythm section, each horn section, soloists, and singers. Lastly, we wanted someone whose manner would help create a relaxed yet productive atmosphere in the clinics. We're fortunate that our clinician, Antonio García (Director of Jazz Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University), possesses all of these qualities in abundance. Most festivals bring in multiple clinicians or a new face each year. While not advocating against those ideas, I must note that Mr. García has been our sole clinician every year. The consensus among our participating directors—especially those who have attended multiple times—is that his consistent presence is one of the most appealing aspects of our festival."
Brian Rollins, "The Titan Jazz & Art Festival: A Model for Others, Part I" by Brian Rollins, JAZZed, Vol. 11, No. 6.

"Your brass workshop was awesome! I live in an apartment and have a Sshhh Mute that helps, but it's just not the same as normal practice. I loved what you guys talked about. Thanks for putting these things together. They are great resources!"

Kristen Hills, Assistant Instrumental Director, Schmucker Middle School, Anderson, IN, (regarding my "Brass Tactics in Tight Spaces: Practice Tips That Work for Road Bands or Isolated Students," virtual workshop via Zoom

"We so enjoyed your clinic and critiques on our performance from last Saturday's contest at Missouri State University. I happened to catch your presentation last year at our state music convention and was so excited to have our students this year hear you speak about improv. We have been working out of your book occasionally in class throughout this year, and key-center approach has been beneficial for encouraging more students to try improvising."
Brian Perkins, Band Director,
Ozark High School (MO)

"You not only know how to work with pupils, your friendly and competent manner helped a lot to motivate them. Being a trombonist, you especially motivated our wind players; but you also showed our rhythm section how to support the band. Finally, you proved your musical competence by transcribing a solo for the trombone, which you not only played on the trombone but also sang. This was an excellent example for our pupils to see the way a jazz musician works, develops a feeling for jazz, and extemporizes. Our pupils have been deeply impressed by your work and have been trying hard to imitate what they have learned. We are convinced that you will be an asset to any school of music that is fortunate to have you—and that every student working with you will benefit strongly from your musical competence."
Tilman Yäger, Director,
Albert Einstein Gymnasium Big Band,
Böblingen, Germany

Mr. García presented numerous clinics and workshops on improvisation, scatting, arranging, trombone performance, jazz history, and business-related topics. He also rehearsed with our jazz combo and jazz ensemble. The visit culminated in a performance with the Carthage Jazz Ensemble.

I had planned a very intense schedule for Mr. García, trying to take advantage of his vast knowledge in the short time that he was at Carthage. During the rigorous schedule, he was upbeat, energetic, and extremely generous with everyone that he encountered, students and faculty.

Mr. García is truly a master teacher; his love for teaching and music is evident and infectious. His witty, informative delivery style kept the students truly interested and focused on the topic at hand. He has left the Carthage students and faculty inspired and excited. Carthage faculty and students are so grateful for the opportunity to work with a master instructor of Mr. García's caliber.
Prof. David Ness, Director of Jazz Studies, Carthage College (WI)

Watch him demonstrate the art of vocalese for middle-school students—using a topic they suggest on the spot!

Click on the image at left to play.

This video is a bit blurry but is still informative—and fun!

Executives recognized the extraordinary teamwork they saw embodied in the jazz ensemble. After performing for Motorola, vice president Michael Winston praised us in a letter: "Led by Ron Modell and Antonio García, the NIU Jazz Ensemble demonstrated the principles of creativity, leadership, individual skills, and the harmony and synergy achieved through teamwork."
Ron Modell, Former Director of the Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble, in his book Loved Bein' Here With You,
regarding national and international creativity workshops for Motorola executives

William gets a drum set lesson from Antonio García at Christchurch Grammar School in Perth, Australia as Josh and Haslett look on.

Photo credit:
Graham Nielsen, Christchurch

"Thank you so much for the fantastic workshops that you presented for us last week.
On Friday when I returned to school and on Saturday at the State Music Festival the students kept yelling out to me
to tell me about how they had used your materials at their sessions with clients and how the clients had responded....
What did your visit mean for us? I just talked with our supervisor and received his permission
to proceed with writing a new course on improvisation so that it could be taught in the fall."
Lee Anna Rasar, RMT, Music Therapy, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

"The clinics and concert proved to be a fantastic musical and educational experience for my students.
In his work with the ensembles Mr. García made quick assessments about each group and was able to offer positive feedback
and suggestions aimed at building upon existing skills. In the clinic setting with the combined groups, the students were engaged
in activities aimed at a greater understanding of elements of jazz including style, improvisation, and listening.
Mr. García's energy, enthusiasm, and outstanding musicianship were and continue to be an inspiration to my students."
Michael Cook, Band Director, Robinson Secondary School, Fairfax, VA

"I like the form of this kind of lecture: presentation with performance, really interesting. Jazz is a symbol of multiculturalism. Without African tradition brought over to the United States, jazz would not exist—nor would the blues. Nowadays, jazz is spread to all over the world. Sometimes jazz music, itself is a kind of language, which can be used to communicate with between audience and the musicians. Perhaps, after I'm back to China I will listen to jazz more."

Visiting Chinese Student

"Thank you so very much for the tremendous efforts you have put forth to make this clinic a success.
You have shared so much and in such inventive ways, and I know the kids and my collegues have learned so much.
Quote from one of the directors: 'Better than any course I took in college.'"
Stephen Lytle, Coordinator, East Carolina Honors Jazz Bands