It’s not an exaggeration to say that Open Studio has been life changing. The sheer breadth and variety of what is offered means that there are endless fascinating musical paths to explore. And it’s not just the technical and theoretical side of the jazz education that has been invaluable (although it has been), it is the attitudinal, mental, and communal education that is almost as valuable, and quite a surprise to me. And the wonderful international community of participants with shared interests and challenges, all of whom are hugely supportive of each other, is an enormous — and unexpected — plus.