Musicians Institute

One of the top jazz releases of the new year, "Guest House" by Trio M features pianist Myra Melford backed by bassist Mark Dresser and drummer Matt Wilson coursing through oblique-angled yet warm instrumentals. With Melford's rich melodies at the center of a host of deep-pocketed rhythms, the band continues jazz's legacy of avant-garde, in-the-moment exploration but never at the expense of accessibility. The Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, L.A. 8:30 p.m. Fri. $25. http://www.jazzbakery.com .

The saxophonist Chris Potter has played with Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, Steely Dan and the Mingus Big Band, among many others. But his hard-funk sound cuts through whatever setting he plays in, and his own combo sports a nimble cast of sidemen to articulate his forceful runs. Musicians Institute Concert Center, 1655 N. McCadden Place. 8 p.m. Thu. $25. Jazzbakery.org .

JAZZ A fleet-fingered and frequently awe-inspiring bassist who first rose to prominence as part of Chick Corea's Elektric and Akoustic bands in the '80s, John Patitucci could most recently be heard on his knotty 2009 release "Remembrance" as well as holding down the bottom end in Wayne Shorter's touring band. For this performance he leads a trio that includes pianist Jon Cowherd and drummer Adam Cruz, who turned a few heads in his own right with his 2011 debut album "Milestone.

The Hollywood stalwart Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music has expanded again with the purchase of two buildings on Highland Avenue. The music school paid $6.2 million for two buildings totaling 18,662 square feet, real estate broker Kathleen Silver said. The property includes an office building at 1518 Highland Ave., a retail building next door at 1522 Highland Ave., a billboard and a parking lot. Musicians Institute already occupies the two-story office building, which it has been leasing.

The Hollywood stalwart Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music has expanded again with the purchase of two buildings on Highland Avenue. The music school paid $6.2 million for two buildings totaling 18,662 square feet, real estate broker Kathleen Silver said. The property includes an office building at 1518 Highland Ave., a retail building next door at 1522 Highland Ave., a billboard and a parking lot. Musicians Institute already occupies the two-story office building, which it has been leasing.

They come to Hollywood from around the world, struggling and working part-time jobs while waiting for that big moment when fame and fortune is within their grasp. All the while they practice and study the reigning stars. And, of course, they take classes so they can learn the right technique and maybe meet a few important people who can show them the way. Actors? Nope, not in this case.

Jazz Bakery's Movable Feast Where: Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood When: 8 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday Price: $25 general; $15 students (21 and younger with ID) Info: www.jazzbakery.com

Re "USC Acts by Popular Demand," by Randy Lewis, Oct. 22: Musicians Institute in Hollywood has been offering accredited bachelor's degrees in popular music performance since 1995. MI's bachelor of music in performance (contemporary styles) includes majors in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and voice. The article raised questions about the potential for coexistence between popular music and higher education. We feel that these concerns were answered long ago by the countless MI students who have gone on to careers in every facet of contemporary music, including members of bands like Weezer, Nine Inch Nails and Red Hot Chili Peppers, artists like Keb' Mo' and Jeff Buckley, and musicians working with artists from Pink and Mariah Carey to Dwight Yoakam and John Doe. The marriage between pop music and higher education has proved to be happy and long-lasting, and we welcome USC to the field.

The saxophonist Chris Potter has played with Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, Steely Dan and the Mingus Big Band, among many others. But his hard-funk sound cuts through whatever setting he plays in, and his own combo sports a nimble cast of sidemen to articulate his forceful runs. Musicians Institute Concert Center, 1655 N. McCadden Place. 8 p.m. Thu. $25. Jazzbakery.org .

Once upon a time, A&R were the sexiest letters in the music industry's alphabet. Executives in the artists-and-repertoire division of every major record label were charged with discovering and nurturing new acts, setting them on the path toward gold and platinum albums and Grammy Awards. These high-powered talent brokers would spend their nights scouring nightclubs and street corners after days combing through stacks of homemade recordings in their quests for pop music's next big thing.

JAZZ A fleet-fingered and frequently awe-inspiring bassist who first rose to prominence as part of Chick Corea's Elektric and Akoustic bands in the '80s, John Patitucci could most recently be heard on his knotty 2009 release "Remembrance" as well as holding down the bottom end in Wayne Shorter's touring band. For this performance he leads a trio that includes pianist Jon Cowherd and drummer Adam Cruz, who turned a few heads in his own right with his 2011 debut album "Milestone.

One of the top jazz releases of the new year, "Guest House" by Trio M features pianist Myra Melford backed by bassist Mark Dresser and drummer Matt Wilson coursing through oblique-angled yet warm instrumentals. With Melford's rich melodies at the center of a host of deep-pocketed rhythms, the band continues jazz's legacy of avant-garde, in-the-moment exploration but never at the expense of accessibility. The Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, L.A. 8:30 p.m. Fri. $25. http://www.jazzbakery.com .

Jazz Bakery's Movable Feast Where: Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood When: 8 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday Price: $25 general; $15 students (21 and younger with ID) Info: www.jazzbakery.com

Once upon a time, A&R were the sexiest letters in the music industry's alphabet. Executives in the artists-and-repertoire division of every major record label were charged with discovering and nurturing new acts, setting them on the path toward gold and platinum albums and Grammy Awards. These high-powered talent brokers would spend their nights scouring nightclubs and street corners after days combing through stacks of homemade recordings in their quests for pop music's next big thing.

Re "USC Acts by Popular Demand," by Randy Lewis, Oct. 22: Musicians Institute in Hollywood has been offering accredited bachelor's degrees in popular music performance since 1995. MI's bachelor of music in performance (contemporary styles) includes majors in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and voice. The article raised questions about the potential for coexistence between popular music and higher education. We feel that these concerns were answered long ago by the countless MI students who have gone on to careers in every facet of contemporary music, including members of bands like Weezer, Nine Inch Nails and Red Hot Chili Peppers, artists like Keb' Mo' and Jeff Buckley, and musicians working with artists from Pink and Mariah Carey to Dwight Yoakam and John Doe. The marriage between pop music and higher education has proved to be happy and long-lasting, and we welcome USC to the field.

They come to Hollywood from around the world, struggling and working part-time jobs while waiting for that big moment when fame and fortune is within their grasp. All the while they practice and study the reigning stars. And, of course, they take classes so they can learn the right technique and maybe meet a few important people who can show them the way. Actors? Nope, not in this case.

Tomorrow's rock stars, studio musicians, composers, singers and music teachers are at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where men and women from all over the world come to study. Guitars strapped to backs, leather pants, Jimi Hendrix tattoos and fuchsia hair are signals that this isn't your average student body.