Willie is an incredible player, teacher and person. He has been developing his teaching philosophy and concepts for years.

He recorded with Woody Herman, Slide Hampton's Octet (with George Coleman and Freddie Hubbard) and was a member of the MJT + 3 with Frank Strozier, Bob Cranshaw, Walter Perkins and Harold Mabern.  He is a true jazz trumpet player.

Concerning Willie as a teacher, he mentored Ryan and Justin Kisor.  Ask them about Willie's influence upon them.

I would place Willie's methods alongside the teachings of Barry Harris and David Baker.  They deal with MUSIC, nothing else.  Real world insight.

Willie's site: http://www.jazzeveryone.com/

Transcribing solos, BY EAR, and learning melodies and heads, BY EAR, are indeed the most important factors in learning how to play jazz and help in understanding the jazz language.  But one must have insight on how harmony functions and how changes "work" in order to play.

Clark Terry said: 1) Imitate 2) Assimilate 3) Innovate