Oftentimes, we get pushed down a very narrow, prescribed path when it comes to learning and performing jazz. Without question, we get complacent with the established rules of others whether it's the guidelines of an...Read More
Oftentimes, we get pushed down a very narrow, prescribed path when it comes to learning and performing jazz. Without question, we get complacent with the established rules of others whether...Read More
Many times when we're soloing we get boxed in so to speak. We think that when we're on a particular chord, we must play that chord and that chord only. We have tunnel vision and...Read More
Many times when we're soloing we get boxed in so to speak. We think that when we're on a particular chord, we must play that chord and that chord only....Read More
In talking, practicing, and performing with many musicians over the years, it seems that a number of players are having trouble getting started with improvisation. Even more have a hard time moving forward, but can't...Read More
In talking, practicing, and performing with many musicians over the years, it seems that a number of players are having trouble getting started with improvisation. Even more have a hard...Read More
Learning improvisation can be a curious process. Every now and then as we endeavor to educate ourselves musically, we hear bits of advice and pick up words of wisdom from master classes, videos, books, and...Read More
Learning improvisation can be a curious process. Every now and then as we endeavor to educate ourselves musically, we hear bits of advice and pick up words of wisdom from...Read More
If jazz is all about being in the moment, but all our practice time is dedicated to figuring out what we want to play when we perform, then how are we supposed to be in...Read More
If jazz is all about being in the moment, but all our practice time is dedicated to figuring out what we want to play when we perform, then how are...Read More
Imagine that you're strolling through an art museum on a lazy afternoon. Leisurely, you walk past magnificent paintings, weave between rows of sculpture, and meander through various galleries, each showcasing a bygone era of human...Read More
Imagine that you're strolling through an art museum on a lazy afternoon. Leisurely, you walk past magnificent paintings, weave between rows of sculpture, and meander through various galleries, each showcasing...Read More
While we typically focus on ways to improve, this article is all about how to be mediocre. Now, chances are you don't want to be mediocre, so while many of these listed points are tongue-in-cheek,...Read More
While we typically focus on ways to improve, this article is all about how to be mediocre. Now, chances are you don't want to be mediocre, so while many of...Read More
Time and again, we've stressed on this site that scales are not the secret to jazz improvisation. However, scales can be beneficial if you practice and apply them in the right way. Once you aurally...Read More
Time and again, we've stressed on this site that scales are not the secret to jazz improvisation. However, scales can be beneficial if you practice and apply them in the...Read More
In Zen Buddhism there is a concept of the beginner's mind. To quote Wikipedia: It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at...Read More
In Zen Buddhism there is a concept of the beginner's mind. To quote Wikipedia: It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a...Read More
There's one important idea that we must remember as musicians: When you practice, you create habits. Think about it, this is essentially the reason that we set out to practice in the first place. By...Read More
There's one important idea that we must remember as musicians: When you practice, you create habits. Think about it, this is essentially the reason that we set out to practice...Read More
As the article last Wednesday discussed, learning to apply language to tunes is crucial because it puts the language into context, allowing your ears and fingers to gain an understanding of how to integrate the...Read More
As the article last Wednesday discussed, learning to apply language to tunes is crucial because it puts the language into context, allowing your ears and fingers to gain an understanding...Read More
So you've transcribed some ii-V lines. You've even learned a few solos note for note directly from the record, but, despite your efforts, you're not seeing the results you expected. Transcribing those lines from your...Read More
So you've transcribed some ii-V lines. You've even learned a few solos note for note directly from the record, but, despite your efforts, you're not seeing the results you expected....Read More
The commonly known Pareto Principle states that 80% of the effects of something, come from 20% of the causes. In terms of learning, this means: figure out where the largest gains can be made and...Read More
The commonly known Pareto Principle states that 80% of the effects of something, come from 20% of the causes. In terms of learning, this means: figure out where the largest...Read More
Do you find yourself having trouble remembering the solos you've transcribed? Have you ever memorized the melody to a tune only to forget it a week later? Do you have trouble recalling the chord progressions...Read More
Do you find yourself having trouble remembering the solos you've transcribed? Have you ever memorized the melody to a tune only to forget it a week later? Do you have...Read More
We talk a lot about ingraining language. It's vital to have an array of ideas at your fingertips for any given harmonic situation. And these ideas should be so ingrained that you can easily make...Read More
We talk a lot about ingraining language. It's vital to have an array of ideas at your fingertips for any given harmonic situation. And these ideas should be so ingrained...Read More
There aren't many things that we can all agree on when it comes to discussing the history of jazz, but one thing that we can come to a consensus on is that all the masters...Read More
There aren't many things that we can all agree on when it comes to discussing the history of jazz, but one thing that we can come to a consensus on...Read More