They say that time is money, but in jazz improvisation, it's even more than that! Time is what's passing by while you're desperately trying to recall the next chord change in a tune, the notes...Read More
They say that time is money, but in jazz improvisation, it's even more than that! Time is what's passing by while you're desperately trying to recall the next chord change...Read More
It's the time of year again when we make ambitious lists of resolutions and let me tell you, this year is shaping up to be different. Seriously…all those other years were just practice runs, this...Read More
It's the time of year again when we make ambitious lists of resolutions and let me tell you, this year is shaping up to be different. Seriously…all those other years...Read More
Learning language is arguably the most important aspect of learning to improvise. When you start to use the language you've worked on in your solos, you start to realize how powerful it truly is. You...Read More
Learning language is arguably the most important aspect of learning to improvise. When you start to use the language you've worked on in your solos, you start to realize how...Read More
How creative are you each time you play your instrument? Think about it for a second...are you actually creating new musical ideas in your solos? Are you actually free when you improvise?? As a creative...Read More
How creative are you each time you play your instrument? Think about it for a second...are you actually creating new musical ideas in your solos? Are you actually free when...Read More
In today's world, it's easy to be overwhelmed. We live in a time of excess information and much of it is misleading. But supposing you've separated the good stuff from the stack, it still feels...Read More
In today's world, it's easy to be overwhelmed. We live in a time of excess information and much of it is misleading. But supposing you've separated the good stuff from...Read More
Arecurring theme on this site seems to be language - acquiring, practicing, and applying the jazz language. There is a reason behind all the repetition, however. Language is a very powerful concept when it comes...Read More
Arecurring theme on this site seems to be language - acquiring, practicing, and applying the jazz language. There is a reason behind all the repetition, however. Language is a very...Read More
What if you could approach something in a completely new way than you've ever done before? What would happen? Perhaps an entire world of possibility exists from this new angle, but how do you get...Read More
What if you could approach something in a completely new way than you've ever done before? What would happen? Perhaps an entire world of possibility exists from this new angle,...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 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