The notion of being original and innovative goes hand-in-hand with the idea of improvisation. The inspired act of being in the moment, creating on the fly with others in a group setting, and ultimately developing...Read More
The notion of being original and innovative goes hand-in-hand with the idea of improvisation. The inspired act of being in the moment, creating on the fly with others in a...Read More
Jazz education has steadily become increasingly popular and for good reason: playing jazz is fun! In an attempt to make jazz improvisation accessible to everyone, much of the learning material has been reduced and packaged...Read More
Jazz education has steadily become increasingly popular and for good reason: playing jazz is fun! In an attempt to make jazz improvisation accessible to everyone, much of the learning material...Read More
On this site we've talked about transcribing numerous times. From the reasons you should be transcribing solos to the best method of transcription...even to the different definitions of transcription for jazz musicians. Knowing why you're...Read More
On this site we've talked about transcribing numerous times. From the reasons you should be transcribing solos to the best method of transcription...even to the different definitions of transcription for...Read More
Jazz musicians and educators constantly discuss the topic of jazz licks. It's always up for debate...Should you learn them? Is it okay to play them over and over in your jazz solos? Does it matter...Read More
Jazz musicians and educators constantly discuss the topic of jazz licks. It's always up for debate...Should you learn them? Is it okay to play them over and over in your...Read More
Perspective is a powerful tool. At times it's an unexpected wake-up call, uncovering hidden possibilities and pushing us to get to the next level. At others, it makes us step back and take a look...Read More
Perspective is a powerful tool. At times it's an unexpected wake-up call, uncovering hidden possibilities and pushing us to get to the next level. At others, it makes us step...Read More
The harmonic and melodic aspects of practicing jazz improvisation take up the bulk of our time. Consequently, developing a strong sense of time falls by the wayside. I'm as guilty as anyone else, thinking that...Read More
The harmonic and melodic aspects of practicing jazz improvisation take up the bulk of our time. Consequently, developing a strong sense of time falls by the wayside. I'm as guilty...Read More
One of the biggest obstacles for musicians working to improve as improvisers lies in the development of a solid daily practice routine. We all know we should get into the practice room and diligently spend...Read More
One of the biggest obstacles for musicians working to improve as improvisers lies in the development of a solid daily practice routine. We all know we should get into the...Read More
Keep your eyes on the stars but keep your feet on the ground - Theodore Roosevelt. The fundamentals of ear training are largely glossed over. Developing one's ear is seen as a linear track: learn...Read More
Keep your eyes on the stars but keep your feet on the ground - Theodore Roosevelt. The fundamentals of ear training are largely glossed over. Developing one's ear is seen...Read More
After hours spent practicing technique: endless articulation, tone, range, and fingering exercises, are you still not matching up to what you're hearing on your favorite records? Are those same étude books and exercises you've been...Read More
After hours spent practicing technique: endless articulation, tone, range, and fingering exercises, are you still not matching up to what you're hearing on your favorite records? Are those same étude...Read More
Ever spend a lot of time learning a tune, only to realize that you've completely forgotten it a few weeks later? When you're not achieving your desired results in pretty much anything, check your methods....Read More
Ever spend a lot of time learning a tune, only to realize that you've completely forgotten it a few weeks later? When you're not achieving your desired results in pretty...Read More
Areader recently asked: "I was wondering about how to play over altered dominant chords. What are some strategies for playing over Dominant 7 #9 chords, specifically." This question comes up frequently for many improvisers. It...Read More
Areader recently asked: "I was wondering about how to play over altered dominant chords. What are some strategies for playing over Dominant 7 #9 chords, specifically." This question comes up...Read More
Arecent question from a reader inquired about the blues in all keys: "I'm a sax player and have been working through the blues in all keys for the past few months, and was wondering if...Read More
Arecent question from a reader inquired about the blues in all keys: "I'm a sax player and have been working through the blues in all keys for the past few...Read More
Learning how to improvise can be overwhelming. There's an enormous gap in knowledge to overcome as soon as you decide that you want to play jazz. Before you even improvise a single note, you have...Read More
Learning how to improvise can be overwhelming. There's an enormous gap in knowledge to overcome as soon as you decide that you want to play jazz. Before you even improvise...Read More
It's Saturday. You've got plenty of time. You're excited to spend some quality time practicing. You meander into your practice room, peruse your jazz standard play alongs and grab the first volume that sparks your...Read More
It's Saturday. You've got plenty of time. You're excited to spend some quality time practicing. You meander into your practice room, peruse your jazz standard play alongs and grab the...Read More
Interviews are a great way to hear and see how jazz musicians think, feel, and articulate their ideas. You can learn a lot just by watching them... Today we're sharing with you 50 jazz interviews...Read More
Interviews are a great way to hear and see how jazz musicians think, feel, and articulate their ideas. You can learn a lot just by watching them... Today we're sharing...Read More
A reader from Colorado writes: "I would love it if you wrote an article on what to play over a sus chord. I played at a jam last night and played Maiden Voyage and would...Read More
A reader from Colorado writes: "I would love it if you wrote an article on what to play over a sus chord. I played at a jam last night and...Read More