"What To Practice"

    How to Play Outside Like a Pro: 4 Techniques That’ll Make the ‘Wrong̵ …

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    You've heard solos with wrong notes. Unfortunate note choices that make you cringe, questionable scales that clash with the chords, and licks that sound forced and unnatural. But I'm guessing you've also heard players that...Read More

    You've heard solos with wrong notes. Unfortunate note choices that make you cringe, questionable scales that clash with the chords, and licks that sound forced and unnatural. But I'm guessing...Read More

    5 Essential Skills for the Performing Improviser

    Many times we forget about the musical skills that we should be developing until it's way too late. Right in the middle of a gig you're put on the spot and in a moment of...Read More

    Many times we forget about the musical skills that we should be developing until it's way too late. Right in the middle of a gig you're put on the spot...Read More

    Fast Tempos Made Easy

    Here's a recent question from a reader struggling with fast tempos: "Hi, I'm a saxophone player in Toronto. What might you recommend in terms of practice techniques to play on blistering fast tempos?" When it...Read More

    Here's a recent question from a reader struggling with fast tempos: "Hi, I'm a saxophone player in Toronto. What might you recommend in terms of practice techniques to play on...Read More

    5 Steps to Mastering Sight-Reading

    Areader recently asked: At my college, to get into the lab bands you have to be a really great sight-reader. What are some ways to become a great reader besides just saying "read whatever you...Read More

    Areader recently asked: At my college, to get into the lab bands you have to be a really great sight-reader. What are some ways to become a great reader besides...Read More

    What, Why, Where, Who, When, and How to Transcribe

    Every day we receive countless variations of what, why, where, who, when, and how to transcribe questions in our inbox. Should I transcribe lines or whole solos? Do I need to transcribe from the recording...Read More

    Every day we receive countless variations of what, why, where, who, when, and how to transcribe questions in our inbox. Should I transcribe lines or whole solos? Do I need...Read More

    7 Crucial Lessons from History’s Greatest Improvisers

    I'm guessing you've heard of Miles Davis. That you know Louis Armstrong and have listened to Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. But have you ever stopped and wondered why you know these names? Some of...Read More

    I'm guessing you've heard of Miles Davis. That you know Louis Armstrong and have listened to Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. But have you ever stopped and wondered why you...Read More

    How to Train Your Ears Like a Jazz Musician

    Recently a reader wrote in wanting to know, “What makes jazz ear training different from just general ear training?” That’s a great question and I definitely had to think to arrive at an answer. They...Read More

    Recently a reader wrote in wanting to know, “What makes jazz ear training different from just general ear training?” That’s a great question and I definitely had to think to...Read More

    5 Skills You Won’t Learn in School, Skill Three: The Secret to Great Time

    Ever feel like something is missing from your solos? You spend hours learning tunes and transcribing solos from your favorite recordings, you've memorized the chord progressions and diligently practiced the tricky fingerings, but when you...Read More

    Ever feel like something is missing from your solos? You spend hours learning tunes and transcribing solos from your favorite recordings, you've memorized the chord progressions and diligently practiced the...Read More

    How Master Improvisers Actually Think About Tunes

    As a musician, you often find yourself listening to the best improvisers you can. Searching for inspiration, guidance, and answers to the challenges you're facing. Especially when it comes to those records that include the...Read More

    As a musician, you often find yourself listening to the best improvisers you can. Searching for inspiration, guidance, and answers to the challenges you're facing. Especially when it comes to...Read More

    How to Play Jazz Standards Your Way

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    You're on stage. In the practice room. Or rehearsing with your friends. It's time to run through yet another jazz standard. But here's the thing, this time you're not going play it like you always...Read More

    You're on stage. In the practice room. Or rehearsing with your friends. It's time to run through yet another jazz standard. But here's the thing, this time you're not going...Read More

    How to Think About Chords & Tunes Like a PRO…

    Have you ever noticed how there's a special group of improvisers that seem to know EXACTLY what to play over any tune at any time – no matter what it is? The key doesn't matter,...Read More

    Have you ever noticed how there's a special group of improvisers that seem to know EXACTLY what to play over any tune at any time – no matter what it...Read More

    Mastering Essential Chord Progressions: The I to IV Relationship

    When it comes to improving as an improviser, there are only so many tunes you can memorize. Only so many chord symbols and progressions you can force into your brain… After a certain point you...Read More

    When it comes to improving as an improviser, there are only so many tunes you can memorize. Only so many chord symbols and progressions you can force into your brain…...Read More

    How to Turn Boring Theory into Your Next Brilliant Solo…

    You may think you know music theory. And you're probably willing to bet good money that you know the chords to your favorite tunes. Most musicians would...Hell, a few years ago I would've looked you...Read More

    You may think you know music theory. And you're probably willing to bet good money that you know the chords to your favorite tunes. Most musicians would...Hell, a few years...Read More

    Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Musician? (Answer This Question to Find Out…)

    Let’s say this: You're a 25 year old guitar player, serious and passionate about what you do. Each day after work you come home and head into the practice room, learning songs, practicing your technique,...Read More

    Let’s say this: You're a 25 year old guitar player, serious and passionate about what you do. Each day after work you come home and head into the practice room,...Read More

    The Truth About Ear Training and Jazz Improvisation

    What exactly is ear training? You’ve heard musicians talk about it. Your teachers have recommended it. And if you’re a regular here you’ve seen it pop up in more than a few lessons...But I'm guessing...Read More

    What exactly is ear training? You’ve heard musicians talk about it. Your teachers have recommended it. And if you’re a regular here you’ve seen it pop up in more than...Read More

    Why Perfection is The Enemy of Jazz

    Everyone hopes to be perfect one day. Play with perfect intonation, the perfect sound, perfect lines…But what if I told you that the whole idea of perfection is actually what’s holding you back? That aiming...Read More

    Everyone hopes to be perfect one day. Play with perfect intonation, the perfect sound, perfect lines…But what if I told you that the whole idea of perfection is actually what’s...Read More