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
On this site, we often talk about the specifics of learning improvisation: ear training, transcribing, chord progressions, language... But what about the big picture? How do you accomplish what you want to as a musician? ...Read More
On this site, we often talk about the specifics of learning improvisation: ear training, transcribing, chord progressions, language... But what about the big picture? How do you accomplish what you...Read More
Learn tunes. Transcribe solos. The instructions for aspiring jazz musicians are pretty much the same everywhere you go. You want to play longer lines and master tricky chord progressions? "Learn tunes and transcribe solos." Need...Read More
Learn tunes. Transcribe solos. The instructions for aspiring jazz musicians are pretty much the same everywhere you go. You want to play longer lines and master tricky chord progressions? "Learn...Read More
Recently I’ve been studying and transcribing a lot of Miles from around 1956-1957. Albums like Cookin', Relaxin', and Workin'. More than the notes or the harmonic devices in his solos, the one thing that sticks...Read More
Recently I’ve been studying and transcribing a lot of Miles from around 1956-1957. Albums like Cookin', Relaxin', and Workin'. More than the notes or the harmonic devices in his solos,...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
Practicing jazz improvisation is a life-long pursuit. But just because you put in the time, doesn't mean you'll improve. HOW you spend that time is just as important... Here are 3 keys to practicing...Read More
Practicing jazz improvisation is a life-long pursuit. But just because you put in the time, doesn't mean you'll improve. HOW you spend that time is just as important... Here...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
There are really two areas of musicianship, aside from technique on an instrument, that a jazz musician requires to be a complete improviser. One is developing great ears and the other is an intellectual understanding...Read More
There are really two areas of musicianship, aside from technique on an instrument, that a jazz musician requires to be a complete improviser. One is developing great ears and the...Read More
Learning the hard way? You thought you came here to find an easier way to learn improvisation, right? Well to be honest, the easier way is not always the best way and if you're in...Read More
Learning the hard way? You thought you came here to find an easier way to learn improvisation, right? Well to be honest, the easier way is not always the best...Read More
Acrobatics is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. The physical prowess needed to do even the most basic maneuvers is on par with that of the Incredible Hulk, while the necessary flexibility...Read More
Acrobatics is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. The physical prowess needed to do even the most basic maneuvers is on par with that of the Incredible...Read More
At a certain point in your development as an improviser it becomes necessary to evolve beyond just playing "right notes" and using your favorite licks and move onto playing longer coherent musical phrases that develop...Read More
At a certain point in your development as an improviser it becomes necessary to evolve beyond just playing "right notes" and using your favorite licks and move onto playing longer...Read More
It's a question that we get asked all the time on gigs, at jam sessions, and even in our weekly lessons. As you probably know, it's not a lot of fun when you are put...Read More
It's a question that we get asked all the time on gigs, at jam sessions, and even in our weekly lessons. As you probably know, it's not a lot of...Read More
It seems like jazz musicians are always thinking about tunes; knowing tunes, learning tunes, how does that one go again? Performing in different situations we are expected to know certain tunes that other musicians will...Read More
It seems like jazz musicians are always thinking about tunes; knowing tunes, learning tunes, how does that one go again? Performing in different situations we are expected to know certain...Read More
Setting goals is an essential part of improving at anything you do…whether it’s learning a language, getting in shape, or mastering an instrument and building your skills as an improviser. You see, your goals are...Read More
Setting goals is an essential part of improving at anything you do…whether it’s learning a language, getting in shape, or mastering an instrument and building your skills as an improviser. ...Read More
It's a new year. I guess that means we should be making some resolutions right about now. New beginnings, a fresh start and all that other good stuff. For most people making "resolutions" translates into...Read More
It's a new year. I guess that means we should be making some resolutions right about now. New beginnings, a fresh start and all that other good stuff. For most...Read More
When you're frustrated with your playing it's difficult to excel at all. It's difficult to make a coherent musical statement, let alone even listen to yourself. These bouts happen to everyone. The key is to...Read More
When you're frustrated with your playing it's difficult to excel at all. It's difficult to make a coherent musical statement, let alone even listen to yourself. These bouts happen to...Read More