Making progress as an improviser is tricky business. I'm not talking about the baby steps along the way like learning a new tune, transcribing a solo, or even practicing a few scales. I'm talking about...Read More
Making progress as an improviser is tricky business. I'm not talking about the baby steps along the way like learning a new tune, transcribing a solo, or even practicing a...Read More
Scales can be one of the most overwhelming parts of learning jazz improvisation. Between you and me, it can seem like there's a scale to learn for every chord, a scale for every progression, and...Read More
Scales can be one of the most overwhelming parts of learning jazz improvisation. Between you and me, it can seem like there's a scale to learn for every chord, a...Read More
On this site we frequently write about the benefits of ear training for improvising, with good reason. Hearing and singing intervals, melodies, chord progressions, etc. is one area of daily practice that will directly affect...Read More
On this site we frequently write about the benefits of ear training for improvising, with good reason. Hearing and singing intervals, melodies, chord progressions, etc. is one area of daily...Read More
When we practice jazz improvisation, we zoom in on one area of study so much that we often lose sight of the whole. How do we practice in this truly focused way, while simultaneously train...Read More
When we practice jazz improvisation, we zoom in on one area of study so much that we often lose sight of the whole. How do we practice in this truly...Read More
If there is one thing about playing jazz that's shrouded in mystery, it is improvisation. Improvisation exists in other types of music, even in musical traditions from the far reaches of the globe, but in...Read More
If there is one thing about playing jazz that's shrouded in mystery, it is improvisation. Improvisation exists in other types of music, even in musical traditions from the far reaches...Read More
Of all the time signatures that we encounter in jazz or any other music, the most common by far is 4/4, meaning it has 4 beats per measure and a quarter note is equal to...Read More
Of all the time signatures that we encounter in jazz or any other music, the most common by far is 4/4, meaning it has 4 beats per measure and a...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
Recently I've been checking out a book called "You are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Execises." The author, Mark Lauren, is a former instructor and trainer for elite special forces soldiers. The central...Read More
Recently I've been checking out a book called "You are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Execises." The author, Mark Lauren, is a former instructor and trainer for elite...Read More
Despite what everyone thinks, being creative isn't easy. You don't just suddenly find yourself with talent one day and immediately start creating great works of art. It takes years of hard work to develop artistic...Read More
Despite what everyone thinks, being creative isn't easy. You don't just suddenly find yourself with talent one day and immediately start creating great works of art. It takes years of...Read More
Being successful as a jazz musician isn't all about practice routines, ii-V licks, or memorizing tunes. Sometimes getting to the next level as a player is all about having the right perspective. Here are 20...Read More
Being successful as a jazz musician isn't all about practice routines, ii-V licks, or memorizing tunes. Sometimes getting to the next level as a player is all about having the...Read More
You hear it over and over. Just transcribe. You want to get better? Transcribe. You want to have a better sound. Transcribe. Can't seem to play over Rhythm Changes? Transcribe. And yes, when people tell...Read More
You hear it over and over. Just transcribe. You want to get better? Transcribe. You want to have a better sound. Transcribe. Can't seem to play over Rhythm Changes? Transcribe....Read More
You know the routine…You pick out a new tune, read through the melody, and start to work on a solo. You've got a few ideas, throw in a couple of your favorite licks, and follow...Read More
You know the routine…You pick out a new tune, read through the melody, and start to work on a solo. You've got a few ideas, throw in a couple of...Read More
In practicing improvisation, one common pitfall that we run into is expecting to find the secrets of jazz all by ourselves. We gather our books and recordings and head into the practice room determined to...Read More
In practicing improvisation, one common pitfall that we run into is expecting to find the secrets of jazz all by ourselves. We gather our books and recordings and head into...Read More
Learning to improvise is a life long pursuit. Constantly, we're bombarded with information on how to improve. From the teachers that give us private lessons, to friends who recommend their personal practice routines, it seems...Read More
Learning to improvise is a life long pursuit. Constantly, we're bombarded with information on how to improve. From the teachers that give us private lessons, to friends who recommend their...Read More
On this site we’ve frequently written about learning tunes. This is no coincidence - learning tunes goes hand in hand with improving as an improviser. Whether you're practicing, performing, or simply listening to a few...Read More
On this site we’ve frequently written about learning tunes. This is no coincidence - learning tunes goes hand in hand with improving as an improviser. Whether you're practicing, performing, or...Read More
When you begin something new, there’s so much to learn. Improvement is quick and often, practice is exploratory and fun. But after doing anything for a while, you settle into a routine and your once...Read More
When you begin something new, there’s so much to learn. Improvement is quick and often, practice is exploratory and fun. But after doing anything for a while, you settle into...Read More