Synopses & Reviews
Motivating beginners to improvise from the start, this comprehensive approach to jazz improvisation offers discussions of jazz theory, exercises based on scales and chords, and jazz compositions suitable for classroom or ensemble performance to help develop facility in jazz improvisation. This complete approach to learning jazz improvisation discusses how a particular chord and scale are used in jazz improvisation; applies exercises based on that particular scale and chord, and; transposes materials for concert pitch treble clef, B-flat, E-flat and bass clef instruments, making it useable for a jazz ensemble as well as private instruction. Integrating inspirational quotes by major artists between each section to motivate readers and convey a deep truth about why we play music, it gives instruction on how to practice, how to construct an improvised solo, and how to tap into our creative potential, and provides an overview of who to listen to, with a short biography of selected major artists by instrument. The importance of rhythm and jazz articulations is discussed, and readers are provided with specific exercises to help them develop a jazz rhythmic concept. All musical terms are defined, highlighted, and indexed, and a play-along compact disc containing rhythm section accompaniments to all exercises and compositions is included. For professional musicians and music stores that employ private music teachers.
Table of Contents
I. GETTING STARTED. 1. How to Practice and Improvise. 2. Whom to Listen To.
3. Jazz Rhythms.
II. IMPROVISING IN MAJOR KEYS. 4. Major Scales and Major 7th Chords.
5. Mixolydian and Bebop 7th Scales and Dominant 7th Chords.
6. Dorian Scales and Minor 7th Chords.
7. The ii - V - I Progression.
III. FORMS. 8. The Blues Form and the Blues Scale.
9. Sectional Forms and Rhythm Changes.
IV. IMPROVISING IN MINOR KEYS. 10. The I Chord in Minor; Melodic, Harmonic, and Natural Minor Scales.
11. The ii - V - I Progression in Minor; Locrian and Superlocrian Scales.
V. OTHER SCALES. 12. Pentatonic Scales.
13. Diminished Scales and Diminished Chords.
VI. MUSIC THEORY. 14. Basic Music Theory.
15. Jazz Theory.
Index.