Today, many Middle and High Schools have built very successful Jazz Band Programs, modeled after the big bands of the 1940’s. These ensembles play at a very high level, recreating classic swing sounds as well as playing bold, contemporary music. Much time and energy are spent working on the ensemble sounds, making them tight and making them swing. For years I have enjoyed watching these school music programs as they become better and better. As good as they have become, many still have a weakness - improvised jazz solos. While some students “get it” and perform at a very high level, many struggle. They seem lost, simply playing random notes and hoping the solo ends up sounding good. Still others give up and write out a solo so that, at the very least the notes they play will be correct. Jazz improvisation need not be this intimidating. Just like any other form of music, it requires a basic understand of chords, scales and styles, as well as the ability to really play your instrument. While only hours in the practice room can give the ability to play your instrument, this DVD and the daily exercises included on the companion CD will provide what you need to begin to feel comfortable with jazz improvisation. It does not matter if you are a beginning student, an experienced school musician, or an adult just dusting off the old horn, jazz improvisation can be a lot of fun. Now sit back, relax, and put on the DVD and prepare to have improvisation explained to you in a clear, easy to learn fashion that has worked for my students for many years. After you are finished watching the DVD, print out the exercises off the CD and get to work. Jazz Improvisation 102 many not be far behind this one. |
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