Jazz 101The 10-minute Version
Ensemble Set-up Articulation Improvisation
The Quick Version:
Set Up
Why this way?
Rhythm players are close specifically, bass and drums
lead players are in the center Soloists are near the rhythm section
Set-up
Swinging 8th notes:
Treat two eighths like this:
Best way to get this feelis to listen A LOT, andsing along
Emulate the style with yourvoice as much as you can.
Articulation
Contrary to normal concert band, in jazz we stop the note with the tongue.
Use some common jazz rhythms on a scale (something your students should already know).
Articulation
Get the ensemble to say each rhythm while fingering through a scale, then play it.
Articulation
The spontaneous reorganization of material you already know.
Too many variables, SO, isolate each one: Rhythm Pitches, range Chord changes
Improvisation
Isolating rhythm: Pitch is fixed, students can only change
rhythms Start by using preset rhythms shown in
the previous slides Have students start playing on either
beat one, or beat two in the measure
Improvisation
Isolate Pitch Rhythm is fixed, just pick one Students play two notes using the fixed
rhythm chose notes that will sound "cool" over
the chord (probably root, 3rd or 7th) As the students progress, let them use
more notes
Improvisation
Chord changes: Requires you (the teacher) to explain
some music theory Jazz chords are just 7ths or 9ths, mostly You should either write out in advance
arpeggiated chords for a tune, or rely on your students' ears
You get to decide how successful they'll be
Improvisation
Start with one or two chords Ex: Killer Joe (two chords in the tune) Then try a 12-bar blues
Play audio example
Improvisation
Target notes/Guide tone lines the 3rd and 7th of a chord Play a guide tone line through the changes
Improvisation
By adding scale tones between target notes, you get melodic lines
Improvisation
Piece of Cake!
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