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!