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Why do we practice? To get better? (Whatever that may mean) To master our instrument? To learn new material? A new technique? Why? The answer is different for everyone. In order to achieve the purpose we set out for practicing we have to do decide what we are trying to achieve. This week’s tip is [...]
Building an Improvisational Vocabulary Download the Video
Often times when we are improvising in jazz or any other idiom for that matter, we come to a point where we are in search for new ideas. There has never been a shortage of scales and patterns to try and utilize. Improvisation can also be looked upon as spontaneous composition. So what about using one of the essentials for composition?
I have often had this experience with some of my students; they practice patterns, a study, an exercise or tune, and they get stuck at some point and can’t seem to understand why they can’t get further. They tell me, “I’ve practiced it 100 times, but I can’t seem to get it into my head”. [...]
Have you ever been stuck trying to figure out what to practice next? Well, this video should destroy all excuses from now on. Check it out.
Doubling! – Techniques for Clarinet and Flute Introduction Download the video here. Part I: Flute Exercises Download the video here. Flute Exercises #1 Flute Exercise #2 Flute Exercise #3 Part II: Clarinet Exercises Download the video here. Clarinet Overtone Exercise Clarinet Register Key and Half-hole exercise Clarinet Technical Exercises
This month’s lesson concentrates on the use of various pentatonic scales. They are NOT only for beginners!
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Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Here is a good article from Paul Gian on Ear training and relative pitch. Relative pitch is something I say is much more important than having perfect pitch.
Here’s a good video on jazz improvisation. Although, it starts with talking about improvising with scales (I like melodies better), it is a good introduction.
This month’s lesson covers the topics of Improvising over a single chord, and Exercises to perform on the Mouthpiece.
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