Lesson

.

Here's a lesson from a while back. I didn't dig it so I never posted. I didn't think I really did a good job Illustrating it. Maybe it's not so bad, but I think the idea is important.

It's about role playing, thinking like you're a different instrument. I think putting your brain in a different point of reference can really help your playing.

Let me know what you think.

Here's a tune list that was compiled by a fellow teacher at Univ of the Arts. Might be of use to some of you. Also see the 'Check this out link' for the Short Tunes List.

This is a very very simple etude based on the changes to 'My Romance'. Here's why I think it's cool. It simply states the changes to the tune. What you should do is:

• Play the melody and chords first
• Once you really here the tune and the key in your head, play the etude

Now this is an easy etude. You should be able to memorize it quickly. You should memorize it and then play it in different keys. This will be a really good harmony lesson for you if you play it through all the keys.

Hey guys,

Here's a recent article on an improvisational topic called Four Note Groupings. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Ed

The best thing about a jazz swing bass line is it does 2 things. The first is it is supposed to outline the chord changes very clearly. The second is in it's main function it insists on being played on each beat. A great way to study chords and improvisation is to play bass lines.

This doesn't have to be strict for our purposes. By this I mean you don't have to stick to the low end of your instrument. If you're not a bass player just play quarter notes and outline the chords. Below is an example of a simple blues bass line.

Chord Tone Solos
Tony Miceli

Let's face it, not every gig allows us to play the difficult and hip jazz tunes we all spend hours shedding. Even many of the best known standards are completely foreign (and possibly boring) to a large section of general audiences today.

So what to play for all those restaurant and casual gigs that might hire a solo vibes player as an alternative to a pianist or guitarist? It's surprising how well many tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even the 90s will translate to solo vibes. Tunes people will generally recognize and appreciate are great choices to sprinkle into your sets.

A highlight of the workshop! Nico talks about making a vibraphone! Here is an excerpt on tuning the bars.