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Matt Otto

Matt Otto

Free Jazz Education and Music

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By: Otto

Book ~ Modern Jazz Vocab. Vol.1

I finally finished my first book on jazz improvisation.  After years of practice journals and outlines for the ultimate jazz tome, I finally realized that…

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  • -Modern Jazz Vocab. Vol. 1
  • Books
By: Otto

Lesson 28: My Shining Hour

This is a short etude I wrote over the chord changes to My Shining Hour in concert C.  The etude utilizes a lot of  modern-ish…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 28: My Shining Hour
By: Otto

Lesson 23: Harmonic Maj

This is exercise works as a supplement to my book “Jazz Vocabulary Vol. 1 Harmonic Major” or on its own.  There are three mp3s for…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 23: Harmonic Maj
By: Otto

Lesson 22: ii – V – I Chromatic

In lesson 20 and 21 we worked on using chromatics as melodic material over specific harmony.   Continuing along these lines, this exercise is another…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 22: ii V I w Chromatic
By: Otto

Lesson 21: V7 Chromatic

Although we all practice chromatic scales over the years, sometimes it’s challenging to actually use them as convincing melodies while improvising.  One thing I’ve noticed…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 21: V7 w Chromatic
By: Otto

Lesson 20: V7 to i using -3rds

Here’s a short melody I worked out using minor 3rds descending by half steps. It works well as a V7 to i minor cadence and…

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  • -Lesson 20: V7 to i using -3rds
By: Otto

Lesson 17: Intervallic Melody

Using bigger intervals when improvising can help create an interesting contrast to your linear ideas.  This is a melody comprised of a spread triad in…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 17: Intervallic Melody
By: Otto

Lesson 15: Drones and Pedals

Improvising over a Drone or Pedal has been something I’ve always enjoyed.  Not only is it relaxing and simple, it really helps me hear scales,…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 15: Pedals and Drones
By: Otto

Lesson 14: Diminished Melody

Here is a simple melody that will help you hear diminished as diminished, not merely as a dominant 7(b9). This is fairly easy idea that…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 14: Dim Melody
By: Otto

Lesson 13: Lydian Melody in 5ths

Playing larger intervals can help to break up more linear ideas in a creative way that still sounds melodic and outlines the harmony clearly. This…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 13: Lydian in 5ths
By: Otto

Lesson 12: Embellished Triad

Lots of great melodies are no more than a triad with a bit of stepwise embellishment.  This exercise takes a spread triad in root position…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 12: Embellished Triad
By: Otto

Lesson 11: Major b9, b13

Finding new ways to construct melodies over a major chord can be challenging as Ionian, Lydian and Lydian augmented seem to dominate the harmonic landscape…

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  • Lessons
  • -Lesson 11: Major b13 b9

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This is an etude I wrote for Alto saxophonist Keeg This is an etude I wrote for Alto saxophonist Keegan Kaiser. It's one chorus of 8th notes and uses the bebop scale, chromatic approach notes, bebop enclosures, diatonic cycle 4 motion (through dorian), the altered scale and tetrad (4 note cell) ideas. We worked on this together for a semester singing it and playing it and have finally began putting it through some other keys. Taking individual phrases through the keys is another valuable method for working with an etude over time.
This is a short etude I wrote over the chord chang This is a short etude I wrote over the chord changes to My Shining Hour in concert C. The etude utilizes a lot of modern-ish concepts in terms of the rhythmic groupings and harmonic/triadic substitutions. You'll find several uses of #9 on major, #11 on minor, Maj7 on -7, sequential fourths grouped in 5 or 7, #5 on Maj7, b6 on -7, plus regular harmonic tensions and standard melodic material. There are also several points where the harmony is anticipated or suspended by several beats. The PDF contains the melodic line and the common chord progression with no analysis.
After 2pm Owen/Cox Dance Group Nutcracker, We'll b After 2pm Owen/Cox Dance Group Nutcracker, We'll be at Corvino's tonight from 7pm to 9:30pm w Ben Leifer, Jaylen Ward, Eddie Moore.
Here's a Rhythm Changes Etude I wrote for Bari Sax Here's a Rhythm Changes Etude I wrote for Bari Sax player Andrea Edwards. Andrea is a senior at KU and is studying both classical and Jazz saxophone. You can visit my blog for a free PDF of the etude.
Here's a short Etude I wrote for Nic over the chor Here's a short Etude I wrote for Nic over the chord changes to Recorda Me (Joe Henderson). The Etude uses some triad pairs from the 4th mode of Harmonic Major over the first 8 bars (as well as the classical augmented scale). The bridge uses some simple triadic ideas. I'll post a free pdf on my blog for anyone interested in checking it out.
Conception etude. pdf at mattotto . o r g Conception etude. pdf at mattotto . o r g
Here's a fun Etude I wrote for KU Major Spencer Ad Here's a fun Etude I wrote for KU Major Spencer Addis over Conception by George Shearing. I wrote this in real time during our lessons and Spencer learned it by ear. This is a good method for learning as it's memorized from the very onset of learning the material. We added about 8 bars each week and finally had the whole chorus after a month or so. After that we just kept playing it and speeding it up while also singing phrases and playing phrases through 12 keys. We used the Bb-7 A7 Ab-7 G7 changes in Bars 7 and 8 although the OG changes are all Dominant 7th chords. I'll post a transcription on my blog later this week.
Got the new trio CD - The Landscape Listens. Feat Got the new trio CD - The Landscape Listens. Featuring Abe Rabade on Piano on Xose Miguelez and myself on Tenor sax. We recorded this in Portugal over the summer each contributing two original pieces to the project. It's available on Band Camp and in the usual web locations.
Instagram post 18036261956239115 Instagram post 18036261956239115
Recorded some original music for a new album today Recorded some original music for a new album today in Portugal with Xose Miguelez (tenor) and Abe Rabade (piano).
Recorda Me w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic Recorda Me w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic
Playing at Chaz on the Plaza tonight from 6pm to 1 Playing at Chaz on the Plaza tonight from 6pm to 10pm w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic
Soul Eyes by Mal Waldron on my old Mark 6 soprano Soul Eyes by Mal Waldron on my old Mark 6 soprano from a few years back. #jazzmusic
Here's a short Etude over I Hear a Rhapsody. Ther Here's a short Etude over I Hear a Rhapsody. There's a free pdf of it on my blog for anyone interested. #jazz #saxophone
At Chaz tonught from 6 to 10pm w Matt Villinger. At Chaz tonught from 6 to 10pm w Matt Villinger.
Follow me

Lessons 100 – 150

  • 101: Lydian b13 Cycle 5
  • 102: Accenting Triplets
  • 103: -7b5 Chords
  • 104: Modes Harm Min
  • 105: Tetrad 1,9,5,13
  • 106: Maj7 and Alt
  • 107: Car Practice
  • 108: Stardust
  • 109: Relax, Use Space, Listen.
  • 110: Posture, Balance, Breath.
  • 110b: Repetition
  • 111: Maj Triads 2nd Inversion
  • 112: Dominant Pentatonic
  • 113: Triads through Scales
  • 114: 5/8 Over 4/4
  • 115: Melodic Minor Modes
  • 116: 4 Half Diminished Modes
  • 117: Major 9 #5 Melody
  • 118: All Intervals Routine
  • 119: Relative Pitch
  • 120: Singing/Tapping
  • 121: I’m A Fool To Want You
  • Lesson 122: Melody: Triplets grouped in 5
  • Lesson 123: Ear Warm Up
  • Lesson 124: Shell + triad
  • Lesson 125: Blues for Alice
  • 126: Practice PDFs
  • 127 Amazing Scale Warm Up!
  • Lesson 128: C Major Triad add #11
  • Lesson 129: Varijashree Venugopal – Sings Naima
  • Lesson 130: Using the 9 on every chord
  • Lesson 131 a: “Mrs. Jones” Natural 9
  • Lesson 131 b: 4-3 Suspension on Mrs. Jones?
  • Lesson 132: Using Space
  • Lesson 133: Singing all tensions on a Dominant 7th chord.
  • Lesson 134: Chet Baker – Just Friends
  • Lesson 135: Practicing Major Scale Melodies
  • Lesson 136: Woody and You
  • Lesson 137: All The Things You Are
  • Lesson 138: 6 Bar Tune
  • Lesson 139: Simple 3 chord Tune “Melisma”
  • -Lesson 139: Composition
  • Lesson 140: Cycle 4 Melody – Altered
  • Lesson 141: Major #9 Melody
  • Lesson 142: Dominant Shell add #11
  • Lesson 143: The Sus Chord – G7sus4
  • Lesson 144: Barry Harris – Chromatic Chord Scales
  • Lesson 145: Major Melody using #9, #11 and #5
  • Lesson 146 Part 1: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 2: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 3: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-tonic
  • Lesson 148: I Hear A Rhapsody – Etude
  • Lesson 149: What is This Thing Called Love.
  • Lesson 150: Blues Etude – 4 note cell
  • Zoom Lessons

More Lessons

  • Lessons 1 – 49
    • Lesson 1: Spread Triads
    • Lesson 2: Diatonic 4ths
    • Lesson 3: Rhythm Changes
    • Lesson 4: Cycle Melody
    • Lesson 5: 13th Arpeggios
    • Lesson 6: Minor ii-V-i
    • Lesson 7: C7 – Maj7(#5)
    • Lesson 8: ii-V7 using triads
    • Lesson 9: Voicings
    • Lesson 10: Whole Tone
    • Lesson 11: Major b9, b13
    • Lesson 12: Embellishment
    • Lesson 13: Lydian 5ths
    • Lesson 14: Diminished
    • Lesson 15: Drones
    • Lesson 16: Long Tones
    • Lesson 17: Intervallic
    • Lesson 18: Long Tones 2
    • Lesson 19: Maj7 #9 #11
    • Lesson 20: V7 -3rds
    • Lesson 21: V7 Chromatic
    • Lesson 22: ii – V Chromatic
    • Lesson 23: Harmonic Maj
    • Lesson 24: Major Melody
    • Lesson 25: 13 #11
    • Lesson 26: Relative Pitch
    • Lesson 27: 4ths-Maj7
    • Lesson 28: Shining Hour
    • Lesson 29: Maj #5 #9 #11
    • Lesson 30: Sing and Play
    • Lesson 31: Bach Sing-Play
    • Lesson 32: Bach – V7 – i
    • Lesson 33: Groupings
    • Lesson 34: V7 Alt Scale
    • Lesson 35: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 36: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 37: Singing Modes
    • Lesson 38: 1st Inv Triads
    • Lesson 39: Bach Cello Suite
    • Lesson 40: HW diminished
    • Lesson 41: Shell + Tension
    • Lesson 42: Synthetic Scale
    • Lesson 43: Diminished
    • Lesson 44: Simple ii – V7
    • Lesson 45: Bird Line
    • Lesson 46: Altered Melody
    • Lesson 47: Dizzys’ Bebop
    • Lesson 48: -7b5
    • Lesson 49: sus4
  • Lessons 50 – 100
    • Lesson 50: Wide Intervals
    • Lesson 51: Maj7#5
    • Lesson 52: Enclosures
    • Lesson 53: pentatonic
    • Lesson 54: Triad w NT
    • Lesson 55: ii – V7#5 -i dim
    • Lesson 56: Giant Steps
    • Lesson 57: Scale Routine
    • Lesson 58: Dim Triads
    • Lesson 59: Tri-Tone Pairs
    • Lesson 60: Sequence
    • Lesson 61: “Drop 2”
    • Lesson 62: Masterclass
    • Lesson 63: Nat 9 ~ Flat 9
    • Lesson 64: Book ii-V-I
    • Lesson 65: Stage Fright
    • Lesson 66: Minor Major 9
    • Lesson 67: min triad add 9
    • Lesson 68: -7b5, 9, 13
    • Lesson 69: A Major
    • Lesson 70: Etudes
    • Lesson 71: E Modal
    • Lesson 72: 3 Note Cell
    • Lesson 73: Cycle Pt.1
    • Lesson 74: Cycle Pt.2
    • Lesson 75: Cycle pt.3
    • Lesson 76: 30 Days
    • Lesson 77: Triadic Blues
    • Lesson 78: 8th Note Feel
    • Lesson 79: Arpeggio
    • Lesson 80 -Triplets in 4’s
    • Lesson 81: Monk
    • Lesson 82: Maj7#5 Pent
    • Lesson 83: No Tongue
    • Lesson 85: Intervals
    • Lesson 86: Charle Parker 2
    • Lesson 87: ii-7 V7 Melody
    • Lesson 88: Bach Theme
    • Lesson 89: Altered
    • Lesson 90: Tina Brooks
    • Lesson 91: Yusef Lateef
    • Lesson 92: 3rd and 5th
    • Lesson 93: Scale Pattern
    • Lesson 94: 7Alt Monk
    • Lesson 95: Random Chords
    • Lesson 96: Augmented
    • Lesson 97: Bergonzi
    • Lesson 98: Trumbauer
    • Lesson 99: 4 Note Cell
    • Lesson 100: Triads

Listen or Buy Music

https://mattotto.bandcamp.com/

Lessons 100 – 150

  • 101: Lydian b13 Cycle 5
  • 102: Accenting Triplets
  • 103: -7b5 Chords
  • 104: Modes Harm Min
  • 105: Tetrad 1,9,5,13
  • 106: Maj7 and Alt
  • 107: Car Practice
  • 108: Stardust
  • 109: Relax, Use Space, Listen.
  • 110: Posture, Balance, Breath.
  • 110b: Repetition
  • 111: Maj Triads 2nd Inversion
  • 112: Dominant Pentatonic
  • 113: Triads through Scales
  • 114: 5/8 Over 4/4
  • 115: Melodic Minor Modes
  • 116: 4 Half Diminished Modes
  • 117: Major 9 #5 Melody
  • 118: All Intervals Routine
  • 119: Relative Pitch
  • 120: Singing/Tapping
  • 121: I’m A Fool To Want You
  • Lesson 122: Melody: Triplets grouped in 5
  • Lesson 123: Ear Warm Up
  • Lesson 124: Shell + triad
  • Lesson 125: Blues for Alice
  • 126: Practice PDFs
  • 127 Amazing Scale Warm Up!
  • Lesson 128: C Major Triad add #11
  • Lesson 129: Varijashree Venugopal – Sings Naima
  • Lesson 130: Using the 9 on every chord
  • Lesson 131 a: “Mrs. Jones” Natural 9
  • Lesson 131 b: 4-3 Suspension on Mrs. Jones?
  • Lesson 132: Using Space
  • Lesson 133: Singing all tensions on a Dominant 7th chord.
  • Lesson 134: Chet Baker – Just Friends
  • Lesson 135: Practicing Major Scale Melodies
  • Lesson 136: Woody and You
  • Lesson 137: All The Things You Are
  • Lesson 138: 6 Bar Tune
  • Lesson 139: Simple 3 chord Tune “Melisma”
  • -Lesson 139: Composition
  • Lesson 140: Cycle 4 Melody – Altered
  • Lesson 141: Major #9 Melody
  • Lesson 142: Dominant Shell add #11
  • Lesson 143: The Sus Chord – G7sus4
  • Lesson 144: Barry Harris – Chromatic Chord Scales
  • Lesson 145: Major Melody using #9, #11 and #5
  • Lesson 146 Part 1: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 2: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 3: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-tonic
  • Lesson 148: I Hear A Rhapsody – Etude
  • Lesson 149: What is This Thing Called Love.
  • Lesson 150: Blues Etude – 4 note cell
  • Zoom Lessons

More Lessons

  • Lessons 1 – 49
    • Lesson 1: Spread Triads
    • Lesson 2: Diatonic 4ths
    • Lesson 3: Rhythm Changes
    • Lesson 4: Cycle Melody
    • Lesson 5: 13th Arpeggios
    • Lesson 6: Minor ii-V-i
    • Lesson 7: C7 – Maj7(#5)
    • Lesson 8: ii-V7 using triads
    • Lesson 9: Voicings
    • Lesson 10: Whole Tone
    • Lesson 11: Major b9, b13
    • Lesson 12: Embellishment
    • Lesson 13: Lydian 5ths
    • Lesson 14: Diminished
    • Lesson 15: Drones
    • Lesson 16: Long Tones
    • Lesson 17: Intervallic
    • Lesson 18: Long Tones 2
    • Lesson 19: Maj7 #9 #11
    • Lesson 20: V7 -3rds
    • Lesson 21: V7 Chromatic
    • Lesson 22: ii – V Chromatic
    • Lesson 23: Harmonic Maj
    • Lesson 24: Major Melody
    • Lesson 25: 13 #11
    • Lesson 26: Relative Pitch
    • Lesson 27: 4ths-Maj7
    • Lesson 28: Shining Hour
    • Lesson 29: Maj #5 #9 #11
    • Lesson 30: Sing and Play
    • Lesson 31: Bach Sing-Play
    • Lesson 32: Bach – V7 – i
    • Lesson 33: Groupings
    • Lesson 34: V7 Alt Scale
    • Lesson 35: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 36: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 37: Singing Modes
    • Lesson 38: 1st Inv Triads
    • Lesson 39: Bach Cello Suite
    • Lesson 40: HW diminished
    • Lesson 41: Shell + Tension
    • Lesson 42: Synthetic Scale
    • Lesson 43: Diminished
    • Lesson 44: Simple ii – V7
    • Lesson 45: Bird Line
    • Lesson 46: Altered Melody
    • Lesson 47: Dizzys’ Bebop
    • Lesson 48: -7b5
    • Lesson 49: sus4

Instagram

This is an etude I wrote for Alto saxophonist Keeg This is an etude I wrote for Alto saxophonist Keegan Kaiser. It's one chorus of 8th notes and uses the bebop scale, chromatic approach notes, bebop enclosures, diatonic cycle 4 motion (through dorian), the altered scale and tetrad (4 note cell) ideas. We worked on this together for a semester singing it and playing it and have finally began putting it through some other keys. Taking individual phrases through the keys is another valuable method for working with an etude over time.
This is a short etude I wrote over the chord chang This is a short etude I wrote over the chord changes to My Shining Hour in concert C. The etude utilizes a lot of modern-ish concepts in terms of the rhythmic groupings and harmonic/triadic substitutions. You'll find several uses of #9 on major, #11 on minor, Maj7 on -7, sequential fourths grouped in 5 or 7, #5 on Maj7, b6 on -7, plus regular harmonic tensions and standard melodic material. There are also several points where the harmony is anticipated or suspended by several beats. The PDF contains the melodic line and the common chord progression with no analysis.
After 2pm Owen/Cox Dance Group Nutcracker, We'll b After 2pm Owen/Cox Dance Group Nutcracker, We'll be at Corvino's tonight from 7pm to 9:30pm w Ben Leifer, Jaylen Ward, Eddie Moore.
Here's a Rhythm Changes Etude I wrote for Bari Sax Here's a Rhythm Changes Etude I wrote for Bari Sax player Andrea Edwards. Andrea is a senior at KU and is studying both classical and Jazz saxophone. You can visit my blog for a free PDF of the etude.
Here's a short Etude I wrote for Nic over the chor Here's a short Etude I wrote for Nic over the chord changes to Recorda Me (Joe Henderson). The Etude uses some triad pairs from the 4th mode of Harmonic Major over the first 8 bars (as well as the classical augmented scale). The bridge uses some simple triadic ideas. I'll post a free pdf on my blog for anyone interested in checking it out.
Conception etude. pdf at mattotto . o r g Conception etude. pdf at mattotto . o r g
Here's a fun Etude I wrote for KU Major Spencer Ad Here's a fun Etude I wrote for KU Major Spencer Addis over Conception by George Shearing. I wrote this in real time during our lessons and Spencer learned it by ear. This is a good method for learning as it's memorized from the very onset of learning the material. We added about 8 bars each week and finally had the whole chorus after a month or so. After that we just kept playing it and speeding it up while also singing phrases and playing phrases through 12 keys. We used the Bb-7 A7 Ab-7 G7 changes in Bars 7 and 8 although the OG changes are all Dominant 7th chords. I'll post a transcription on my blog later this week.
Got the new trio CD - The Landscape Listens. Feat Got the new trio CD - The Landscape Listens. Featuring Abe Rabade on Piano on Xose Miguelez and myself on Tenor sax. We recorded this in Portugal over the summer each contributing two original pieces to the project. It's available on Band Camp and in the usual web locations.
Instagram post 18036261956239115 Instagram post 18036261956239115
Recorded some original music for a new album today Recorded some original music for a new album today in Portugal with Xose Miguelez (tenor) and Abe Rabade (piano).
Recorda Me w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic Recorda Me w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic
Playing at Chaz on the Plaza tonight from 6pm to 1 Playing at Chaz on the Plaza tonight from 6pm to 10pm w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic
Soul Eyes by Mal Waldron on my old Mark 6 soprano Soul Eyes by Mal Waldron on my old Mark 6 soprano from a few years back. #jazzmusic
Here's a short Etude over I Hear a Rhapsody. Ther Here's a short Etude over I Hear a Rhapsody. There's a free pdf of it on my blog for anyone interested. #jazz #saxophone
At Chaz tonught from 6 to 10pm w Matt Villinger. At Chaz tonught from 6 to 10pm w Matt Villinger.
Follow me

Lessons 100 – 150

  • 101: Lydian b13 Cycle 5
  • 102: Accenting Triplets
  • 103: -7b5 Chords
  • 104: Modes Harm Min
  • 105: Tetrad 1,9,5,13
  • 106: Maj7 and Alt
  • 107: Car Practice
  • 108: Stardust
  • 109: Relax, Use Space, Listen.
  • 110: Posture, Balance, Breath.
  • 110b: Repetition
  • 111: Maj Triads 2nd Inversion
  • 112: Dominant Pentatonic
  • 113: Triads through Scales
  • 114: 5/8 Over 4/4
  • 115: Melodic Minor Modes
  • 116: 4 Half Diminished Modes
  • 117: Major 9 #5 Melody
  • 118: All Intervals Routine
  • 119: Relative Pitch
  • 120: Singing/Tapping
  • 121: I’m A Fool To Want You
  • Lesson 122: Melody: Triplets grouped in 5
  • Lesson 123: Ear Warm Up
  • Lesson 124: Shell + triad
  • Lesson 125: Blues for Alice
  • 126: Practice PDFs
  • 127 Amazing Scale Warm Up!
  • Lesson 128: C Major Triad add #11
  • Lesson 129: Varijashree Venugopal – Sings Naima
  • Lesson 130: Using the 9 on every chord
  • Lesson 131 a: “Mrs. Jones” Natural 9
  • Lesson 131 b: 4-3 Suspension on Mrs. Jones?
  • Lesson 132: Using Space
  • Lesson 133: Singing all tensions on a Dominant 7th chord.
  • Lesson 134: Chet Baker – Just Friends
  • Lesson 135: Practicing Major Scale Melodies
  • Lesson 136: Woody and You
  • Lesson 137: All The Things You Are
  • Lesson 138: 6 Bar Tune
  • Lesson 139: Simple 3 chord Tune “Melisma”
  • -Lesson 139: Composition
  • Lesson 140: Cycle 4 Melody – Altered
  • Lesson 141: Major #9 Melody
  • Lesson 142: Dominant Shell add #11
  • Lesson 143: The Sus Chord – G7sus4
  • Lesson 144: Barry Harris – Chromatic Chord Scales
  • Lesson 145: Major Melody using #9, #11 and #5
  • Lesson 146 Part 1: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 2: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 3: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-tonic
  • Lesson 148: I Hear A Rhapsody – Etude
  • Lesson 149: What is This Thing Called Love.
  • Lesson 150: Blues Etude – 4 note cell
  • Zoom Lessons

More Lessons

  • Lessons 1 – 49
    • Lesson 1: Spread Triads
    • Lesson 2: Diatonic 4ths
    • Lesson 3: Rhythm Changes
    • Lesson 4: Cycle Melody
    • Lesson 5: 13th Arpeggios
    • Lesson 6: Minor ii-V-i
    • Lesson 7: C7 – Maj7(#5)
    • Lesson 8: ii-V7 using triads
    • Lesson 9: Voicings
    • Lesson 10: Whole Tone
    • Lesson 11: Major b9, b13
    • Lesson 12: Embellishment
    • Lesson 13: Lydian 5ths
    • Lesson 14: Diminished
    • Lesson 15: Drones
    • Lesson 16: Long Tones
    • Lesson 17: Intervallic
    • Lesson 18: Long Tones 2
    • Lesson 19: Maj7 #9 #11
    • Lesson 20: V7 -3rds
    • Lesson 21: V7 Chromatic
    • Lesson 22: ii – V Chromatic
    • Lesson 23: Harmonic Maj
    • Lesson 24: Major Melody
    • Lesson 25: 13 #11
    • Lesson 26: Relative Pitch
    • Lesson 27: 4ths-Maj7
    • Lesson 28: Shining Hour
    • Lesson 29: Maj #5 #9 #11
    • Lesson 30: Sing and Play
    • Lesson 31: Bach Sing-Play
    • Lesson 32: Bach – V7 – i
    • Lesson 33: Groupings
    • Lesson 34: V7 Alt Scale
    • Lesson 35: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 36: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 37: Singing Modes
    • Lesson 38: 1st Inv Triads
    • Lesson 39: Bach Cello Suite
    • Lesson 40: HW diminished
    • Lesson 41: Shell + Tension
    • Lesson 42: Synthetic Scale
    • Lesson 43: Diminished
    • Lesson 44: Simple ii – V7
    • Lesson 45: Bird Line
    • Lesson 46: Altered Melody
    • Lesson 47: Dizzys’ Bebop
    • Lesson 48: -7b5
    • Lesson 49: sus4
  • Lessons 50 – 100
    • Lesson 50: Wide Intervals
    • Lesson 51: Maj7#5
    • Lesson 52: Enclosures
    • Lesson 53: pentatonic
    • Lesson 54: Triad w NT
    • Lesson 55: ii – V7#5 -i dim
    • Lesson 56: Giant Steps
    • Lesson 57: Scale Routine
    • Lesson 58: Dim Triads
    • Lesson 59: Tri-Tone Pairs
    • Lesson 60: Sequence
    • Lesson 61: “Drop 2”
    • Lesson 62: Masterclass
    • Lesson 63: Nat 9 ~ Flat 9
    • Lesson 64: Book ii-V-I
    • Lesson 65: Stage Fright
    • Lesson 66: Minor Major 9
    • Lesson 67: min triad add 9
    • Lesson 68: -7b5, 9, 13
    • Lesson 69: A Major
    • Lesson 70: Etudes
    • Lesson 71: E Modal
    • Lesson 72: 3 Note Cell
    • Lesson 73: Cycle Pt.1
    • Lesson 74: Cycle Pt.2
    • Lesson 75: Cycle pt.3
    • Lesson 76: 30 Days
    • Lesson 77: Triadic Blues
    • Lesson 78: 8th Note Feel
    • Lesson 79: Arpeggio
    • Lesson 80 -Triplets in 4’s
    • Lesson 81: Monk
    • Lesson 82: Maj7#5 Pent
    • Lesson 83: No Tongue
    • Lesson 85: Intervals
    • Lesson 86: Charle Parker 2
    • Lesson 87: ii-7 V7 Melody
    • Lesson 88: Bach Theme
    • Lesson 89: Altered
    • Lesson 90: Tina Brooks
    • Lesson 91: Yusef Lateef
    • Lesson 92: 3rd and 5th
    • Lesson 93: Scale Pattern
    • Lesson 94: 7Alt Monk
    • Lesson 95: Random Chords
    • Lesson 96: Augmented
    • Lesson 97: Bergonzi
    • Lesson 98: Trumbauer
    • Lesson 99: 4 Note Cell
    • Lesson 100: Triads

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This is an etude I wrote for Alto saxophonist Keeg This is an etude I wrote for Alto saxophonist Keegan Kaiser. It's one chorus of 8th notes and uses the bebop scale, chromatic approach notes, bebop enclosures, diatonic cycle 4 motion (through dorian), the altered scale and tetrad (4 note cell) ideas. We worked on this together for a semester singing it and playing it and have finally began putting it through some other keys. Taking individual phrases through the keys is another valuable method for working with an etude over time.
This is a short etude I wrote over the chord chang This is a short etude I wrote over the chord changes to My Shining Hour in concert C. The etude utilizes a lot of modern-ish concepts in terms of the rhythmic groupings and harmonic/triadic substitutions. You'll find several uses of #9 on major, #11 on minor, Maj7 on -7, sequential fourths grouped in 5 or 7, #5 on Maj7, b6 on -7, plus regular harmonic tensions and standard melodic material. There are also several points where the harmony is anticipated or suspended by several beats. The PDF contains the melodic line and the common chord progression with no analysis.
After 2pm Owen/Cox Dance Group Nutcracker, We'll b After 2pm Owen/Cox Dance Group Nutcracker, We'll be at Corvino's tonight from 7pm to 9:30pm w Ben Leifer, Jaylen Ward, Eddie Moore.
Here's a Rhythm Changes Etude I wrote for Bari Sax Here's a Rhythm Changes Etude I wrote for Bari Sax player Andrea Edwards. Andrea is a senior at KU and is studying both classical and Jazz saxophone. You can visit my blog for a free PDF of the etude.
Here's a short Etude I wrote for Nic over the chor Here's a short Etude I wrote for Nic over the chord changes to Recorda Me (Joe Henderson). The Etude uses some triad pairs from the 4th mode of Harmonic Major over the first 8 bars (as well as the classical augmented scale). The bridge uses some simple triadic ideas. I'll post a free pdf on my blog for anyone interested in checking it out.
Conception etude. pdf at mattotto . o r g Conception etude. pdf at mattotto . o r g
Here's a fun Etude I wrote for KU Major Spencer Ad Here's a fun Etude I wrote for KU Major Spencer Addis over Conception by George Shearing. I wrote this in real time during our lessons and Spencer learned it by ear. This is a good method for learning as it's memorized from the very onset of learning the material. We added about 8 bars each week and finally had the whole chorus after a month or so. After that we just kept playing it and speeding it up while also singing phrases and playing phrases through 12 keys. We used the Bb-7 A7 Ab-7 G7 changes in Bars 7 and 8 although the OG changes are all Dominant 7th chords. I'll post a transcription on my blog later this week.
Got the new trio CD - The Landscape Listens. Feat Got the new trio CD - The Landscape Listens. Featuring Abe Rabade on Piano on Xose Miguelez and myself on Tenor sax. We recorded this in Portugal over the summer each contributing two original pieces to the project. It's available on Band Camp and in the usual web locations.
Instagram post 18036261956239115 Instagram post 18036261956239115
Recorded some original music for a new album today Recorded some original music for a new album today in Portugal with Xose Miguelez (tenor) and Abe Rabade (piano).
Recorda Me w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic Recorda Me w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic
Playing at Chaz on the Plaza tonight from 6pm to 1 Playing at Chaz on the Plaza tonight from 6pm to 10pm w Matt Villinger. #jazzmusic
Soul Eyes by Mal Waldron on my old Mark 6 soprano Soul Eyes by Mal Waldron on my old Mark 6 soprano from a few years back. #jazzmusic
Here's a short Etude over I Hear a Rhapsody. Ther Here's a short Etude over I Hear a Rhapsody. There's a free pdf of it on my blog for anyone interested. #jazz #saxophone
At Chaz tonught from 6 to 10pm w Matt Villinger. At Chaz tonught from 6 to 10pm w Matt Villinger.
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Lessons 100 – 150

  • 101: Lydian b13 Cycle 5
  • 102: Accenting Triplets
  • 103: -7b5 Chords
  • 104: Modes Harm Min
  • 105: Tetrad 1,9,5,13
  • 106: Maj7 and Alt
  • 107: Car Practice
  • 108: Stardust
  • 109: Relax, Use Space, Listen.
  • 110: Posture, Balance, Breath.
  • 110b: Repetition
  • 111: Maj Triads 2nd Inversion
  • 112: Dominant Pentatonic
  • 113: Triads through Scales
  • 114: 5/8 Over 4/4
  • 115: Melodic Minor Modes
  • 116: 4 Half Diminished Modes
  • 117: Major 9 #5 Melody
  • 118: All Intervals Routine
  • 119: Relative Pitch
  • 120: Singing/Tapping
  • 121: I’m A Fool To Want You
  • Lesson 122: Melody: Triplets grouped in 5
  • Lesson 123: Ear Warm Up
  • Lesson 124: Shell + triad
  • Lesson 125: Blues for Alice
  • 126: Practice PDFs
  • 127 Amazing Scale Warm Up!
  • Lesson 128: C Major Triad add #11
  • Lesson 129: Varijashree Venugopal – Sings Naima
  • Lesson 130: Using the 9 on every chord
  • Lesson 131 a: “Mrs. Jones” Natural 9
  • Lesson 131 b: 4-3 Suspension on Mrs. Jones?
  • Lesson 132: Using Space
  • Lesson 133: Singing all tensions on a Dominant 7th chord.
  • Lesson 134: Chet Baker – Just Friends
  • Lesson 135: Practicing Major Scale Melodies
  • Lesson 136: Woody and You
  • Lesson 137: All The Things You Are
  • Lesson 138: 6 Bar Tune
  • Lesson 139: Simple 3 chord Tune “Melisma”
  • -Lesson 139: Composition
  • Lesson 140: Cycle 4 Melody – Altered
  • Lesson 141: Major #9 Melody
  • Lesson 142: Dominant Shell add #11
  • Lesson 143: The Sus Chord – G7sus4
  • Lesson 144: Barry Harris – Chromatic Chord Scales
  • Lesson 145: Major Melody using #9, #11 and #5
  • Lesson 146 Part 1: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 2: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-Tonic
  • Lesson 146 Part 3: Countdown, Giant Steps, Tri-tonic
  • Lesson 148: I Hear A Rhapsody – Etude
  • Lesson 149: What is This Thing Called Love.
  • Lesson 150: Blues Etude – 4 note cell
  • Zoom Lessons

More Lessons

  • Lessons 1 – 49
    • Lesson 1: Spread Triads
    • Lesson 2: Diatonic 4ths
    • Lesson 3: Rhythm Changes
    • Lesson 4: Cycle Melody
    • Lesson 5: 13th Arpeggios
    • Lesson 6: Minor ii-V-i
    • Lesson 7: C7 – Maj7(#5)
    • Lesson 8: ii-V7 using triads
    • Lesson 9: Voicings
    • Lesson 10: Whole Tone
    • Lesson 11: Major b9, b13
    • Lesson 12: Embellishment
    • Lesson 13: Lydian 5ths
    • Lesson 14: Diminished
    • Lesson 15: Drones
    • Lesson 16: Long Tones
    • Lesson 17: Intervallic
    • Lesson 18: Long Tones 2
    • Lesson 19: Maj7 #9 #11
    • Lesson 20: V7 -3rds
    • Lesson 21: V7 Chromatic
    • Lesson 22: ii – V Chromatic
    • Lesson 23: Harmonic Maj
    • Lesson 24: Major Melody
    • Lesson 25: 13 #11
    • Lesson 26: Relative Pitch
    • Lesson 27: 4ths-Maj7
    • Lesson 28: Shining Hour
    • Lesson 29: Maj #5 #9 #11
    • Lesson 30: Sing and Play
    • Lesson 31: Bach Sing-Play
    • Lesson 32: Bach – V7 – i
    • Lesson 33: Groupings
    • Lesson 34: V7 Alt Scale
    • Lesson 35: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 36: ii-V-i Harm Min
    • Lesson 37: Singing Modes
    • Lesson 38: 1st Inv Triads
    • Lesson 39: Bach Cello Suite
    • Lesson 40: HW diminished
    • Lesson 41: Shell + Tension
    • Lesson 42: Synthetic Scale
    • Lesson 43: Diminished
    • Lesson 44: Simple ii – V7
    • Lesson 45: Bird Line
    • Lesson 46: Altered Melody
    • Lesson 47: Dizzys’ Bebop
    • Lesson 48: -7b5
    • Lesson 49: sus4
  • Lessons 50 – 100
    • Lesson 50: Wide Intervals
    • Lesson 51: Maj7#5
    • Lesson 52: Enclosures
    • Lesson 53: pentatonic
    • Lesson 54: Triad w NT
    • Lesson 55: ii – V7#5 -i dim
    • Lesson 56: Giant Steps
    • Lesson 57: Scale Routine
    • Lesson 58: Dim Triads
    • Lesson 59: Tri-Tone Pairs
    • Lesson 60: Sequence
    • Lesson 61: “Drop 2”
    • Lesson 62: Masterclass
    • Lesson 63: Nat 9 ~ Flat 9
    • Lesson 64: Book ii-V-I
    • Lesson 65: Stage Fright
    • Lesson 66: Minor Major 9
    • Lesson 67: min triad add 9
    • Lesson 68: -7b5, 9, 13
    • Lesson 69: A Major
    • Lesson 70: Etudes
    • Lesson 71: E Modal
    • Lesson 72: 3 Note Cell
    • Lesson 73: Cycle Pt.1
    • Lesson 74: Cycle Pt.2
    • Lesson 75: Cycle pt.3
    • Lesson 76: 30 Days
    • Lesson 77: Triadic Blues
    • Lesson 78: 8th Note Feel
    • Lesson 79: Arpeggio
    • Lesson 80 -Triplets in 4’s
    • Lesson 81: Monk
    • Lesson 82: Maj7#5 Pent
    • Lesson 83: No Tongue
    • Lesson 85: Intervals
    • Lesson 86: Charle Parker 2
    • Lesson 87: ii-7 V7 Melody
    • Lesson 88: Bach Theme
    • Lesson 89: Altered
    • Lesson 90: Tina Brooks
    • Lesson 91: Yusef Lateef
    • Lesson 92: 3rd and 5th
    • Lesson 93: Scale Pattern
    • Lesson 94: 7Alt Monk
    • Lesson 95: Random Chords
    • Lesson 96: Augmented
    • Lesson 97: Bergonzi
    • Lesson 98: Trumbauer
    • Lesson 99: 4 Note Cell
    • Lesson 100: Triads
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