111: 2nd Inv Triad
Working on triads is something I do frequently as I find it good for my ears, my mind, my technique and my basic understanding of one of the fundamental structures found in both melody and harmony. Strong melodies and voicings
110b: Repetition
Here I work on the same material from Daily Practice 10 but only in one key (concert A major 7 #5). Using space, focusing on posture, balance and breath will allow you to cultivate many good habits while repeating a
110: Posture, Balance, Breath.
In this video I am practicing a Major 7 #5 chord while focusing on my posture, my balance and my breath. I’ll be descending by half step from concert Bb Major 7 #5. While doing this I’m focusing on balance
109: Relax, Wait, Listen.
In this video I’m working on developing or practicing what I consider to be good performance habits. These are the 3 habits I’m focusing on: relaxing, using space and listening. Staying relaxed helps you stay aware and helps you communicate
108: Stardust
In this video I play a short melodic phrase from Stardust through the 12 keys. This is the melody that I was practicing singing in the car (Daily Practice 7). By doing all the visualization of the melody and fingerings
107: Car Practice
In this video I demonstrate one of the many things I do to practice while driving. This is the type of routine that can really help make a commute or any drive a great time to practice working on music,
106: Maj7 + Alt
In this video I warm up using Major 7th chords in a broken arpeggio and Altered Scales in each key. I like warming up each day with something easy and slow, usually using a metronome. I try to play something
105: 1,9,5,13
In this video I practice using a 4 note cell or “tetrad” consisting of just the 1st, the 9th, the 5th and 13th degree of the major scale. In C this would be C, D, G and A. An interesting
104: Modes of Harmonic Minor
In this video I’m working on the modes of C harmonic minor. I play up and down the 7 scales or modes and I play up and down the 7th chord for each of the modes. The modes and their
Skype Lessons
Having taught hundreds of Skype lessons over the last ten years, I’ve come to believe that Skype is a great way to both teach and learn from the comfort of your own home. Although I’m teaching full time at KU
~Play Along CD in 7/4
This is Vol.2 of the Drum and Bass, Roots and Rhythm “play along” which is designed for both practicing and teaching. Vol. 1 has been well received and I thought one in 7/4 would be a nice addition. I’ve been
Lesson 79: Broken Arpeggio
Broken arpeggios are one great way to integrate some larger intervalic material into your improvisation while still outlining the chords that you are playing over. This simple ii-7b5, V7#5, i-6/9 melody utilizes broken arpeggios and underlying step-wise voice leading. By
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