Klarinet Archive - Posting 000238.txt from 1995/05

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Improvisation
Date: Sun, 7 May 1995 15:23:34 -0400

Fred C,
You may remember that at the very beginning of this discussion I
set out the whole course of how I teach my Jazz students. It tells
pretty much what I do first and then in what order. Check out the back
logs on this. It should answer your question below. You don't necessarily
have to be an advanced player to learn Jazz but it IS very difficult to
think purely musically when you don't have your technique set. So, in
answer to your question, YES, you SHOULD be an advanced player if you are
studying Jazz! And this means, YES, you SHOULD be very comfortable with
all your scales. Naturally, the five- and six- sharp/flat scales occur
less frequently, but they DO occur on a regular basis, so you have to know
those thoroughly too. When I teach my students, I tell them to memorize
every scale and arpeggio (major and minor) and be able to jump from one to
another without pause. However, in the lesson I concentrate only on
specific songs with their particular specific scales. I expect them to know
those scales/arpeggios cold. E-mail me privately if you want more tips.
Good luck.

Fred Jacobowitz

On Fri, 5 May 1995, Fred Cicetti wrote:

> Thanks to all for the advice on how to begin improvising. This string has
> been fascinating.
>
> Let me throw out a related question that hasn't been covered. Every book
> on improvisation goes into the many scales jazz musicians use. Dan
> Haerle's book, "Scales For Jazz Improvisation", for one, is an excellent
> teaching tool. Jamey Aebersold has a similar guide.
>
> But, once again, where to begin? The majors, of course, but what next?
> Should a beginning improvisor move to the Blues scales after the majors?
> I'd like to see the scales prioritized according to actual usage by jazz
> musicians.
>
> Most of the stuff written by the jazz teachers leaves the impression that
> you have to be skilled in all the scales.
>
> I'm sure there are a lot of opinions on this subject.
>
>
> fred cicetti
>
> cicetti@-----.com
>