Recycling in Jazz Improvisation
The following is an exerpt from my book, "Recycling in Jazz Improvisation" which can be downloaded as a pdf iunder the "Shop" tab.
The core concept for this book started a while ago when I began teaching my younger trumpet students to practice major scales in what I call "scale fragments". I have found that this can be a more efficient means to work on major, diminished, whole-tone, and…
Juggling Versatility
A Trend In Trumpet Playing
I have found that in recent years there seems to be a trend for music students, in particular, students of the trumpet, to strive for music careers that encompass and embrace a wider variety of musical styles. Perhaps this is due in part to the fact that the freelancing musical climate has changed from one where a player could more easily make a living doing just…
Know Your Sphere, And Play In It
Martial Arts study taught me to be aware of different spheres of influence that are always present; a safe or un-reachable distance from my opponent, the distance of my initial contact, the preferred distance of greatest control, and too close. I had a musical experience that got me thinking about these spheres not in a physical context but from a musical performance perspective. As a…
Recycling the Major Pentatonic Scale
The following article is an excerpt from my book, "Recycling in Jazz Improvisation" which can be downloaded as a pdf in my Books section of www.DavidCooperMusic.com.
There has been a lot of great information written about the use of the pentatonic scale in jazz. My intention here is not to detract from any of it but hopefully through the use of recycling, simplify how one thinks about…
So, you think you know your major scales?
The following article is an excerpt from my book, “Recycling in Jazz Improvisation” which can be downloaded as a PDF under my "Shop" tab above.
Can you Play the Phone Book? Here is an exercise that should test that knowledge, expand your ear, strengthen your interval recognition and further develop your facility in all keys. When working on patterns or licks in all keys I have found it very…