This month we are going to study the bebop scale and it's applications on a deeper level. Most of my students know the basics of this scale, but in this series, we are going to explore the many possibilities and applications of this device. For part 1, we will talk about the five most common chord symbols and how to form a bebop scale over each of them. This will leave you armed with something to use over 95% of chords that you will see in jazz standards throughout history. Enjoy the … [Read more...]

This week sums up our series on the rhythm changes bridge with an etude written over....you guessed it, rhythm changes! We try to utilize some of the concepts that we have talked about over the last three episodes and put them in a real life situation with some context. I hope everyone out there, no matter where you are listening from, is staying safe and healthy during this trying time. Thanks so much for tuning in and I hope this episode finds you well. WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH … [Read more...]

The third in our series over the rhythm changes bridge. This one gets us pretty out there! We are going to extend the tri-tone substitution model to move into the first bar of each phrase and then use some Coltrane changes to spice up the sound even more! Hope everyone is hanging in there and finds some relief and entertainment in this episode. Stay safe and healthy everyone! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month … [Read more...]

We are back with another episode on the bridge of rhythm changes. This week, we are getting a little bit more adventurous with the chord changes. The first example features a ii chord in addition to the V chord and in our second example we are going to investigate how to use a tri-tone substitution to great effect, giving us some fantastic tension and release sounds. This chord progression seems simple on the surface, but once we realize the possibilities, we can take it as far as we like. Enjoy … [Read more...]

This month's listening recommendation takes us all the way back to 1927 with Louis Armstrong and his Hot Fives. The tune we are checking out is the amazing 'Struttin' With Some BBQ.' The energy in this recording is completely amazing and we have to remember the fact that Louis was in the process of revolutionizing jazz. Enjoy the episode and the recording! Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or … [Read more...]

This is episode 200 of the 10 Minute Jazz Lesson Podcast! Thanks so much for sticking with me and making this show such a success. It has been a pleasure to join you for the past 200 episodes and I look forward to many more! This month we are starting our series on the rhythm changes bridge. This is an interesting and perfect chord progression for many different concepts in improvisation. For part 1, we will talk about the simplest way to play this bridge and how it is structured, preparing … [Read more...]

This month is all about transcribing a melody from the late, great, Clark Terry. Although this is just a melody, it very well could be the toughest assignment yet. Have fun and make sure you post your work on the 10 Minute Jazz Lesson Community FB Page! Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or more each month. You get incredible benefits and this keeps the podcast coming at you regularly. Thanks so … [Read more...]

This week brings an end to our series on melodic fragments (crying sound) and, like we always do, we are finishing this one off with a bang featuring an etude over our tune of the month. This month features Miles Davis' composition, Four. It seemed appropriate to feature this tune since there is, in fact, a melodic fragment that starts the melody. It also contains great changes to practice these fragments we have been discussing this month. Enjoy and let me know if you have any … [Read more...]

This week brings our series on melodic fragments to a close. This time, we examine not only using the fragments in order, but mixing them up, giving you some brand new sounds with the same notes. Next week we will put these concepts into action with an etude so make sure you stay tuned! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to … [Read more...]

Hey everyone! I don't think I have ever been more excited to present something to you on this show. This week marks the beginning of our monthly ear training course for our Patreon members. Jazz is a form of music where good ears are absolutely essential. Therefore, we need a tried and true method to start recognizing intervals, harmonic movement, root movement, chord qualities, and so much more. With that being said, I present to you a very special preview of the 10 Minute Jazz Lesson Ear … [Read more...]