Many developing jazz improvisers struggle with their solos. Often, they lack rhythmic drive, melodic development, and a solid grasp of the chord changes. Students often rely heavily on the blues scale, whether that’s the appropriate choice or not. Often, there is not enough time during rehearsals to work with soloists. This clinic offered directors at all levels 10 ways to help their students overcome these problems. Many of these can be successfully integrated into the available rehearsal time. Specific ideas, practice techniques, and “tricks of the trade” were presented that can help directors help their students craft more compelling solos. You can download the clinic handout, plus supplemental materials (PDFs, audio files, iReal Pro practice tracks) below.
Download additional PDFs, audio files, and iReal Pro practice tracks here
The handouts and other materials are great resources, but it’s not the same as actually being at the clinic. If you’d like to have Mike visit your school, district, conference, or festival, please contact him through the link on the home page.