Welcome to this part of “the MDM experience!” 🙂 I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with student jazz ensembles of every size, experience level, and age imaginable. And, I’ve had a chance to work with their directors, too. Some are long-time teachers, and very experienced in jazz. Some are younger, and less comfortable in this genre. Most share the same kinds of questions:
- How can I help my students become better improvisers?
- What’s the best way to teach jazz theory? (Many add “Heck, I’d like to know more about that myself!”)
- What’s the best way for me to help the rhythm section?
- How can I make our rehearsal time more effective?
Please explore this part of the site. I think you’ll find a lot of material that you can use…things like:
- Inside The Score: rehearsal suggestions, ideas for soloists, tips for the rhythm section, and more.
- Rhythm Section 911: making sense of chord symbols, comping, getting the right guitar sound, better bass lines, and more.
- Jazz Theory and Improvisation: Jazz Theory 101 — 301: a series of specific topics, with accompanying examples and media files, for beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- Tip of the Week: Every week, I’ll post a short lesson that you can share with your students (PDF and practice tracks included!) You’ll find this on the home page.
- Charts of the Month: I’ll spotlight 2 or 3 charts (big band, vocal, combo) that I really like (and that you may have missed!)
- The handouts and media files from my conference presentations.
- Info on commissions, master classes, and guest artist performances at you school/campus.
- And lots more to come!