Module 07

LESSON 1: The Fork in the Road (Perpetual Cycle Pattern)
In this video lesson, Greg shows you how to keep a constant flow of notes going through the cycle while alternating between two different patterns. Great for technique, concentration, ear-training and voiceleading. Every jazz saxophonist should know these two essential patterns. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 2: Altissimo “G” on the Tenor Saxophone
In this video lesson, Greg shares his unique approach to teaching altissimo. Rather than the traditional method of playing overtones from low Bb to achieve the altissimo notes, Greg has a different approach, showing you how to play overtones on the neck to give you a more accurate feeling of the way that the reed needs to vibrate when playing in the altissimo range of the saxophone. PDF notes include a fingering chart for both alto and tenor to play an altissimo “G.” INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 3: Grand Avenue Etude – Alto Version
Greg takes you through a detailed anaylsis of musical highlights in the etude “Grand Avenue,” from “Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Vol. 1.” This etude is based on chords similar to the old standard, “Out of Nowhere.” The etude is packed with examples of classic Bebop devices, including enclosures, chromatic scale usage, voiceleading and more. This lesson includes a very detailed PDF, packed with exercises and insights practicing the compositional devices used in this etude. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 4: Grand Avenue Etude – Tenor Version
Greg takes you through a detailed anaylsis of musical highlights in the etude “Grand Avenue,” from “Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Vol. 1.” This etude is based on chords similar to the old standard, “Out of Nowhere.” The etude is packed with examples of classic Bebop devices, including chromatic scale usage, voiceleading and more. This lesson includes a very detailed PDF, packed with exercises and insights practicing the compositional devices used in this etude. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 5: Road Tips – The Eb = ?
Greg shows how to keep your mind focused and sharp even when you’re away from the horn. This music theory game involves thinking of the note “Eb” as different degrees of major scales.
Membership course
aprox 35 min

Module 08

LESSON 1: Dressing up a Dominant 7th Arpeggio with enclosure around the 3rd
In this lesson, I’ll show you how to go beyond a basic chord arpeggio by changing the order of the notes, switching from 1-3-5-7 to 1-5-3-7 and then adding an enclosure to the 3rd. Also includes some very cool idiomatic fingerings to fatten up the sound of some notes. PDF includes transription of the exercise in 12 keys. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.
LESSON 2: Diatonic 7th Chords
In this video, I show you how to practice diatonic seventh chords on the piano. This lesson is very important for all musicians, whether they play saxophone or trumpet…the piano is the most complete instrument, harmonically speaking, and practicing chords on the piano really took my hearing (and sax playing) to a new level. This material in this video is essnential for all levels. BEGINNING / INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.
LESSON 3: Chromatic Bebop Scales with alternating starting points
In this video lesson, I show you how to practice the bebop scale from two different starting points–the root from the top, descending, and also from the 3rd, ascending. This pattern has a very smooth sound and it will give you great control of the scale. The transition between the two scales includes an enclosure that sets up the new scale. I’ve also included special tips on sneaking in a breath during a long-phrase, as well as some optional rhythms which can be used for the ascending scale. If you have your basic bebop scale under control (starting from the root and ending on the root), you’re ready for this next step. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSSON 4: Locrian Mode – A new system for learning the scale
In this video, I show you a different approach to learning the Locrian scale. First, I review the traditional way the scale is taught. Next, I show you a different system that has worked well for me. The system involves combining two chords to form the scale. In the second half of the video, I show you a nice iimi7/V7b9/i mi line which nails the changes. Also includes a discussion of the application of the descending Harmonic Minor scale. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 5: Walking and Thinking in Regulated Time – Scales & Fitness
In this video lesson, I share one of my personal practice techniques of walking and practicing my scales in time, coordinated with my footsteps. This is a great way to get your scales and chords together while getting out of the practice room for some exercise and fresh air. When you come back to the horn after this type of work, you’ll be amazed at how easy it feels to play through your scales and chords. I’ve been doing this for many years, and it really works! Have fun with it.
Membership course
aprox 35 min