Module 16

LESSON 1: Hearing Your Way Down a 7th Chord
This video lesson will help you to improve your ability to play descending chords (7-5-3-1). Many aspiring players have no problem playing ascending chords (1-3-5-7), but playing that same chord backwards (descending) presents a real challenge. In this video, I explain why the descending chords can be more difficult for some players, and I share my unique approach to help you hear your way down the chords. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL
LESSON 2: 3 Four Contours of 3rds Over a ii / V / I Progression
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to highlight the third of each chord in a ii / V / I progression to create lines with four different contours. These contours have a powerful effect on the type of melodic line you’ll create. This lesson also shares tips for creating rhythmic and melodic variations in your phrases. If you ever feel like you play good notes in your solos, but your phrases are lacking in clarity of direction, this lesson is exactly what you need to take things to the next level. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
LESSON 3: Hip Lick #7 Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #7 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1. This is a ii mi7 – V7 lick. It’s a one-measure lick with a nice seven-to-three voiceleading move included. Very easy to play, and it nails the changes. Includes tips on hearing the roots of the chords while playing the lick, working the lick in 12 keys and creating a nice variation on the lick. PDF lesson notes included. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.
LESSSON 4: 4 Note Tape Measure® Scales
In this video, I demonstrate the four note tape measure scales. This is the first four notes of each major scale, played in the cycle. I play the four notes in four directions: 1. Up 2. Down 3. Up/Down 4. Down/Up. I also discuss and demonstrate some different phrasing techniques for the four note scales, as well as playing each grouping twice for a technical workout. Includes PDF Lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
Membership course
aprox 37 min

Module 17

LESSON 1: Modes of Modes – How to use Locrian over a V7 Chord
In this video lesson, I show you how to use the Locrian mode in a new setting, over a dominant chord (in addition to using it over a mi7b5 chord). I call this approach “Modes of Modes,” because it gives you the flexibility to apply any mode to a different chord by taking the entire scale and placing it on notes other than the root of the chord. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Why do I even need the Locrian mode…I can only use it over mi7b5 chords,” this video will immediately show you how you can use this great sounding mode overall dominant chords. It will really open up your hearing. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.
LESSON 2: Ostinato Bass Figure with Solo Breaks
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to play an ostinato bass pattern (a short, repeated theme) and take solo breaks. This is a really fun and effective way to improve your sense of time, your groove and your ability to improvise over a two or four measure solo break. This style of playing is also very effective if you ever want to play unaccompanied solo saxophone. It teaches you how to switch between performing the role of the rhythm section and the role of the soloist. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 3: Adding a Pedal Note to Scales for “High Melodic Mileage”
In this video lesson, I’ll show how to use a device called a “pedal,” which will instantly transform your scales into very catchy, melodic phrases for use in your improvised solos. I call this approach “high melodic mileage,” because it helps you to find many more melodic uses the scales. The pedal helps to break up the monotony of the scale by highlighting lager intervals. The pedal also lends itself to naturally creating rhythmic interest in your lines. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: 5 Note Tape Measure® Scales
In this video, I demonstrate the four note tape measure scales. This is the first four notes of each major scale, played in the cycle. I play the four notes in four direcitons: 1. Up 2. Down 3. Up/Down 4. Down/Up. I also discuss and demonstrate some different phrasing techniques for the four note scales, as well as playing each grouping twice for a technical workout. Includes PDF Lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 5: Road Tips – The D = ?
In this video, I demonstrate the five note tape measure scales. This is the first five notes of each major scale, played in the cycle. I play the five notes in four direcitons: 1. Up 2. Down 3. Up/Down 4. Down/Up. I play all examples in 3/4 and in 5/4. Includes detailed PDF Lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.
LESSON 6: Using Everyday Sounds to Locate Notes on Your Instrument?
I’m constantly aware of environmental sounds. Whether I’m in my car, listening to the “ding” telling me that the car is starting, a railroad crossing bell, an elevator chime, etc. I connect those sounds with the fingerings required to produce those pitches on my instrument. This can be tricky if you play multiple instruments, so I recommend that you use fingerings for your my primary instrument. This is a fun way to reinforce the location of the sounds you hear in your mind. As you get better at locating these external sounds, you will also improve your ability to locate internal sounds, such as the ones you’re hearing in your mind.
Membership course
aprox 23 min