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FUNDAMENTALS

Module 22


LESSON 1: 6 Essential Elements – The Six of Diamonds
In this video, I share what I consider to be the six essential elements needed to sound like a professional player. I demonstrate the elements through an original blues tune, titled “The Six of Diamonds.”
The six essential elements are: 1) Notes 2) Rhythm 3) Articulation 4) Dynamics 5) Terminal Vibrato 6) Timbral Shadings. The importance of each element is explained in the video lesson. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes in C, Bb and Eb. ALL LEVELS

LESSON 2: Breathing – Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I share my approach to breathing. If you’ve ever felt short of breath while playing or felt that your tone was a bit thin, this lesson is a must. In addition to the technique of breathing, I also discuss jaw position on the mouthpiece while breathing, as well as my thoughts on long tones. ALL LEVELS. Includes PDF text notes with bullet-point lesson summary.

LESSON 3: Getting more impact from your short notes
In this video, I share my approach for getting more impact from short notes. There is a big distinction in the way that a pro player approaches short notes in the middle of a phrase.

The issue is whether the short note is slurred into or tongued as it is played. I demonstrate the two approaches and provide examples to help train your ear to clearly hear the difference between a “low impact” and “high impact” short note. If you want pro-like short notes in your lines, this lesson is essential, and a total game-changer. ALL LEVELS. Includes PDF lesson notes.


LESSON 4: Diatonic Triads
In this video, I share my system for learning and practicing diatonic triads. These triadic chord structures often get overlooked, but they’re essential for all players.
They have a different feel than the larger seventh chords, and they’re very versatile. ALL LEVELS. Includes detailed PDF practice notes in C, Bb and Eb.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Stan Getz – Jazz Samba
In this video lesson, I share some of my thoughts about the innovative way in which Stan Getz introduced the new Bossa Nova style to the world. Also includes a short demo of Getz playing diatonic triads.

aprox 40 min

Module 23


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #2 – Video Lesson

This video lesson starts with a demonstration of the lick played in several keys, followed by a step-by-step approach showing you how to create the lick.

This lesson also includes strategies for using the lick for ear training, high-speed technical practice, as well as lots of cool variations on the lick. Includes detailed PDF lesson practice notes in C, Bb and Eb. Intermediate Level.

LESSON 2: 7 Modes of Major – The Mode Sandwich
In this video lesson, I explore the traditional way the modes are taught and then demonstrate my system of playing all of the modes “sandwiched” between a low and high C.
The low and high C’s act as the top and bottom pieces of bread, with the seven different flavors of modes between the two C’s. Also includes a fun device to memorize the order of the mode names. A fun video of essentials for all players. Beginning & Intermediate level, with PDF practice notes.

LESSON 3: Interactive Metronome Practice
In this video lesson, I share an approach to working with the metronome in which the metronome is an active, rhythmic part of the solo. I have the metronome clicking on 2 & 4, and I make up a solo based on the chords of “Take the A Train.”
The solo is full of playful rhythmic twists and turns which interact with the clicks of the metronome. Includes a PDF transcription of the solo for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate & Advanced Level.

LESSON 4: Hearing the Metronome on 2 & 4
In this video lesson, I show you my technique for hearing the metronome on beats two and four.
This is an essential skill for all jazz musicians. When I hear the metronome on 2 & 4, I imagine the metronome acting as a hi-hat, since that’s where the hi-hat clicks for most swing/bop tunes in 4/4 time.
If you’ve ever had difficulty in perceiving the metronome as clicking on “2 & 4,” this video is for you.


LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Dexter Gordon – Go
In this video lesson, I discuss one of my favorite Dexter Gordon albums.

aprox 29 min

Module 24


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #11 – Video lesson
In this video lesson, we work with Hip Lick #11. This is an extremely useful lick. It’s just six notes, and it fits a Dmi7 chord, a G7 chord, or both chords, with the first four notes of the lick over the Dmi7 and the final two notes over the G7 chord.
This lesson is packed with lots of useful suggestions for creating variations on the lick. It also includes a practice strategy using my “speed bag” technique. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb and Eb instruments. Intermediate level.

LESSON 2: 7 Note Tape Measure® Scales
In this video lesson, I take you through the seven note tape measure® scales in all four directions, played in the cycle. There are some very interesting note groupings on this one, with some shifting accents as you change keys.
Includes PDF lesson notes. Intermediate and Advanced Level.

LESSON 3: Intervals in Action – Perfect 5ths Introduction Video
In this video lesson, we’ll explore 34 different harmonizations of a perfect 5th interval.

I have played all of the chords on the piano, placing the interval in the upper voice of the right hand. Focus on the way that the sound of the interval changes with each new chord. Important: In order to use the PDF play-along and read it without having to transpose, be sure to select and play the video that corresponds to the key of your instrument (C, Bb or Eb). Intermediate & Advanced level. Includes PDF of Intervals in Action page 69, which corresponds to the video.


LESSON 4: Perfect 5ths – Greg Fishman Tenor Sax Demo
In this video, I play the chord arpeggios, followed by the perfect fifth interval of C to G on the tenor. A transcription of this performance is included as a PDF with this lesson.
It is interesting to note that when I recorded this video, I was listening to the sound of the piano and then figuring out the chords in real-time as they were played. For me, this is great ear-training! In post video production, I have placed a graphic with the chord symbols on the screen, so that you can watch me play the notes and also seeing the chord symbols

LESSON 5: Bb Edition – Perfect 5ths Piano Accompaniment
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Bb Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument. BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.
INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.”

LESSON 6: Eb Edition – Perfect 5ths Piano Accompaniment
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Eb Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument.
BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.
INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.

LESSON 7: C Edition – Perfect 5ths – Piano Accompaniment
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Concert C Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument.
BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.
INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.”

LESSON 3: Listening Recommendation: Sonny Stitt – Personal Appearance
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite Sonny Stitt albums, Personal Appearance, recorded in 1957.

aprox 22 min

Module 25


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #8 – Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #8 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1.
This is a popular ii mi7 – V7 lick that starts on the 7th of the mi7 chord. Also includes a brief theory discussion about ii / V chords. PDF includes detailed practice notes as well as the lick written out in all 12 keys plus. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Embracing the 4th of the chord
In this video lesson, I demonstrate how I like to use the 4th of the scale or chord to create tension and then resolve the note to the 3rd or 5th. Many aspiring players have been told that the 4th is an “avoid note.” This is very bad advice because all players need to know how to deal with this note when it comes up. You can’t just ignore it or avoid it.
I recall that I was given this advice in school, only to put on a Sonny Stitt record and hear him using the 4th extensively, especially over dominant chords. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 3: How to get a full tone on the Palm Keys
Many group members have written to me, asking for a video lesson teaching them how to get a big, powerful sound on their palm keys. In this video, I share my unique approach to getting a full, big tone on the palm keys.
The video features a demonstration of the “pro” approach and the “amateur” approach to the palm keys. In this lesson, I explain and explore the reasons for the thin, pinched sound of the aspiring player, and I show you how to fix these problems by shifting your tongue and throat position and changing your air support.

If you’ve ever had trouble getting a nice sound on your palm keys, this video will be transformative. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL


LESSSON 4: The Coltrane Triplets
In this video lesson, I share what I call the “Coltrane Triplets.” This is a way of practicing your chord arpeggios with triplets.
It’s great for your technique, and it also provides a nice rhythmic feel to your chord practice. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.
CLICK HERE to download PDF lesson materials

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Dave Brubeck – Time Out
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Dave Brubeck’s monumental 1959 recording, “Time Out,” featuring the great Paul Desmond on alto.

aprox 33 min

Module 33


LESSON 1: Voice Leading 101 – Part 1 of 2
In this two-part video lesson, I take you through the essentials of voice leading, introducing you to the concept from the keyboard, making it very easy for your ear to follow along.
I cover four essential voice-leading moves over a ii / V / I. Incorporating these moves into your playing will make your playing sound smooth and connected. Every pro player uses these moves. I use a special vocal sound patch on the keyboard, which really makes it easy to hear the voice leading lines in the demonstration.
I break the lesson down to that even non-pianists will be able to get the essence of the concept and put it on their horns. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate Level.

LESSON 2: Voice Leading 101 – Part 2 of 2
This video lesson continues where part 1 left off, showing you how to take the individual voice leading lines and combine them to form melodies.
I include strategies to create two-part, three-part and four-part melodies based on the voice leading lines. PDF practice materials include very detailed notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate & Advanced Level.

LESSON 3: Chicago Ave (Satin Doll) – Melodic Embellishment
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Chicago Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.” This is a medium tempo swing piece based on chords similar to “Satin Doll.” In the lesson, I’ll show you how I embellish the original melody of Chicago Avenue by connecting new notes to the original melody.
I demonstrate approaches using arpeggios, fills and melodic variations as I take you through the piece. This is an essential skill for all improvisers. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 4: Listening Recommendation: The Hi Lo’s: And All That Jazz
Recorded in 1958, this masterpiece by the Hi-Lo’s is one of my favorite vocal jazz albums. The Hi-Lo’s, comprised of four male vocalists: Clark Burroughs, Gene Puerling, Bob Strasen and Bob Morse.
They were one of the first (and best IMHO) jazz vocal groups to incorporate modern jazz harmony, complete with chord clusters including b9/#9, #11, etc. They had impeccable timing and intonation. This album teams them up with one of my favorite arrangers, the great Mary Paich, with an all-star cast of jazz players including: Jack Sheldon, Mel Lewis, Herb Geller and Bud Shank. Listening to their beautiful harmonizations is a lesson in voice leading and great for ear training. Also, they just have so much fun when they sing, it’s always a pleasant listening experience. Some of their stuff can range from ultra sophisticated to a bit tongue-in-cheek corny, but with a sort of wink….they’re just having fun with all of it. You’ll hear that on the tune “Lady in Red.” This is a long time favorite album for me. I hope that you enjoy it.

aprox 35 min