LESSON 1: Exploring Hip Lick #9

In this video lesson, I explore Hip Lick #9, extending the lick with the same ii / V chords, as well as making the lick resolve to a I maj7 chord. I also demonstrate the effect of starting the lick in four different locations; beats 1,2,3 & 4. In addition, I also demonstrate the lick in 12 keys. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb & C instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Major II V I vs. minor II V I – Apples to Apples Comparison

In this video lesson, I’ll give you an “apples-to-apples” comparison of a line played over a major ii / V / I and then that same line, harmonically adapted to fit a minor ii / V / i. If you’ve ever felt unsure about the sound of the minor ii / V / I, this video will put things clearly into focus. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Bebop line over the bridge of “I Got Rhythm” from Two Voice-leading Lines

In this video lesson, I show you how I constructed a Bebop eighth-note line over the bridge of “I Got Rhythm,” using two voice-leading lines to nail the changes. Next time you’re playing “Oleo,” play this line on the bridge, and you’ll hear how clearly this approach outlines the changes. In the lesson, first I’ll play the eight-measure line for you and then I’ll deconstruct it, going step-by-step through the process I used to construct the line. Some very good and practical information about using the Bebop scale in this lesson, as well. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 4: Palm Key Hand Position Exercise

In this video lesson, I share my system for fixing years of poor palm key finger positioning. Most intermediate players, or even advanced players with poor left-hand palm key technique, tend to play with flat, straight fingers when it comes to playing the palm keys.

This causes a lack of fluency when switching between the palm keys and the lower range of the horn. In order to achieve fluency of technique, you will need to keep the fingers as curved as possible while pressing the palm keys. This lesson presents a three-step approach to gaining control over the palm keys.

There are no PDF notes with this lesson, as it’s best that you watch the video and imitate the moves on your horn. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Stan Getz – Focus

This Stan Getz masterpiece from 1961 is simply like no other record. This was Stan’s own favorite album of all of his many wonderful recordings. It’s a suite of seven pieces with a string orchestra, composed and arranged by the great Eddie Sauter.

Stan’s part is completely improvised, and the freshness and searching quality of his improvisations make this a truly unique classic. It’s not “straight-ahead,” though. Sort of a hybrid between jazz and classical. Highly recommended.

LESSON 1: Four Directions – Thinking Locally and Globally

I often mention practicing in four directions for gaining mastery over your scales, chords and intervals. In this video lesson, I explore and explain the four directions. I describe the difference between thinking “locally” and “globally” when playing a sequential pattern.

This is a major concept that will help you improve your ear and your ability to memorize songs and musical vocabulary. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Finding the hidden Diminished and Augmented Chords in the Chromatic Scale

In this video lesson, I show you how to use the chromatic scale to diminished chords and augmented chords. Although I demonstrate these same chords in different video lessons (playing all of them on piano), this is an alternative approach, designed to help players that find it a real challenge learning the traditional way.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes.

LESSON 3: Exploring Hip Lick #37

In this video lesson, I work with lick #37 from the book “Hip Licks for Saxophone Volume 1.” This is a two-measure C7 lick that uses part of the bebop scale, contrary motion, sequence and a diatonic enclosure.

The lesson explores the lick from many different angles, taking the first half of the lick as a stand-alone lick. I also demonstrate how to create lots of rhythmic variations on the lick, as well as how to transpose the lick not only to twelve keys but how to make the first half of the lick in one key, while transposing only the second part of the lick. Whether you’re just starting out, and intermediate player, or a seasoned pro, there’s something in this lesson for all levels.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 4: The “Dooden” Tongue

In this video lesson, I share my technique for this popular special effect tonguing used by Getz, Bird, Pres and many of the top players from the Swing/Bop era. This one is intentionally an “all-ear” lesson, so there are no practice notes on this one.

Be sure and play along with me where indicated in the portion of the lesson where we’ll trade back and forth with the rhythm on the concert G while using the dooden tonguing effect. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Clifford Brown • Max Roach

This amazing 1958 album has so many classics…Daahoud, Joy Spring, Jordu, Parisian Thoroughfare…all on the same album. The beauty and symmetry of Clifford’s playing throughout this album is breathtaking.

Also, check out the interaction between Max Roach and Clifford. Harold Land also is in great form on this album. One of my favorites.

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.

LESSON 1: Bebop Scale Highway – Part 1 of 3
Perhaps you’re familiar with the term “Bebop Scale.” The most common form of the scale is to play a descending Mixolydian scale with the addition of a major seventh. This extra note causes a shift in the placement of the notes in the scale, shifting the primary chord tones on the downbeats.

LESSON 2: Bebop Scale Highway – Part 2 of 3
In part 2 of this lesson the Bebop Scale highway, I demonstrate how to combine different exits for the descending or “Southbound” form of the scale. I also introduce four different exits for the ascending or “Northbound” version of the scale. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate and advanced level.

LESSON 3: Bebop Scale Highway – Part 3 of 3
In part three of this lesson, I demonstrate several different ways to practice the scale and the variations as I play along with Aebersold Volume 16 at a slow practice tempo and also at a fast, professional level tempo. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate and advanced level.

LESSON 4: Listening Recommendation: Antonio Carlos Jobim – Wave
Recorded in 1967, this masterpiece by Antonio Carlos Jobim is one of my favorite albums, in no small part because of the incredibly beautiful arranging and orchestrations of the great Claus Ogerman. Jobim, himself is on piano and guitar, and Ron Carter is playing bass.

The album features two of Jobim’s biggest hits — Wave and Triste, two staples in the Brazilian/Jazz repertoire.

LESSON 1: Ogden Avenue (Take the A Train) – Melodic Embellishment
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Ogden Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.”

This is a medium tempo swing piece based on chords similar to “Take the A Train.” In the lesson, I’ll show you how I embellish the original melody by connecting ideas with additional notes or sequences. This is an essential skill for all improvisers. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, Includes PDF notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 1 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
This is part one of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones.

I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords. The upper and lower neighboring tones are an essential part of the musical language.

Once you’ve learned how to apply these concepts, your playing will have a new level of fluency and polish. Includes extensive practice PDF notes for each of the three videos. Includes parts of Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 2 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
This is part two of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones. I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords.

The upper and lower neighboring tones are an essential part of the musical language. Once you’ve learned how to apply these concepts, your playing will have a new level of fluency and polish.

Includes extensive practice PDF notes for each of the three videos. Includes parts of Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Part two focuses specifically on the usage of the upper neighboring tones.

LESSON 4: Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 3 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
This is part three of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones. I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords.

The upper and lower neighboring tones are an essential part of the musical language. Once you’ve learned how to apply these concepts, your playing will have a new level of fluency and polish. Includes extensive practice PDF notes for each of the three videos.

Includes parts of Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Part three focuses on combining the lower and upper neighboring tones, how to apply both upper and lower neighboring tones to minor chords, and includes extensive playing examples.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Count Basie – E=MC2
One of my all-time favorite Count Basie albums, E=MC2. Neal Hefti arrangements. The band is just smokin’ on this one. I love the close miking, as well. Feels like we’re in the same room with the band. The Basie band conveys such power, but it’s never forced. Beautiful buoyancy to the feel. Great solos. A great addition to any serious jazz collection.

LESSON 1: The JS Bach Effect

In this video lesson, I explore what I call the “JS Bach” effect. With this effect, Bach turns a basic triad into a melodic masterpiece.

He does this by raising the 3rd of the chord by an octave and changing the note order from 1-3-5 to 1-5-3. This may sound like a simple device, but since it involves some large intervals, it takes a little bit of practice to get comfortable playing it on the saxophone.

I first noticed this great effect when I hear the Bach Cello Suites. This effect is one of my favorites on any instrument, and it really gets your ear to hear the 3rd of any chord very clearly. I demonstrate the JS Bach effect with diatonic triads and also major and minor triads played in the cycle. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Melodic Embellishment
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Milwaukee Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.”

This is a medium tempo blues with plenty of space in the melody, similar to a “standard.” In the lesson, I’ll show you how I embellish the original melody by connecting ideas with additional notes or sequences. This is an essential skill for all improvisers. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, Includes PDF notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 3: The Dexter Bb Shake
In this video lesson, I show you what I call the “Dexter Bb Shake.” I named it for Dexter Gordon because I first noticed the way that he used the effect.

Although many other tenor players also use this expressive device, I still associate it with Dexter. This is a fun lesson and it helps you work on what I call “timbral shading,” which means modifying the timbre of the note. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

Includes PDF practice notes. Since this lesson is dependant on this exact fingering to produce the effect, the PDF is only in the tenor key. This effect will work well on alto with the same fingering, as well.

LESSSON 4: Sonny Rollins Style Articulation
In this video, I demonstrate an intense style of articulation that I learned from listening to one of my favorite players, the great Sonny Rollins. Sonny has an incredible amount of energy and power in his playing, and he’s developed an incredibly percussive style of articulation which introduces short notes in the middle of fast-moving eighth-note lines.

The video includes a demonstration comparing the smoother Sonny Stitt approach to this more percussive approach. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes PDF for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Sonny Rollins Plus 4
In this video, I discuss one of my favorite Sonny Rollins albums, “Sonny Rollins Plus 4.” This is on the Prestige record label, recorded in 1956.

LESSON 1: Basic Voice leading for a ii – V – I – PART 1 of 2
In this video lesson, I share some essential voice-leading strategies which will transform your chord arpeggios, making them sound smooth and professional.

f you’re used to just arpeggiating your ii – V – I chords as 1-3-5-7, one after another, this video (in two parts) will take you to the next level! Part one of the lesson deals with major ii V I progressions. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Basic Voice leading for a ii – V – I – PART 2 of 2
In this video lesson, I share some essential voice-leading strategies which will transform your chord arpeggios, making them sound smooth and professional.

If you’re used to just arpeggiating your ii – V – I chords as 1-3-5-7, one after another, this video (in two parts) will take you to the next level! Part two of the lesson deals with minor ii V I progressions. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 3: Hip Lick #49
Hip Lick #49 is based on Cmi7. It’s a two-measure lick that outlines the primary notes of the chord (7-5-3-1) while also including some popular bebop elements, such as the opening triplet rhythm on the first beat.

I demonstrate how to use dynamics to liven up the lick and I also play it in 12 keys, descending chromatically. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSSON 4: Why Does My Playing Sound so Choppy (and how do I make it Smoother)?
Many students come to me with the same issue…they want to have a smooth sound when playing eighth-note lines, but no matter how slowly they practice, they still have a “choppy” sound. This is a tricky problem to correct because it has several causes.

I explore the three main reasons for the “choppy” sound issue and provide effective solutions for this frustrating issue. When I show these techniques to my students, it immediately raises their playing level, and many years of frustration go away very quickly.

While it will take some time and effort to fix the problem, with the tips from this video lesson, you’ll be sounding smoother than you ever thought possible. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Marcos Valle – Samba 68
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Marcos Valle’s “Samba ’68.” It’s deceptive because it sounds so light and fluffy and simple. Actually, it’s incredibly deep, sophisticated writing with some of the catchiest melodies I’ve ever heard.

Each tune is a masterpiece of melodic construction, performed in a charming, relaxed manner, by the composer himself, singing and playing guitar.

The lush orchestrations are by Deodato. Recorded in 1967 and released in 1968, at the tail-end of the bossa nova craze, this is a rare gem of a record.

LESSON 1: How to Play What You Hear in Your Head
In this video lesson, I share some of my techniques for getting the sounds in your head to come out on your horn.

This is an all “by ear” lesson. Includes a detailed description of the process involved in practicing to develop this unique skill. This lesson is a must for all playing levels, from beginner to advanced level

LESSON 2: Stan Getz Minor 2nd Interval placement – as the 3rd and 9th over a mi7 chord
In this video lesson, we’ll explore one of my favorite harmonic settings a minor second interval, acting as the 3rd / 9th / 3rd of a minor seventh chord. This has a very Getzian kind of sound…smooth and melodic. Includes page 22 from “Intervals in Action,” plus detailed PDF practice guide for C, Bb and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

LESSON 3: Phil Woods Turnaround Lick
In this video lesson, I explore what I call the “Phil Woods” turnaround lick. It uses two voice-leading notes to create a beautifully balanced, melodic line of eighth-notes.

We’ll work with a progression of: Emi7 A7b9 / Dmi7 G7b9 / Cmaj7 in the video, but the included PDFs have transposed parts for Eb, Bb and C instruments. Intermediate Level with some additional tips at the end of the video lesson for advanced players.

LESSSON 4: Bebop Tradition: How to Mix a Minor Triad with a Diminished 7th Chord
Part of the bebop tradition involves the usage of both upper extensions and implied harmony. The mixing of the minor triad with a diminished seventh chord adds a strong harmonic boost to any minor passage.

When you mix the diminished seventh chord in with the minor triad, the implied harmony is a temporary V7b9 chord that switches back to the i minor chord.

If this description sounds really complicated, let me just say that it’s a really cool sound, and it’s really easy to add this to your playing. You’ll definitely recognize it when you hear it. INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED level. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb, and C instruments.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Charlie Parker with Strings
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Charlie Parker’s masterpiece album, “Charlie Parker with Strings.” The album features popular standards from the Great American Songbook, arranged for the strings-plus-rhythm section. Parker at his most eloquent. One of my all-time favorites.

LESSON 1: Double-time Passage from Ravenswood Avenue
In this video lesson, you’ll observe me working with my Skype student Ritchie Graham (in Scotland). Over the years, many students have struggled with this double-time passage that I composed for my etude “Ravenswood Avenue.”

I share some unique practice techniques for gaining control over this tricky passage. Rather than just playing the phrase myself, I felt that it would be very instructive for our group members to observe how quickly Ritchie improves his command of the phrase by simply following my unique practice approach. Includes PDF of the phrase in Bb, Eb and C.

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

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LESSON 2: Confirmation Changes / Hyde Park Blvd w/Aebersold
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to nail the changes on Confirmation through good voice-leading, demonstrated in my contrafact for Confirmation, titled “Hyde Park Boulevard.”

This video includes me playing along with the fantastic Jamey Aebersold Volume 6 “All Bird” featuring Kenny Barron, Ron Carter and Ben Riley. I also play an improvised solo, demonstrating what I call “first gear,” which is a very melodic way of navigating the changes.

The lesson includes a full PDF transcription of my improvised solo, as well as written out voice-leading lines over the chords for the A section of Confirmation. PDFs are for C, Bb, and Eb instruments. Intermediate and Advanced level.

LESSON 3: Lifting Weights – The Importance of Daily Practice
In this video, I read the first chapter of my book, “The Lobster Theory.” This chapter is called “Lifting Weights,” and it’s about the importance of practicing each day.

LESSON 4: Sonny Stitt Triplets
In this video lesson, I’ll show you a very cool Sonny Stitt triplet pattern that works great over a ii mi7 / V7 progression.

Features analysis of chord tones used in the lick, as well as ear training advice on hearing the lick over the chords. Includes detailed PDF practice notes plus the lick written out in 12 keys for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate Level.

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LESSON 1 – 4: Four part series, how to Transcribe Solos 
In this four-part lesson, I’ll show you my process for transcribing solos. This lesson is really dense and packed with tips and techniques for transcribing. For the demonstration of how to transcribe, I’ve selected the first chorus of a Sonny Stitt blues called “Down With It.”

You’ll see me listen, figure out the notes and then write them on the staff paper in music notation with the correct pitches, rhythms and chords. Along the way, I’ll share many tips and suggestions about the transcription process. Includes PDF of the solo I transcribe in the video lesson for Bb, Eb and C instruments, as well as a page of blank staff paper.

To make this lesson really interactive, print out the staff paper and transcribe along with me, mirroring what I write on the sheet on screen. This will give you the very satisfying feeling of what it’s like to start with a blank page and end up with a beautiful transcribed solo.

NOTE: THE AUDIO SOFTWARE I USE IN THIS VIDEO IS CALLED “ANY TUNE.” Other similar apps are called: TRANSCRIBE, AMAZING SLOW DOWNER, AND MUSIC SPEED CHANGER. If you do a search for “10 Best Slow Down Music Apps (Android/IPhone) 2020” you’ll get a nice listing of similar apps and a brief review of their features.

In the old days, none of this technology existed, and I would transcribe from a cassette player, and then directly from a CD player (which still actually works pretty well). The main thing to remember is to be very patient while transcribing and to have lots of patience with yourself and with the process.

LESSON 5: The Chromatic Triplet Trick
In this video lesson, I’ll show you a very cool and useful pattern based on a triplet rhythm, using the chromatic scale. This pattern works incredibly well to nail the changes of a minor ii / V / i chord progression.

I’ll show you how to use this pattern from the root, third and fifth of the mi7b5 chord, and also explain how the pattern creates a very pleasing voice-leading move from the ii chord to the V7 chord. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 6: Listening Recommendation: Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, the Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane album on the Prestige label. The album features lots of catchy bebop-oriented tunes plus one ballad with Coltrane duet with Kenny Burrell on guitar. Great album!

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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

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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.