This class will focus on two approaches to improvising- harmonic generalization, which utilizes fixed sets of notes or note groupings to improvise over an entire chord progression, and harmonic specificity, where one focuses on outlining the chord progression in a detailed way. We will practice these skills over various forms, discuss how both are valid approaches to improvisation (and work best when combined), and show how to best move from harmonic generalization to utilizing some harmonic specificity in your own solos. This class is for all instruments, and is focused towards beginner/intermediate levels.
Instructor Bio
Dr. Jesse McBee is a jazz trumpet player currently based in Omaha, NE. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, the University of Louisville with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Doctorate of Musical Arts. He is currently the Store Manager of Thompson Music, a professional brass shop in Omaha, NE, and also serves as an instructor at Iowa Western Community College. Prior to this, he was on faculty at West Virginia University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. In addition to his work as a performer and educator throughout the Midwest, he has had the opportunity to perform and present at the Jazz Education Network Conference and the International Society for Improvised Music Conference.
www.jessemcbeejazz.com