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Diatonic Cycles (w/ leading tones thru 6 keys)

This exercise is a pattern where the harmony is moving in 4ths through each key; the “diatonic” cycle of 4ths. * I purposely put a G# the E chord because it resolving to Am7 (Fly Me to The Moon Changes). You can keep the G “natural” and make the harmony E-7. Then it is truly the diatonic cycle of 4ths!

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Triad Exercise (circle of 5ths)

Listen how the bass note changes the “sound” of the triad and also changes the “harmony”. The right hand never changes! This will help the student practice through the cycle of 4ths/5ths and develop a better understanding of harmony (root note/ voicing)

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ii-7 V7 Exercise (L.H Focus)

This exercise is essential for all jazz musicians! ii-7 V7 progressions are the most common chord progression in jazz and this exercise will help you improvise through the progressions! Practice slowly and focus on your left hand chords. The 2nd exercise is more advanced and includes “leading tones” before each chord.

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Quartal Harmony: Modes

This exercise deals with “quartal harmony” or 4th harmony! This is a great exercise to practice to develop a more “modern” sound when improvising. (60’s modal jazz type of sound; i.e McCoy Tyner among others) Practice slowly and through all 12 keys!

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Pentatonic Functions

This exercise is a great way to practice the pentatonic scale and change chords/voicings in the left hand (for pianists). Other instrumentalists would use a backing track to “hear” how the “voicing” affects the sound and function of the pentatonic scale!

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Quote of the Day

The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers. Roy Ayers