Intro to Jazz Blues Improvisation (Guitar)

Course Information

This practical-skills based course is specifically tailored for guitarists who wish to take the next step in their improvised soloing and accompaniment skills. Students will develop their improvisation within traditional blues forms from the perspective of jazz theory and jazz improvisers. Subject to students’ abilities and learning needs this harmonic foundation can then be expanded into the traditional jazz blues form. Throughout this course, students will workshop the central conceptual, harmonic, and idiomatic material necessary to advance their improvised playing within these distinct and challenging styles. Video assignments and group activities will be orientated to individual development based on each student’s prior knowledge while they are supported in developing effective practice routines and strategies specific to improvised music. A final live performance of course material and viva voce will provide a basis of summative assessment and feedback. Upon completion, successful learners will have advanced their understanding and execution of improvisation in the context of blues and jazz while acquiring the necessary skills and resources to continue in their own self-directed learning.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

The course is designed to accommodate learners at different levels of instrumental development who wish to focus on their improvisation skills. Preparatory individual lessons are advised for those wishing to begin in the strongest position, while interested applicants can also avail of a list of useful materials to prepare. This course is ideal for classical, traditional, and pop guitarists who wish to study improvisation, as well as blues musicians wishing to incorporate jazz elements into their playing and vice versa. To gain the greatest benefit we ask that students come motivated and prepared to invest the necessary time to practice the material and complete class assignments.

COURSE TUTOR:

Daniel Soro is a highly qualified and experienced professional in both performance and music teaching with degrees from Maynooth University (Philosophy and Music BA) and Newpark Academy of Music (Jazz Performance BA - first class honours). Outside of private teaching he currently lectures in BIMM Dublin’s Commercial Modern Music Degree and Newpark Academy of Music where his main areas of focus are solo performance, practice strategies in improvised music, and philosophy of instrumental music education with an emphasis on cognitive psychology.