Step by Step Jazz Improvisation in the Studio and Classroom

(presentation by Martin Norgaard for TMEC 2003 ≠ Orchestra Division)

The following steps are examples of sequential activities that introduce jazz improvisation in a string orchestra setting. In reality many steps could be added between the given examples.

Step 1: Rhythm (middle school first year)

Jazz rhythm exercises should be practiced by ear as soon as students can play open strings. In the clinic we will use Lesson 1 in Jazz Fiddle/Viola/Cello Wizard Jr. An explanation of the rhythmic implications of swing feel is theoretically explained in the original Jazz Fiddle Wizard (advanced jazz improv method):

Most students can easily swing a string of eighth notes, but they often donπt realize how the swing feel affects other rhythms. The example below shows how the swing feel affects two common rhythms. A martelÈ bowing is required on both the long accented note and the short accented note.

Step 2: Melodic improvisation on one scale (middle school 2^nd year)

The examples below from Jazz fiddle Wizard Jr Lesson 3 demonstrate how to bridge the gap between scales and improvising :

Step 3: Improvising on a chord progression (High school)

One technique for playing over changing chords that is particularly useful for beginning improvisers is the concept of inner melodies (also referred to as guide tone lines in some theory books). To connect changing chords, we improvise over a melody that spells out the particular chord change. The concept of the inner melody is referred to as ≥voice leading≤ by players of chordal instruments such as piano and guitar. The last note of the melody is referred to as the ≥target note.≤ The inner melody is made up of chord tones that represent interesting notes in the chord, often 3^rd and 7^th. In the first measure below the root of the first chord makes a nice melody as it goes to the 3^rd of the next.

Written Exercise: Write out the rest of the chords in the example and see if you can come up with an inner melody for the whole tune. I have done this exercise with students ten years old and up. Obviously it requires knowledge of notation and chord structure.

Jazz String Method Books by Martin Norgaard:

Norgaard, Martin. Jazz Fiddle Wizard Junior, Pacific: Mel Bay Publications Inc., 2002. (Middle School)

Norgaard, Martin. Jazz Viola Wizard Junior, Pacific: Mel Bay Publications Inc., 2002. (Middle School) Norgaard, Martin. Jazz Cello Wizard Junior, Pacific: Mel Bay Publications Inc., 2002. (Middle School)

Norgaard, Martin. Jazz Fiddle Wizard, Pacific: Mel Bay Publications Inc., 2000. (High School/College)