[Dixielandjazz] Help for improvising

[Stephen G Barbone]

> "Berl" <berl at sti.net>
>
> I could use some help. I play trumpet and I want to learn to  
> improvise. I am not a great reader.
> In practicing I have been jumping around and getting nowhere.
> Can you guide me in how to organize and set up a practice routine.
> What to practice  How to practice
> I listen to a lot of CD's then get confused on how to improvise.
> I'm struggling and seem to be hitting my head against the wall.
> any suggestions please.
> Thank You
> Berl Howell

Dear Berl:

See  http://www.aebersold.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

Note Dan Haerle's Book "Jazz Improvisation". That's a good place to  
start, but just below it note the CD and accompanying booklet "How to  
Play Jazz and Improvise." That's a great place to start IMO. (Vol1)  
Also note the DVD "Anyone can Improvise" and the Vol 24 CD and booklet  
"Major and Minor."

These will provide you with a great amount of information, play along  
CDs, minus your instrument, and scales & chords to practice. The  
routines you seek are all there.

You don't have to be a great reader to take advantage of these  
teaching aids. And if you spend the time absorbing and playing along  
with the CDs, and following the practice routines, you'll learn how to  
improvise.

Once you have mastered the routines, then go on to the more advanced  
play along CDs and keep improving. The goal should be, IMO, to be able  
to improvise over all of them by ear, recognizing the chord/scale/key  
relationships instantly.


Cheers & Good Luck,
Steve Barbone