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Vincent Herring’s Jazz Improvisation Workshop.

Below is the basic out line of what I do in my workshops. I conduct a motivational workshop for 2 hours or 3 weeks using the same outline listed above. If you are interested in having me at your school, feel free to contact me.
(vincentherring@yahoo.com)

The trumpet player in the photo next to me is Jeremy Pelt. A giant in the making! Check him out at Peltjazz.com


History of Jazz Music: I will give a very brief overview of Jazz history covering the major innovators and the importance of how it effects us today as musicians. Why is Bird Great? Students will find out.

Tools Needed: I give out work sheet and talk about the necessary tools needed to improvise. This segment covers scales, building technique, ensemble playing and understanding harmony. Also the importance of developing a good attitude for learning.

Analyzing Lines & Patterns: We break down different patterns to see how they are put together. We also use the same formula to create our own original lines. We also explore using chromatics and intervallic lines and patterns to create thematic development in our solos.

Playing Changes with Logic: I will give examples of playing traditional (bebop) changes with logic as well as more modern progressions. Here we learn how to apply scales and patterns in and out of different harmonic sequences. We learn how to color chords and create different sounds by pairing triads and other note groupings to create alternatives to tradition scales.

How to Learn Songs: I talk about and give examples of the best way to learn songs, so they will stay with you year after year. In this ear training segment we learn how to hear guide tones and transcribe chord changes.

How To Create A Good Listening Diet. I made a list of recordings every musician should check out. I will also talk about what to listen for, and how to get the most out of it. This segment covers phrasing, and “what is swing”. We also talk about the importance of listing for inspiration and motivation.

How To Organize Your Practice Time: In addition to organizing your practice time, I talk about the importance of setting short term and long term goals and how to fulfill them. I show the students how to analyze their practice routine and how to focus in on, and address problem areas.

Question & Answer: I welcome questions at anytime during the workshop.