Focus On Improvisation (Advanced)

In this lesson, I’ll teach you how to improvise over the standard Autumn Leaves. I’ll also show you different practicing tricks to make it easier to learn the song and the improvisation. Many students ask me “What do I start with and where do I go from there?” I’m going to lay this out so you have a “plan of attack” to make it easier to learn these important concepts!

In part one of this lesson, you will learn 8 different practice methods for learning Giant Steps. We will learn how this advanced complex harmonic tune is unique and how it will make you a better piano player.

In this second part of Giant Steps, you will learn 6 steps for improvising over Giant Steps changes. We will also tackle the Giant Steps solo in 4 measure chunks to help you master this tune.

In this first lesson of a multi-lesson set, we will begin by covering how to improvise over Green Dolphin Street. This lesson is marked advanced, but students of all levels interested in improvisation can benefit from the chapters on how to make improvisation lines. Willie will also be conducting a Master Class in a future lesson based upon student input.

In this unique lesson, I am using 5 student-submitted videos as a Master Class. You will see each student video followed by a response from me with tips and tricks on how to improve their playing. The sheet music for this master class follows the chord chart from the Green Dolphin Street lesson.

In this lesson you'll learn different improvisation and arranging techniques over Horace Silver's "Song For My Father." Techniques like delayed resolution and borrowed chords will be covered along with modes and licks.