This Curriculum Overview and Learning Track is for the Player’s Corner. The Beginner’s Corner and Intermediate Corner are self explanatory as far as how to work through those lessons; just start on Lesson 1 and work your way through them. The Player’s Corner has many different facets and that is why we developed the Learning Track to help you find your way.
*A special note about the Pentatonic Power Pack (Available Here) This learning compendium provides a more structured approach to the special jazz language concepts presented in the 6-pack lessons. The correlation of the PPP as it relates to the core curriculum concepts presented in the 6 Pack can be found below in the learning track.
**Tune Time (Available HERE) This special 3-level series of mini-tutorials that inroduce basic strategies in learning to play 13 jazz standards is not included the Curriculum Overview/Learning Track. This collection of tunes from Jamey Aebersold’s, Maiden Voyage Vol. 54 is a significant learning/teaching opportunity that develops vocabulary in a unique manner. Rhythm books are available for all of the tunes in this collection.
It all starts with the FREE Lesson, so be sure to watch that first.
Curriculum Overview Learning Track
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Click on the blue levels below and the menu will expand to show you the detailed learning track. |
Level I – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 1 (6 Pack)
Core Curriculum
6-Pack Lesson 1, Expanding the Pentatonic Pairs – The major 3rd is added to the Pentatonic Pairs and the b5 gives the blues its traditional sound. Ear Training and Rhythm Drills continue and a special Blues tune in F, “My Baby-Mama Blues”, is provided for improvisation.
Pentatonic Power Pack Lesson 1 - On the Road Again
Supplementary Curriculum
Immersion Zone Level I (FREE)
Extended Dom 7th Chords: Bb7, F7, C7, G7 (FREE)
Blues: Bb, F, C, G (FREE)
Enrichment Material
Vocabulary Workout Level I
1. Lesson 1 – Extended C7, Vol 84 – Disc 1, Track 1
2. Lesson 1 – Dominant Cycle, Vol 84 – Disc 1, Track 13
3. Lesson 1 – Blues in F, Vol 42 – Track 8
Resource Material
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs*
1. Volume 1 How to Play Jazz And Improvise
2. Volume 42 Blues in All Keys
3. Volume 84 Dominant Seventh Workout
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold
materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level I – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 2 (6 Pack)
Core Curriculum
6-Pack Lesson 2, Pentatonic Pairs and the II-V-I
The Pentatonic Pairs with the 3rd and b5 are used to form traditional vocabulary for the II-V-I, moving down whole steps through all of the keys. Rhythm Drills and Ear Training are a part of each lesson. “Trailin? On”, based on changes from “On the Trail”, rounds out the work in this lesson.
Pentatonic Power Pack Lesson 2 - Blues for Val
Supplementary Curriculum
Immersion Zone Level I
Extended Dom 7th Chords – D7, Eb7, Ab7, A7 (FREE)
Pentatonic Pairs – Dom Cycle 12 Keys (FREE)
Blues – D, Eb, Ab, A(FREE)
Enrichment Material
Vocabulary Workout Level I
1. Lesson 2 – Extended D Dorian
3. Lesson 2 II-V-I All Keys – Vol 3-Tr 1
Making Music
Resource Material
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs*
1. Volume 2 Nothing But The Blues
2. Volume 21 Getting It Together
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level I – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 3 (6- Pack)
Core Curriculum:
6 Pack Lesson 3, Embellishing the Pentatonic Pairs
Pentatonic Pairs are chromatically embellished by a leading tone with 4 permutations.
Combinations of these embellished Pentatonic Pairs provide vocabulary for the II-V combinations in all keys. A special tune, “Kickin’ Back”, is based on the “Tune Up” form and changes in D major.
Pentatonic Power Pack Lesson 3 - Lead On
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level I
Extended Dom 7th Chords. E7, B7, Gb7, Db7
Pentatonic Pairs – Embellish Pairs 12 Keys
Pentatonic Pairs – Connect Pairs 12 Keys
F-/Eb-/D- Dorian Minor Sequence
Chromatic Drills Drill Number #1
Enrichment Material:
Vocabulary Workout Level I
1. Lesson 3 – Ext Db7 (Vol 84-Disc 2-Tr 6)
2. Lesson 3 – II-V7-I (Vol 3-Tr 1)
3. Lesson 3 – Blues in Db (Vol 42-Tr 4)
Making Music Kickin Back, Level I
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level II Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 4 (6- Pack)
Core Curriculum:
6 Pack Lesson 4, Pentatonic Pairs in the Dorian Mode
The Pentatonic Pairs are introduced in the Dorian mode in a 3 key sequence producing modal and diatonic sounds on the minor II chord. Symmetric patterns are also formed in, “Simplicitude”, (Coltraneʼs “Impressions” ).
Pentatonic Power Pack Lesson 4 - Rockin’ Doll
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level II
Extended Dom 7th Chords. Bb7, F7 C7, G7
Blues – Bb, F, C, G
Dorian – Dorian Min 12 keys
Impressions
Chromatic Drills
Enrichment Material:
Vocabulary Workout Level II
1. Lesson 4 – Extended Dorian
2 Lesson 4 – Ascending Minors (Vol 21-Disk 2-Tr 2)
3. Lesson 4 – Impressions (Vol 54-Tr 2)
Making Music
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
Volume 24 Major & Minor
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level II Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 5 (6- Pack)
Core Curriculum
6 Pack Lesson 5 – Connecting Pentatonic Pairs
Embellished Pentatonic Pairs on the II-V-I are connected with chromatics and applied to the Rhythm Changes. Special licks formed on major 7th chord tones are also applied to the Rhythm Changes.
Pentatonic Power Pack Lesson 5 - Seven Up
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level II
Extended Dom 7th Chords – D7, Eb7, Ab7, A7
Ascending Major Chords 12 Keys
Descending Major Chords 12 Keys
Rhythm Changes Bb, F, C, G, Eb, D
Chromatic Drills
Enrichment Material:
Vocabulary Workout Level II
1. Lesson 5 – Extended F7 (Vol 84-Disc-1-Tr 2)
3. Lesson 5 – Rhythm Changes in F (Vol 47-Tr 2)
Making Music
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level II Curriculum Learning track
Lesson 6 (6- Pack)
Core Curriculum
6 Pack Lesson 6 – Pentatonic Pair Set-Ups
Pentatonic Pair “set up” on the b7th or the major 7th patterns are introduced in this lesson and applied to Nat & Sol”, based on the form and changes for “Satin Doll.”
Pentatonic Power Pack Lesson 6 - Modal Voyage
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level II
Extended Dom 7th Chords - Db7, B7, Gb7, E7
Rhythm Changes - Ab, Db, G, B, E, A
Chromatic Drills
Enrichment Material:
Vocabulary Workout Level II
1. Lesson 6 – Extended II-V7-I
2. Lesson 6 – Satin Doll (Vol 54-Tr 8)
3. Lesson 6 – Pentatonic Set Up b7
Making Music
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level III – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 1 (Diminished – 3 Pack)
Core Curriculum:
3 Pack Lesson 1 – The V-7 Set Up
Pentatonic Pair “set-ups” are introduced with the diminished scales formed on the diminished steps of the ladder and “licks” are developed and demonstrated for the II-V in all keys. First inversion triads are also explored on the steps of the diminished ladder. “Dimi Brown”, is a special tune with a diminished twist for improvisation and the quintessential Ear Training and Rhythm drills continue.
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level III
Extended Altered Dominant Vocabulary: Bb7, F7, C7, G7
Enrichment Material:
Vocabulary Workout Level III
1. Diminished Set Up #1 (Vol 84-CD 1-Tr 13)
Making Music
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level III – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 2 (Diminished – 3 Pack)
Core Curriculum:
3 Pack – Lesson 2 – The Diminished Ladder
Pentatonic Pair “set-ups” on the second rung of the Diminished ladder are introduced, demonstrated and applied to the daunting II-b5 V7#9 (b9) I Minor cadence in all keys. More colorful symmetric patterns are introduced, “What is This Thang” is presented and Ear Training and Rhythm Drills persist.
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level III
Extended Altered Dominant Vocabulary: D7, Eb7, Ab7, A7
Enrichment Material:
Making Music
Vocabulary Workout
1. Diminished Set Up #2 (Vol 84-CD 1-Tr 13)
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
1. Volume 16 Turnaround Cycle & II/V7ʼs
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level III – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 3 (Diminished – 3 Pack)
Core Curriculum:
3 Pack – Lesson 3 – Symmetric Patterns
Pentatonic Pair “set-ups” are sequenced through the 1st, 2nd and 3rd steps on the diminished ladder, resulting in traditional vocabulary for the tri-tone substitutes in all keys. Complex symmetric triplet patterns are included with chromatic approach tones, setting up interesting diminished 7th patterns used by Woody Shaw, John Coltrane, Joe Lavano, Michael Brecker and other progressive jazz players. Ear Training and the Rhythm Drill are still essential. Nuevo es Bueno features Dizzy’s “Algo Bueno” changes to conclude this lesson.
Supplementary Curriculum:
Extended Altered Dominant Vocabulary: E7, B7, Gb7, Db7
Enrichment Material:
Making Music
Vocabulary Workout
1. Altered II-V7+9- I Minor (Vol 3-Tr 4)
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
1. Volume 68 Giant Steps Standards in 12 Keys
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level III – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 1 (Half Diminished – 2 Pack)
Core Curriculum:
2 Pack – Lesson 1, The Half Diminished In Action
Half diminished chord tones on the 1st step of the diminished ladder form traditional V7 jazz vocabulary on the 2nd scale step of the II-7b5 In all keys . Half Diminished chord tones are also combined with tones of the major 7th chords for more traditional “licks” in “Sweet GA Brown.” Half-step shifts of the Half diminished chord round out this lesson.
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level III
Rhythm Changes Bb, F, C, G, Eb, D
Enrichment Material:
Vocabulary Workout
- Sweet Georgia Brown #1 (Vol 70-Tr 7)
Making Music Level III
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Level III – Curriculum Learning Track
Lesson 2 (Half Diminished – 2 Pack)
Core Curriculum:
2 Pack – Lesson 2, The Half Diminished and the Tri-tone Substitute
Half Diminished chord tone “set ups” on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd steps of the diminished ladder form traditional vocabulary that is cycled through the II-b5, V (tri-tone substitute) and IM7 in all keys. The lesson is concluded with half diminished chords suggested for “Perdido”, “Yardbird Suite” and “Ornithology.”
Supplementary Curriculum:
Jazz Immersion Zone Level III
Rhythm Changes A, E, B, Ab, Db, Gb
Enrichment Material:
Vocabulary Workout
- Sweet Georgia Brown #2 (Vol 70-Tr 7)
Making Music
Resource Material:
Jamey Aebersold books and Play-Along CDs
*As a FULL member, you can receive a one time 30% discount to Jamey Aebersold materials. Find your coupon code here.
Hi Willie this has helped a lot .
Keep Jazzin’ Marcus
Thanks Marcus …. This will help a lot of you understand how to put all of these materials in perspective. Glad you’re jazzin with me. Keep it up!
Hi Willie!
Greetings From Switzerland!
I’m an Old Cat Like You, never been able to study Jazz in the right way:- It seems that you got the “CODE”!
Thanks Very Much
Much Appreciated!
Marino
I am glad to be here a little intimidated, no very intimidated…..Hey Willie wish you were here in Atlanta.
I am ready to take the plunge….here we go
Hi Willie, love the site.
I’m just a beginner. with tones to learn.
One baby step…..
I’m enjoying the challenge.
Craig
Hi Willie !
Do you recommend to complete all the lessons from beginner and intermediate corner before tackling the player’s corner ?
That’s up to you. I would say that if you feel you need work on your jazz style, hey, playing through all of the exercise can’t hurt. If you have problems making up melodies with simple jazz scales, work in the Beginners Corner with the fixed rhythm exercises will be helpful. If you’re instrumental skills are at the level where you can play in all of the keys, dive into the Player’s Corner Free lesson and the Pentatonic Power Pack. When you start in the Player’s Corner, I would suggest that you check out the Curriculum overview and Learning Track. It’s not a problem skipping around from section to section. You’ll probably get a feeling for what to do as you work with the materials.
Willie, again, amazing stuff, and I see results already! Do you recommend practicing each lick or pattern from the folders separately, through all keys prior to the immersion, or vocab workouts? I’ll try to figure out which tracks work best for each lick or pattern if its not posted in the folder…. Or whats the best flow in terms of homework prior to – or in conjunction with playing along with you?(sometimes you don’t address a few of them specifically in the video) I feel like I play along quite well, but later I realize I “leaned” on you and my ear, and then cant execute away from the demonstration, or the old problem of lack of ideas crops up again…
Well Frank … It’s an evolutionary process … you’re ability to hold onto what you have just been inspired to play will began to increase as you evolve through the exposure to the music I play and the exercises that accompany the concepts. There’s a lot on the site. It’s like eating an elephant … you do it a bite at a time. The Pentatonic Power Pack in parallel with the 6-Pack in the core curriculum as outlined in the Learning Track, is a good recipe for moving forward. Your first call will be how much regular time you have or want to commit to your studies. Next, portion it out with the various curriculum ares as suggested in the Learning track, i.e. the Immersion Zone, Chromatic Drills, Vocabulary Workout, Making Music, etc. In the FREE Lesson and the 6-Pack downloads, (find tabs above the vid screen) each exercise has the play Track number at the top of the page. These are correlated with the play track downloads found at the bottom of each vid screen on each Lesson …. Example below on Page
Unit 1, Lesson 1 – Blues Example
Willie Thomas
With Major 3rd and Flat 5th
Lesson 1 – Track 3
Sorry, different subject … Do you have a plan to add videos that will play on an iPad (non flash)? That would be highly appreciated.
Thank you,
David
Yes, actually I’m working on that right now! Will keep you updated
Yo David, I just put up a test video to see if this works. Can you take a look for me?
http://www.jazzeveryone.com/test-video/
Hello Willie, great site, but I couldn’t find the page to order the material, or print the material for the Core Curriculum exercises. I enjoyed viewing you on UTUBE explaining the lessons.
Thank you,
Minor Bird
Hey Minor Bird,
Currently our site is a monthly membership site at $15 a month. Once you sign up you’ll be able to access all of the core curriculum materials. We will soon be adding products that can be bought individually as well. Let me know if you have any more questions.