Jazz Improvisation - Approaches to Improvisation

This Jazz Piano Tutorial is about Approaches to Improvisation.

There are four basic elements of music:
1. Melody
2. Harmony
3. Rhythm
4. Timbre

It's possible to structure your improvisation around one of these elements. For example you can structure your improvisation around:
- The melody of the song with embellishment
- Scales/Keys (Modal Jazz)
- Motifs
- Chords
- Rhythmic Groove
- Timbre (Free Jazz)
- Some external factor

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[steven.]

Dozens of improv books, videos, and articles and I have yet to see it laid out so concisely. Usually the focus leans heavily on melodic or harmonic elements (i.e. 3 to 7 resolution, sequences, motifs, etc) with little attention to rhythm and timbre. Your videos are always stellar but this one is exceptional. Kudos!

[romyslavik]

Bravo excellent survey of jazz including examples..

[mauricioperez]

Great pedagogical approach over jazz improvisation!

Interesting historical perspective. Thanks

[leahragdoll]

I loved the fairy tale theme. Can you please recommend some music like that?

[wyctjmf]

That's a great summary, thanks. Cool musical examples too!

[AldoScarpitta]

I've been thinking about the use of silence and pauses during improvisation and I would like to know your opinion on the matter. Thank you always for your incredible service to humanity.

[JSW]

You didn't seem to give an example of Cecil Taylor non-melodic based motivic development. Is this just using the rhythm as a motif instead or are there other options?