Jeff Harrington offers Online Lessons in improvisation (for all instruments) in all styles (bop, modal, blues, fusion, smooth jazz, Latin, and classical) and all aspects of woodwind technique (beginner through professional).
Here's a descriptions of the different lesson formats. For more info email me at lessons@jeffharrington.com
LESSONS BY INTERNET OR MAIL
• I find out as much as I can about your experience, preferences and goals.
• I send you a detailed and organized lesson assignment by email (using pdf and mp3 files) or by mail including audio tracks on a CD and written music (for more specifics see ABOUT THE LESSONS below).
• I thoroughly explain each part of the assignment and play examples of how it should sound.
• You practice, record and send the assignment back to me. You can contact me with questions at any time.
• After receiving and listening to your CD, tape or email, I send you comments, suggestions, my own playing of various examples and the next lesson.
• Each lesson is individually tailored to your needs and preferences. In other words, private lessons by mail or email.
• It is strongly suggested, for your own progress, that you send the assignment back within a month’s time, if possible.
LESSONS BY WEB CAM
• The only requirement for a live lesson is a computer and a web cam.
• Written music and recordings are sent by email.
• You get all the benefits of a private lesson without leaving your home.
LESSONS BY PHONE
• Together we schedule a mutually convenient day and time for the lesson. At that time, I call you and the lesson begins.
• The lesson follows the same basic format as a regular private lesson with the natural give and take between teacher and student.
• Lesson materials, such as written music and customized play-along CD’s, are mailed, faxed or emailed to you ahead of time as needed.
• In order for the lesson to be effective, it is helpful to have either a speakerphone or a headset phone so your hands are free to play your instrument. Contact me for additional information regarding brands and model numbers starting at $25.
• PHONE LESSONS were originated by a student of mine who was a frequent business traveler and wanted to continue lessons on the road. I have had many phone students over the years and have been amazed at how well it works.
• Lessons by phone can be taken once a week, every two weeks or once a month.
• It's possible to combine any of the LESSON by MAIL, PHONE or INTERNET formats.
CONSULTATIONS
• If you're looking to have your playing evaluated I would be happy to do so.
• Simply send me a recording on a tape or CD (anything will do). I will review it and then we can either talk by phone (one hour) or I can send you written comments, materials and suggestions.
PREPARED LESSONS
• These are ready to go lessons on specific topics.
"How To" Series:
How To Work On Tunes
How To Work On Blues
How To Work On Transcriptions
How To Practice And Apply Scales
How To Practice Altissimo
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ABOUT THE LESSONS
These lessons were originally created in response to students’ requests. Now, 15 years later, with students around the world, I have found Lessons by Mail, Phone or Internet to be an extremely effective way of teaching both improvisation (to all instrumentalists and vocalists), and woodwind technique. A few of the advantages are: 1) you can work at your own time and pace; 2) you have a permanent record of the lessons; 3) you receive state-of-the-art personalized instruction for less than the cost of a local teacher.
First, I find out as much as I can about your experience and goals. Then, I try to determine the best and most appropriate place to begin. I give you materials, which are not only fun but will help you reach your goals quickly and efficiently. All styles (including bop, modal, blues, fusion, smooth jazz, Latin, and classical) and aspects of woodwind technique are taught – from beginner to advanced.
For improvisation, I feel it’s important to get a solid foundation of chords and scales and then to build from there. While this information is being absorbed, I teach you how to improvise using a unique system of written lines and customized play-along CD’s.
For intermediate to advanced students, I stress various exercises which enable you to play improvisational techniques (chord tone soloing, bop scales, approaches notes, 3217/3517 lines and pentatonics, for example) over chord changes, with rhythmic accuracy and without getting lost. These exercises take the mystery out of improvisation by giving you concrete, logical and systematic approaches to improvising.
Learning tunes, transcribed solos, ear training, vocabulary, instrumental technique and theory are also emphasized.
I have carefully developed these proven methods over many years of teaching, performing, research and study. For further info contact me at 781-643-0704 or lessons@jeffharrington.com.
TOPICS OF STUDY include (click on live links to see examples):
Tonic Systems
7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th Chords
Approach Notes
Cycling
Chord Tone Soloing
How To Work On Blues
Symmetrical Diminished Scales
Symmetrical Diminished -7 & -7(5) Patterns
Whole Tone Scales
Intervalic Improvisation
Harmonic Analysis
Theory
Ear Training
Articulation
Time Feels
Tone Studies
Compositional Techniques
Bebop Cliches
Vocabulary and Language
How To Practice and Apply Scales
Diatonic Patterns
bIII-7 bVI7 Substitutions Over II-7 V7
Intervallic Cycling
Multiphonics
Quoting
Practice Routines
Mouthpieces
Building Technical Facility
Performance Techniques
Keyboard Skills
Voicings
Subtone
Ghosting
Upper and Lower Structure Triads
Overtones
Number Permutation Systems
Repertoire and Learning Tunes
How To Work On Tunes
23rd Chords
Bop Scales
Bop Scale Substitutions
–7, -6, -6#5 and -7b5 Pentatonic Scales
Voice Leading
Inversions
Transcribing
Rhythmic Displacement
Melodic Embellishment
All Styles
Reharminization
Transposing
Symmetrical Augmented Scale
Modes
How To Work On Transcriptions
Growling
How To Practice Altissimo
Repeating & Matching Patterns
Scale Tone Soloing
Reeds
False Fingerings
Reading
3217 & 3517 Lines
5432 & 5732 Lines
Embouchure
Vibrato
Bending
Glissandos
Upper and Lower Structure 7th Chords
Breathing
Tetrachords
Blues Licks
Thematic Improvisation
II-V-I Line Compendiums
Triadic Pairs
Various Approaches to Playing "Outside"
Harmonic Anticipation and Delay
Synthetic Scales
Polyrhythms