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Bb Rhythm Changes - had a great improv class this semester. It's a joy to teach when the students come to class inquisitive and motivated to learn. Throughout the semester some of the improv concepts that we worked on included Four Note Groupings (FNGs), Major 7th #5 Superimposition, Tension Resolution, Motivic Playing and Reharmonization Concepts. Yesterday the students were asking what to play on Bb rhythm changes so we selected Bird's Anthropology and applied some of the concepts that we covered in the semester.

Play this as fast as you can. It trips me up!

Here's a variation on the first chord etude. Notice the different voicings used here to give the harmony some different motion.

Another bit of practicing in between videoing lessons.

Here is part two of the guide tones etude. Notice more have been added, with approach tones getting in and out of them.