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Minor ii-V Etude No. 1 by Behn Gillece

We had a great workshop week this year! In the workshop, we spent a lot of time talking about ii-V's in minor and the various structures. This etude covers a few important positions for the half diminished chord; one where the root is in the bottom and the other where b5 is in the bottom. Also, it goes through some important closed and open positions.   

Rhythm Changes - Build Vocabulary on the As Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece

In previous lessons, we analyzed the bridge of rhythm changes and explored how to apply those ideas to other tunes. However, the A sections are just as important, as they follow common harmonic movements found in many standards. By practicing rhythm changes, you're effectively preparing yourself for countless other tunes.

Beginner's Series - Working On Time Pt. 5 by Behn Gillece

Working on Time Pt. 5 – Bossa Voicings on “Wave” (Intro)
In this episode, we explore voicings and time feel for the iconic bossa nova intro of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave,” which vamps between Dm7 and G7—two beats each.

We’ll start with foundational voicings and gradually apply a series of rhythmic variations to build your comping vocabulary and groove awareness. The included PDF features four rhythmic variations that progressively increase in syncopation and complexity, helping you develop both feel and control.

Practice Tips:

Beginner's Series - Working On Time Pt. 6 by Behn Gillece

? Working on Time Pt. 6 – Wave A Section Voicings with Rhythmic Variation #4

In this lesson, we expand on the rhythmic comping vocabulary introduced in Pt. 5 by applying Variation #4 to the entire A section of Jobim’s “Wave.” This segment combines voice leading and rhythmic consistency, helping develop both harmonic awareness and a deeper connection to groove within the bossa nova style.

Play a Great Rhythm Changes in 3 Months - Week 2 by Behn Gillece

🎵 Play A Great Rhythm Changes In 3 Months – Week 2

Last week, we focused on learning the form and internalizing a set of common rhythm changes voicings. The rhythm was intentionally simple so all of our attention could be placed on the harmony.

This week, we're continuing that approach.

👉 The focus is still harmony, not rhythm.

The written rhythm remains simple because we're trying to build a larger vocabulary of voicings before we start introducing rhythmic comping concepts.

Using Deadstroking and Staccato Dampening in your Lines

Hello all,

The vibraphone is one of the only instruments we play where you have to work extra hard to control the ending of a note. It requires two separate strokes to play and end any given note with dampening, whereas on, say, the saxophone, you can end a note by simply stopping your air. Thus, it's important to figure out how all this relates to playing the instrument in any context, including in lines, so that you're able to play what you're hearing.