Chapter: Basic Theory

This is a preview of the educational program A Jazz Improvisation Almanac which is under development for the Outside Shore Music Online School. Feel free to browse this preview and learn what you can from it. For a more completed product, though, check out the original freely browsable jazz textbook, A Jazz Improvisation Primer.

The concepts discussed in this chapter come from classical music and are often taught to beginning music students. This is not always the case, as these skills are not required in order to read or play music. An understanding of basic theory can, however, aid you in sight reading, by helping you to recognize patterns in the music. It can also enable you to interpret written music more effectively. More importantly for jazz musicians, the concepts explained in this chapter form the foundation for the more jazz-specific theory of improvisation presented in later chapters.

Most of the theory contained in this chapter can be used in at least two different ways. All users of this program should get a feel for hearing and identifying these elements in music. For example, after studying the section on triads, you should be able to identify quickly the different triads you hear in music.

Furthermore, those who play or wish to be able to play this music should be able to construct these elements. Again using the example of triads, musicians should be able to play any given triad on demand.

Copyright 2000 Outside Shore Music
Authored by Marc Sabatella

Chapter: Basic Theory