Level I
Course description: Introduction to basic jazz-bass techniques.
Course objectives:
- Basic pizzicato technique (including rhythmic approach)
- Left hand technique
- Bass line construction (walking bass) over chord symbols
- The Blues and the language of the Blues (pentatonic and blues scales)
- Acquisition of basic techniques applied in simple standards
- Rhythm exercises introducing the difference between dual and triple time
- Theme statement: importance of phrasing and accentuation
- Simple theme structure
- Acquiring a solid rhythmic base
Level II
Course description: Consolidation of knowledge and skills acquired in Level 1 and introduction to more advanced double-bass techniques
Course objectives: Introduction to the most accessible tunes of Charlie PARKER, with an in-depth study focused on:
- Consolidation of left-hand techniques
- Pizzicato velocity
- Improving phrasing and accentuation
- Musicality
The above elements, cannot, at this stage, be treated independently but are rather inter-related.
This work is part of the classical instrumental “studies” that should be practiced daily.
- Reproduction of, and playing along with solos of the great jazz double bass masters
- Basic transcription of solos and simple bass lines
- Mastering the walking bass technique
- How to approach the bridge
- Modes, chords: applied to standards
- Rhythm exercises: 12/8, 6/8, 3/4, bossa nova, samba, Afro-Cuban rhythms
- Bowing techniques in standards: stating the theme
- Structure of complex themes
Level III
Course description and objectives:
Emphasis on daily practice (see Level II) and on more complex themes by Charlie Parker (Moose The Mooche, Donna Lee, Ornithology), Sonny Rollins (Oleo), Miles Davis (Half Nelson)…
- Fast tempos.
- Transcription and performance of more complicated solos (at least one per term)
- Further work on bridge passages, the walking bass, and rhythm
- Bowing techniques in standards: theme and improvisation