Jazz Improvisation

What improvisation actually involves

This course takes the apparent magic out of jazz improvisation by breaking it into parts. It looks at the mental, melodic and harmonic processes that let a player produce notes on the spot, which most listeners assume happens but rarely hear explained.

Taught by an experienced improviser

Gary Burton is the instructor, and the course draws on his standing as one of the most renowned improvisers in jazz. It concentrates on the concepts behind a solo, so you learn how a solo is constructed rather than only what to play.

Who gets the most out of it

• Musicians starting to improvise over changes
• Jazz listeners who want to understand what they hear
• Players who already know their scales and want to think more about phrasing

The course is listed at intermediate level, so some comfort with an instrument and basic theory will help you follow the harmonic material.