1st Edition

Harmonic Development and Contrapuntal Techniques for the Jazz Pianist An Imaginative Approach

By Gary Motley Copyright 2024
    222 Pages 236 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    222 Pages 236 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Harmonic Development and Contrapuntal Techniques for the Jazz Pianist serves as a guide for harmonic expansion and development for jazz piano, offering pianists both a rationale and methods to improve contrapuntal hand techniques.

    The text focuses on the relationship between theory and execution and both of those components’ usefulness in creating a jazz sound at the piano. This kinaesthetic method provides the learner with a systematic approach to harmonic movement, revealing options that may not have been otherwise apparent. This method will allow pianists to add depth and dimension to their chord voicings in the same way that vocalists and wind instrumentalists give character and shape to the notes they create.

    Key features include musical examples ranging from singular chord construction to sophisticated harmonic progressions and song application. Performance exercises are provided throughout the text. Learners and instructors are encouraged to create their own exercises. Related ancillaries at harmoniccounterpoint.com include:

    • Musical examples
    • Audio tracks
    • Performance exercises
    • Written assignments

    Intended for the learner who is reasonably familiar with essential jazz harmony, this textbook will be both a significant resource for the advanced player and a fundamental component for the learner in a structured academic musical setting.

    Preface

    Book Features

    Acknowledgements

    About the Author

    Chapter 1

    Introduction

    Chapter 2

    Contrapuntal Improvisation

    Chapter 3

    Harmonic Counterpoint

    Chapter 4

    Rhythm

    Chapter 5

    Chord Voicing

    Chapter 6

    Building Harmony

    Chapter 7

    Chord Motion

    Chapter 8

    Chord Progression

            

    Appendices

    Index

    Biography

    Gary Motley is Teaching Professor and Founding Director of Jazz Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he teaches jazz theory and jazz improvisation.