Developing Sight Reading Skills in the Jazz Idiom - Bb Instruments

This programmed method is designed to aid the student in:

1. Improving his ability to read music at sight.
2. The development of his musical conception in the stage band idiom.
3. Developing an awareness of solo, duet, and group techniques.

Each theme is composed of one or two musical ideas and/or rhythmic units indigenous to stage band music. These rhythmic units are repeated as often as possible so that the student will become familar with them. At the same time, the rhythmic units have been varied melodically so as to provide as much reading material as possible.

The second half of each composition ("B" section) has been written as a counterpoint to the first half ("A" section) so that two students can play them as duets (one student starting at "A", and the other student starting at "B"). This material can also be used for larger ensembles - dividing the group into two separate sections.

I have experimented extensively with this approach in my work at Breklee and have had much success with groups of six to ten instrumentalists.

These studies are not meant to take the place of conventional instruction with a qualified teacher. Properly used, they will provide valuable insight into the techniques of stage band music and will effectively complement the students technical development.