$50.00 USD $75.00 USD
In this course, you will learn, study and immerse yourself deeply in 10 of the most iconic and definitive solos in jazz.
Each solo is a masterpiece offering a unique window into the styles and techniques of some of the greatest jazz legends. From Miles Davis and Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong and Lester Young to Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond + many more, this collection spans eras and instruments, giving you a profound introduction to the jazz tradition.
Detailed list of solos here and the reasons they’re worth studying
Why This Course?
Course Features
Why Study These Solos?
Playing and understanding these solos will build a solid foundation for your jazz improvisation. Learning the language of the greats is a rite of passage for any aspiring jazz musician. Skipping this crucial stage is like building a skyscraper without a foundation—it won’t stand the test of time.
By the end of this course, you'll have acquired a deeper understanding of jazz articulation, rhythm, and motif development. You will also appreciate the hierarchy of jazz—how rhythm and style outweigh mere technical speed and flashy notes.
Let me explain why.
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Many newcomers to jazz face two main challenges:
While all Jazz teachers agree that studying the solos of the greats is essential, there’s no consensus on which solos are the best starting point or the most effective way to approach them.
This course addresses both issues by selecting solos that are inspiring, achievable, and diverse in their styles, providing a clear pathway for your learning journey.
Think of this course as a guided tour through the corridors of jazz history. With a seasoned mentor by your side, you will explore key details, nuances, and insights that would take years to uncover on your own. Each solo has historical significance, and as you progress, your appreciation for the music will deepen.
Over 40 years ago, I was a young and anxious saxophonist, eager to master modern complicated virtuosic jazz who neglected through ignorance to study the foundational great recordings of the earlier the . Now, at 58, I realize how much I missed by not learning from the jazz greats sooner.
This course is my attempt to help you avoid the same mistake and wasted time. Whether your aspirations in Jazz are modern or rooted in tradition, these solos will provide an essential groundwork for your musical journey - something solid on which to build and rely on year after year.
Jazz captivates millions with its sound, yet its true essence remains elusive to many listeners. This course is designed to unravel the intricate layers of 10 legendary jazz solos, bringing you closer to the heart of the music.
We will meticulously dissect the building blocks of each solo—exploring pitch, rhythm, and timbre to reveal their inner workings. As we peel back the layers, we’ll also place these masterpieces in their historical and cultural context, deepening your understanding of the artists who shaped them.
By the time we’ve finished, you’ll not only appreciate these solos with newfound clarity but also cultivate a deeper love for jazz as an art form.
At a Glance:
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Q. How long is the course?
A. The minimum time to process and absorb all the information is estimated to be 4 months. However considering the amount of material, perhaps a more realistic time frame is longer. But there is no hurry, the files are yours forever! Everyone is individual and should go at a pace that feels comfortable.
Q. How were the solos chosen?
A. The criteria was to pick the the most playable, bitsize, awesome solos that would inspire and motivate and provide the student with best chance of success The list of players is a who´s who of Jazz greats and features a variety of styles + instruments and eras of jazz.
Q. What is the sound slice software mentioned?
A.Soundslice is a cutting edge software for learning music via interactive music notation. It synchronises the audio to the score and allows you to slow down, loop, transpose and much more! It works on all devices! (You can always print all the music out as well if your prefer to)
Q. There is so much information, how will I keep organised and avoid feeling over whelmed?
A. Nick has distilled a huge amount of information down in to 4 beautifully organised Modules with a coherent and clear learning path. Each module contains a list of classes to complete with a specific order that aids comprehension.
Q. What level do I need to be able to use the course?
A. The course is aimed at musicians who already play and read but do not have much experience with Jazz improvisation.
The soundslice software allows you to slow down the audio examples so that really makes the material practice friendly.
Q. Is the course instrument specific?
A. No, the course is suitable for most instruments. Concert, Bb, , Eb, Bass clef
Q. Can I join the course at any time?
A. Yes, absolutely! For the initial period each module will be delivered monthly. You can join the course any time after that and proceed at your own pace.
