Developing a Rhythmic Vocabulary for

Improvisation
Kevin Woods

National Association for Music Education

Northwest Conference
February 13, 2015

Table of Contents
Sandu Clifford Brown Solo Transcription....................................................... pg 1
Springdale Claudio Roditi Solo Transcription................................................. pg 2-3
2 vs. 3 & 3 vs. 2 Scale Rhythm Exercises........................................................... pg 4
12 Bar Blues Phrasing Grids................................................................................ pg 5-6
32 Bar Phrasing Grids.......................................................................................... pg 7-8
94 Common Jazz Rhythms................................................................................... pg 9-12
Rhythm Exercises and Notes................................................................................ pg 13-14

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Rhythm Exercises
2 vs. 3 & 3 vs. 2 Polyrhythm
Notes:

Rhythm Contests*
Notes:

Using The 96 Common Jazz Rhythms Worksheets

Notes:

The Human Drum Set*

Notes:

Subdivision Exercises in Groups and Pairs

Notes:

Johnny/Jane One-Note Solos

Notes:

Rhythmic Vocal Solos with Unison Clapping

Notes:
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Rhythmic Solos with Whole Body (Clappin' and Stompin')

Notes:

Playing Common 3/4 Songs in 4/4, Then Ragging Them

Notes:

Ragging Familiar Songs

Notes:

About Kevin Woods

Trumpeter & composer Kevin Woods is quickly emerging as one of the most melodic and emotive
voices in improvised music in the Northwest. His passion for both performance and education have
made him in demand as a leader and a sideman as well as a composer, arranger and clinician. Woods
has been featured in both Downbeat and Jazziz magazines and his debut album Ballad of the West
received high praise and airplay on jazz radio stations throughout North America and Europe.
As an educator, Kevin has taught at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Whatcom Community
College, Western Washington University, and Seakyung College in South Korea. Currently, he lives in
Spokane, Washington where he is active as a performer, educator, composer/arranger and serves as
trumpet instructor and Director of Jazz Studies at Spokane Falls Community College. Woods is a
clinician/artist for the Conn-Selmer Company.
For audio, video, and more visit:
www.kevinwoodsmusic.com
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