MASTERCLASS SYLLABUS

AUGUST 18th, 2019

INSTRUCTOR: DENNIS LAMBERT, Pianist

—JAZZ PIANO VOICINGS AND SOLOING: A guide to build your own voice—

INTRODUCTION:

This masterclass will focus on two topics of jazz piano: Voicings and Soloing. The material presented is in
broad topic as to allow interactive conversation. At any point, please feel free to ask questions or move and
ask questions about different topics related to Jazz Piano.

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1st Topic:

VOICINGS

Voicings are one of the most important tools as a jazz pianist. They give the music the harmony and hint at
stylistic traits of different eras of the music.

Voicings also serve as an accompaniment part of the music.

GOAL:

I want to demonstrate a few exercises when it comes to voicings to help you develop a ‘tool box’ to choose
from when needed when playing Jazz in a solo or group setting.

After demonstration, I’ll ask for any volunteers to try and apply the concepts. Interaction is highly
recommended.

Exercise 1

Dominant chords with 3rds and 7ths. Using the blues as an example in using these voicings over form.

Exercise 2

Major Seventh Chords using the voicing from the infamous ‘So What’ Recording.

Exercise 3

Talking about extensions/Voicing to the melody

Exercise 4

When playing dominant chords, change the 5th voicing to a 6th

Exercise 5

Minor chords using the Dorian Scale

Exercise 6

The ii-V-I chord progression

Exercise 7 (Semi-Advanced)
Exercise 7 (Semi-Advanced)

Reharmonizing a melody.

Using inversions of chords to reharmonize a melody.

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2ND TOPIC:

SOLOING

SOLOING/(IMPROVISING) is the voice of the artist. Through your solos, you can convey your feeling about
the music. There are many different ways that one can solo.

GOAL:

I want to demonstrate some of the things that I pull from when soloing and improvising. After demonstration,
I’ll ask for any volunteers to try and apply the concepts. Interaction is highly recommended.

Exercise 1

Using the blues scale

Exercise 2

Using the pentatonic scale

Exercise 3

Using patterns to play over modal tunes

Exercise 4

Using grace notes in your solos/using moments of a half step from the tonal center.

Exercise 5 (Semi Advanced)

Altering the harmony in your left hand comping to open new options in your right hand soloing.

CONCLUSION: This masterclass focused on two topics of jazz piano: Voicings and Soloing. I hope that
through these demonstrations and exercises, you have found a new knowledge and application for these
concepts in your playing.