JAZZ PEDAGOGY LESSON PLAN:

JAZZ IMPROVISATION IN STRING ORCHESTRA

Title Improvisation in String Orchestra

Subject Jazz in String Orchestra

Teacher Mia Kruse

Grade level High School Orchestra, grades 9-12

Time duration 2 45-minute class periods

Overview Students will understand and play blues scales in I, IV, and V in the key of B-
flat

Objective Students will be able to improvise a simple 12-bar blues.

Materials Instrument, tuner, blues scale sheets, chord chart, YouTube listening links, staff
paper

Prerequisite knowledge Students have already been introduced to and have practiced and learned Blues
scales and arpeggios in B-flat, F, G, C, and D mixolydian.

Development 1. Students are given a Chord chart of 12 bar blues worksheet.

Activities 2. Students will write in the chord name/root of the chord for each chord
change on the cord chart.
3. Students use staff paper to write out the blues scale or arpeggio at each
chord change.
4. Students play the appropriate scale at each chord change
5. Students play the appropriate arpeggio at each chord change.
6. Students play 1-3-5-7 of the chord at each chord change while director
plays improv. examples.
7. Students then write out their own solos with suggestions from the
director.

1. Students are given extra time.

2. Students are given a pre-written solo with instructions for adding notes,
varying the rhythms.
 3. Students may work and present in groups.

Accommodations

1. Perform Blues Scales in Required Keys

2. Students are given the opportunity to perform their solo over the bass
line.
3. Students are given verbal feedback from the director and/or from their
peers.
4. Students are allowed time to apply the feedback in a second or third
improv. attempt after making edits to the original.

Check for
Understanding

NAfMe Standards: MU.Cr.1.1.E.5a, MU.Cr.1.1.E8.a

Standards
MU.Cr2.1.E.5a, MU.Cr.2.1.E8a

MU.Cr2.1.E.5b, MU.Cr2.1.E.8b

ASTA Standards: Content area 2A, Learning Task 4.2

Extra Discuss and apply articulations.

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