Section 1: Melody

• The Staff

• The Musical Alphabet

• Accidentals
   

Section 2: Rhythm​

• Measures

• Exploring different time signatures

• Note Values

• Rests

• Triplets

• Dotted Notes

• Ties
   

Section 3: Intervals

• Major and perfect intervals

• Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Intervals

• Consonant and Dissonant Intervals

• ​Interval abbreviations
  ​

Section 4: Key Signatures, Scales, and Modes

• Tablature Notation

• Major Scale

• Circle of 5ths

• Determining Key Centers

• Minor Scale​

• Scale Formulas

• Scale Relationships

• Modes of the Major Scale

• Pentatonic Scales

• Minor Pentatonic Scale

• Major Pentatonic Scale

• Blues/Bebop Scales

• Other Scales
   

Section 5: Jazz Harmony Basics and Chord Construction

• Acquire a "Real Book."

• Triads

• Triad Inversions

• Harmonizing the Major and Minor Scales

• 7th Chords

• Chord Extensions

• Altered Chords

• Slash Chords

• Hybrid Chords  
   

Section 6: Harmonic Analysis and Reharmonization​

• Secondary Dominants​

• Modulations

• Diatonic Substitutions 

• Changing Chord Quality

• Passing Chords

• Altered Chords

• Roman Numeral Notation
   

Section 7: Introduction to Improvisation

• Advanced Tablature Notation

• Take Out the "Real Book!" (Necessity)

• Creating melodies using scales

• Basics of improvising over chord changes

• Listening responding to musical prompts

• Techniques for developing melodic ideas
   

Section 8: Advanced Improvisation Techniques 

• Exploring modes and their applications

• Arpeggios

• Incorporating rhythmic variation in improvisation
   

Section 9: Piano and Guitar Voicings and Voice Leading​

• Voice Leading and the ll V l (2, 5, 1) Progression

• One-Hand Voicings (Piano)

• Voicings for the Blues

• Two-Hand Voicings (Piano)
   

Section 10: Applying Theory to Improvisation

• Analyzing Famous Improvisations

• Working through the "Real Book"

• Playing the Blues

• Playing Along with recordings 

​​

This theory curriculum follows an order of learning, and putting into practice, theory to help you improvise, compose, and think of music in a logical way. The first book below, "Jazzology", has a wonderful section on practicing. It is very inspiring and well thought out. If you're in high school or college and need some help with your theory assignments, I can help you.

​

Listed below are four of many books I've used in designing a theory and improvisation curriculum that is approachable and non-intimidating. You won't feel overwhelmed by information because we will take things at your pace. Don't feel the need to learn everything all at once; there's a lot to learn. But even with little bits of knowledge and understanding, you'll notice an improvement in your playing. The more you learn, the more you completely understand. And, the more you use your new-found skills, the more enjoyable and impressive your playing will be. 

 

Bibliography:​

1) Jazzology, The Encyclopedia of Jazz Theory for All Musicians, by Robert Rawlins and Nor Eddine Bahha, Hal Leonard Publishing
2) Techniques and Materials of Tonal Music

Thomas Benjamin, Michael Horvit, Robert Nelson; Copyright 1979, Houghton Mifflin Company 

3) Music Theory, Guitar Method, Hal Leonard Publishing​​​

4) The Advancing Guitarist, Mick Goodrick; Copyright 1987, Hal Leonard Publishing

​​