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Music Theory & Improvisation

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of music theory and improvisation in this dynamic course tailored for musicians at every stage. You'll learn the magic behind scales, chords, and rhythm while boosting your improvisational skills and creativity. With challenging exercises and lively sessions, you'll apply your newfound knowledge to actual musical situations in no time. Join me and elevate your musical aspirations, expand your repertoire, and unleash your unique voice through the power of music.

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 6Harmonic 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

Section 1

jazz sheet music from the "Real Book" with chords
dark purple and orange  sky, clouds and music notes.jpg
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TESTIMONIALS

"Chris has given music lessons to my three children and me for years. He is professional and enthusiastic about music. All of us have learned about music in an enjoyable way. Chris has a deep talent for music, but more importantly, he cares deeply about his students and cultivates their love of music.” Brian Corr, Phd Horticulturist​​

“After my first guitar lesson with Chris, I felt very encouraged and decided to keep coming back to see him. My goal was to learn guitar theory in order to get out of a rut of mindless noodling. Since starting with Chris just a few months ago, I’m surprised at how quickly I’ve progressed. I thought it would be much more difficult, but Chris is a fantastic teacher. He is patient yet also pushes you to really study the lesson materials. I look forward to each session with Chris and definitely recommend him to folks who want to get a grip on music theory for guitar.” Josh Wade, Software Engineer

“I have taken lessons with Chris for a year. I have found him to be an extremely skilled musician, but he is still very encouraging for a beginner and has endless patience. I don’t think I could have stayed with it for the long haul without his help and cheerleading! I love to hear him play for those few minutes at the end of the lesson. It is so inspiring. He is an amazing musician and a great human being.” Pamela Walden, Psychologist & Care-Giver

"Chris' talents when working with elderly Alzheimer's patients is nothing short of miraculous. His musical talent, both playing the guitar and piano, as well as singing, make his programs a site of laughter, participation, and fond memories. It is amazing to observe residents who spend much of the day withdrawn from interaction suddenly come alive: hands clapping, sitting upright, laughing, and interacting with each other. Chris plays a perfect selection of songs: old stand-by-hymns, songs from another era, as well as some quirky modern songs that have become favorites. Each song resonates with so many of those present. Music touches the hearts and memories of those residents in ways that nothing else can. It is a gift." Brian Gustafson, Son of Louise

Christian Pawola Music logo with guitar and piano

Christian Pawola Music

Advancing Music Through The Generations

Important!! BEGINNING MONDAY, JULY 14th,
My lessons will be conducted at:
Forrest York Guitars

123 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
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