Jazz Improvisation from Coursera

Learn the basic concepts of improvisation from Gary Burton, one of the most renowned improvisers in the jazz world, including the mental, melodic, and harmonic processes that contribute to the instinctive skills that an improviser puts to use when taking a solo.

While many people are fans of jazz and understand that musicians are often “making up” the notes they are playing during a performance, most people—often including musicians, themselves, who are beginning to learn improvising—aren’t clear about what exact processes take place to enable this to happen. The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic concepts of modern improvisation and how to go about mastering the different musical and mental skills involved.

Course author Gary Burton codifies a sought-after approach to improvisation that has been at the core of Berklee College of Music's curriculum for decades. Students who complete this course will know what to practice and how to practice the various aspects of improvising, in addition to understanding how the improviser spontaneously communicates to the listeners through their musical creations.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Jazz Improvisation

Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

Improvisation as a Language

Since everybody who is taking this course starts from a different place in terms of their experience as an improviser, it's important at first to cover some basic material. We'll begin our journey by exploring the language used by jazz improvisors. Improvisation is analogous to language in many ways. With music, we become fluent when the vocabulary (scales and chords) and grammar (harmonic progressions) are assimilated into conversational content or story (melodic themes and structure) and we no longer have to consciously think about them while we play.

The Improviser's Vocabulary

In this lesson, we'll explore the improviser's lingo. We'll identify the most common chord scales and the type of harmony they relate to including major, minor, and dominant 7.

Making Scale Choices in Real Time

Improvisers must be able to quickly recall chord scales and be able to play around on them fluently. This becomes important when choosing which chord scale to use on a given harmony—another thing we must be able to determine immediately. When a new tune is put in front of you at a session or a rehearsal, there isn't time to take the music home and spend an hour or two working out the correct scales. Improvisers need a quick, mostly intuitive way of making these scale choices in real time as the tune is being played. This week, we'll explore my method for making these quick musical decisions.

Harmony for Improvisers

It is important for an improviser to clearly imply the harmonies when improvising. It is not enough to just play correct notes on each chord. In this lesson we'll examine how the improviser helps the harmonies move. Part of the improviser's job is to help the listener follow the changes as the chords move from one to another.

Theme and Variation

This week we will discuss how the improviser develops melodic themes in a solo. As mentioned in week 1, there are natural comparisons between speech and improvising that illustrate how this functions. The most common technique for telling a musical story that engages the listener for the duration of your solo is by using a traditional concept called theme and variation. That is, you introduce a theme—a musical phrase—then repeat it, making variations on it to develop an interesting storyline. A good solo is like an explanation, or a good story. The explanation or story is the content of improvisation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores essential modern improvisation skills and techniques, referenced by Berklee College of Music's own curriculum

Taught by the renowned Gary Burton, an authority in jazz improvisation

Develops the foundational and advanced skills for jazz improvisation, useful for beginners and seasoned improvisers

Reviews summary

Highly rated jazz improvisation course

Learners say this engaging, highly rated course covers foundational concepts of jazz improvisation. Led by Gary Burton, an experienced jazz musician, the course is structured around weekly assignments that students generally find challenging but achievable. Learners recommend this course for all skill levels and say it is a great way for beginners to learn basic techniques and for experienced musicians to solidify their knowledge.

Content is well structured for learning and understanding.

"Gary Burton guides each lesson with a clear and natural perspective of the genre."

"The comprehensive, condensed method of the course put me on the track with an immediate effect."

"The course presents a great framework to hang and consolidate previously acquired knowledge , consoloidate it and fill in the (in my case , large) gaps."

Suitable for both beginners and advanced learners.

"I found this course really helpful and complete for someone who wants to start to improvise and has no idea of it."

"even if you've covered some of the themes before the course presents a great framework to hang and consolidate previously aquired knowledge"

"Straightforward, hands-on training that teaches you the essentials to start improvising."

Assignments help reinforce concepts and are essential to learning.

"Assignments were challenging but achievable."

"This helped me have more ideas to expand my vocabulary as an improviser"

"The assignments naturally develop your jazz language and the additional material is very useful."

Gary Burton's expertise as a jazz musician shines through.

"Gary Burton es un gran músico y un excelente maestro, me ha dejado muchos conceptos para aplicar en mi trabajo como pianista."

"Gary Burton describes each step so clearly with musical examples."

"This 5 week intensive course has really opened my eyes to how far you can develop your improvisation and the processes that come with it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Jazz Improvisation with these activities:

The Jazz Theory Book

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of jazz theory, including scales, chords, and harmonic progressions, which can enhance your understanding of the language of jazz improvisation.

View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon

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Ear Training Exercises

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Engaging in ear training exercises can enhance your ability to recognize and transcribe melodies and harmonies, which is crucial for improvisation.

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Use an app or website for ear training exercises.
Start with simple exercises, such as identifying intervals and chords.
Gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises.

Chromatic Scales

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Reviewing chromatic scales can help you expand your musical vocabulary and enhance your improvisational skills.

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Practice playing chromatic scales in all keys.
Identify chromatic scales in musical examples.

Four other activities

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Practice with iRealPro

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It can help you practice improvisation in a variety of styles and tempos while receiving feedback on your performance.

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Download and install iRealPro on your device.
Find jazz standards or create your own chord progressions.
Practice improvising over the chord progressions.

Improvisation Jam Sessions

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Participating in improvisation jam sessions can provide a collaborative and supportive environment to practice and improve your skills.

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Find a group of musicians to jam with.
Choose a chord progression or musical theme.
Take turns improvising over the progression.

Compose Your Own Improvisational Phrases

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Composing your own improvisational phrases can help you develop your musical creativity and personal style.

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Start by identifying melodic patterns and motifs that you like.
Experiment with combining different patterns and motifs.
Record yourself improvising and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Attend a Jazz Improvisation Workshop

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Participating in a jazz improvisation workshop can offer a structured and interactive environment to learn from experienced musicians and improve your skills.

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Research and find a jazz improvisation workshop that fits your level and interests.
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
Attend the workshop, actively participate in the exercises and discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Jazz Improvisation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Musician

A Musician performs musical compositions primarily by playing musical instruments, alone or as part of an ensemble. As a Musician, you will need a strong understanding of musical theory and techniques. A course in Jazz Improvisation may help build a foundation in the theoretical knowledge and techniques that can be applied to your work as a Musician.

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Music Producer

Music Producers are typically responsible for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music. In this role, you will oversee and manage the production process and work with Musicians to achieve the desired sound for their music. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation can help build a foundation in important musical theory, techniques, and styles that can be translated to your work managing and directing musicians.

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Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt and revise existing musical compositions to suit a particular ensemble or performance style. They work with Musicians and Composers to create new arrangements of music. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation can help you develop the skills needed to understand and adapt musical compositions for a variety of purposes.

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Composer

Composers create original music. They may write music for a variety of purposes, including film, television, video games, and live performance. A course in Jazz Improvisation can help you build a strong foundation in musical theory and techniques that are essential for composing music.

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Sound Engineer

Sound Engineers are responsible for managing and maintaining the technical aspects of sound reproduction during live performances and recordings. In this role, you will work closely with Musicians and Producers to ensure the best possible sound quality. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of musical theory and techniques that can be applied to your work as a Sound Engineer.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers teach music to students of all ages. They develop lesson plans, teach music theory, and lead students in musical activities. A course in Jazz Improvisation may help you develop the skills needed to teach music to students of all ages.

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Music Director

Music Directors are responsible for the musical direction of an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble. They select the music to be performed, lead rehearsals, and conduct performances. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of the role of a Music Director and the skills needed to lead and direct musicians.

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Music Historian

Music Historians research and write about the history of music. They study musical styles, composers, and performers, and they trace the development of music over time. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of the historical context of jazz music and its role in the development of American music.

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Music Professor

Music Professors teach music at colleges and universities. They teach music theory, history, and performance. They also conduct research and publish articles and books on music. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of jazz music that can be applied to teaching and research.

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Music Attorney

Music Attorneys represent musicians and other clients in the music industry. They negotiate contracts, protect intellectual property rights, and advise clients on legal issues. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of the legal issues that arise in the music industry and the role of music attorneys in protecting the rights of musicians.

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Music Agent

Music Agents represent musicians and help them book performances and negotiate contracts. They also advise musicians on their careers and help them develop their public image. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of the music industry and the role of music agents in the development and promotion of jazz music.

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Music Publisher

Music Publishers acquire, edit, and publish musical compositions. They work with composers and songwriters to develop and market their music. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of the music industry and the role of music publishers in the development and promotion of jazz music.

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Music Critic

Music Critics write reviews and articles about music. They provide their opinions on musical performances and recordings, as well as discuss music-related trends and issues. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help develop a better understanding of musical theory and techniques that can be applied to writing music criticism.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians catalog, manage, and preserve music collections. They may also provide reference and research assistance to patrons. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help build a foundation in music theory and techniques that can be applied to cataloging and organizing music collections.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. They work with individuals and groups to create and deliver music-based interventions. Taking a course in Jazz Improvisation may help you develop a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of music and how it can be used to help people improve their health and well-being.

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