Beginning Improvisation 1 & 2 - FAQ's & Comments

Frequently Asked Questions - Beginning Improvisation 1 & 2

This list of questions and comments was compiled from feedback from players who have used the books & CD's. If you have any questions or would like to contribute your comments then please send me an email and your input will find it's way here.

Q: Why are there no exercises written specifically for each track?
A: Reading exercises doesn't bring you any closer to Improvisation.

Q: I just got the Books & CD's and I want to play something. What do I do?
A: First of all take the time to read the first few pages of the book very carefully. The Books & CD's are a tool. They provide the opportunity to internalize chord/mode sounds and provide harmonic backing to diatonic exercises. Use the CD's at first to understand how to internalize the chord/mode sounds. Pick one chord/mode sound to learn. If you are a beginner then D Dorian is a good place to start. Play the exercise for D Dorian. This is simply playing the D minor triad, the scale as written, (from the root to the 7th and back down), and repeating a few times. You now have the sound of D Dorian in your ear. Play a few notes from the scale and LISTEN to them. Play the exercise again. Now put on the corresponding play along track and simply play a few tones from the notes you remember. If this is just too easy do it with Ab Dorian but PLAY THE EXERCISE first. Explore the various modes in different keys but play the exercise first.

Q: Like your online demo, I thought that there would be verbal instruction with demonstrations for each of the exercises in addition to the playback tracks. Why is there no verbal instruction on the tracks?
A: The online demo is simply a set of instructions on how to use the CD's and books. The material is not in the form of separate lessons. The CD's are designed to give you the possibility to work out your ideas in all keys and hear them with out being rushed by the constraints of regular playing situations or song play alongs.

Q: Though there are samples of Diad and Triad patterns (pages 6 - 8), they are only in one key. Why?
A: If all of the possible exercises were written out for every ability level in every key, they would fill a warehouse with paper and probably do you no good at all. Working the exercise out before you play it is the only way you will ever learn to use what the exercise gives in a real playing situation. Tough but true. When you work it out with your ears and your brain it's yours.

Q: In the exercises, only a single pattern (the same pattern) is used throughout both books 1 & 2. I was really looking for more pattern exercises.
A: This isn't a pattern. It is a way of internalizing the notes that make up a mode or scale. It follows the same routine because it is the most effective way of hearing the mode and connecting it, it's feeling of tension and release to your fingers.

Q: Of course, I can create them (patterns) myself, but the point was to find a book that provides several different patterns already written out so I can focus on playing.
A: It sounds like you would like to read the patterns, to focus on reading. Focusing on playing means focusing on what is within you. If you need to play innovative and interesting patterns there are quite a few books on the market already. You could listen to the players that turn you on, with an ear to lifting the material that you like. You should make up your own patterns. This is (in my opinion) the better solution.

Feedback:

Hello David,
I received my order today, I am very very pleased, your method is I believe the most effective I've came across yet, I used to study with cats who would not even break their ax out, so this material is a breakthrough for me, now I was re-missed to peruse the other material until last night and listen to all the examples which further knocked me out so I will be ordering the other sets, cd's 1-4, plus I've already got two of my tenor buddies checking out your website, so thanks so much for your dedication to the music, cant wait to get started, the modes I've known about but never had them presented or heard them played the way you have, I hear my thing all in the examples, man oh man, you've helped me find me !
Keep swinging my man,
Anderson

I bought your book 2 months ago by Saxophon-Service and it´s one of the best in teaching literature. Very useful and brain challenging (if this idiom is correct) Not focused in only doodlin´ scales, but searching ´Body and Soul´ in practising and playing.
Keep on swingin´
K.

I really like the books. I spent a little time with volume one last night. THANKS for writing out all the exercises in all keys. Although I have all of them memorized, I like to refer to them written every once in a while. Thanks.
J.

I finally made it thru your Website, but it was a struggle, I had to backtrack several times, couldn't use the 'continue shopping' button, etc. ... But, that's in the past - on to the future...
I'd like to make a comment:
What I especially liked about your online tutorial was that for the 'dorian' mode you gave example exercises, the arpegio, running the scale, going up and down in 3rds, and triads, and they played a little solo actually using the exercises. This is excellent because for the beginner there is a difficulty getting from exercise to solo, and, more generally, thinking of anything to play to start with....
and I'd like to make a suggestion -
I think it would be great to have a little discussion group, like a usenet group, on your webpage... so that we could ask questions etc...
W. F.

Just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with your book and improv. CD's. I received my order in less than 10 day's,
D.

A.Hey !! I just saw a reccomendation for your educational technique on alt.music.saxophone.
Very cool use of Flash (transposition and playing the backgrounds.) One of the best uses I've seen.
J. K.

The $64 dollar question - I've looked at lots of books, tryed lots of schemes myself, and the best thing (in my opinion of course) I've come across is a little tutorial by D. Beecroft posted to this group recently - here's a link to it - you can order his discs - but just the online tutorial is amazing... a few little exercises and you'll be playing like Trane! or at least Brecker !!!
W. F.