Simple Music Secrets

Jazz Solo

Improvisation is common in many types of music, but is mainly expressed in jazz. Most all players know a common set of songs called standards. These standards are know by all and can be called on at any time in a concert . A player can expect to build his own solo jazz part upon a standard usually. If you plan to be a instrumentalist, you definitely should attempt to learn the jazz standards. Only after you know the song and its chordal structure can you be an effective soloist . Reading music can be an invaluable skill when it comes to this task.

The instrumentalist usually will not begin prior to the main melody of the song being played once through by everyone. Awaiting your cue to begin your jazz solo, you are well advised to know how long the first section will be. You will receive a nod by the leader of the band to begin your solo when it is your time in any case. Often your solo will begin after the singer finishes the verse and chorus.

jazz solo

Only understanding and a good understanding of musical structure will be the building blocks of a great jazz improvisations. The chord pattern of the song dictates the boundaries of your solo. This is where all the time you spent practicing scales will bear its fruit. Learn the scales in all keys and go from one to another with a seamless transition and you will learn to build a good jazz improvisation. If you find it difficult at first to build a solo, try playing arpeggios in the key signatures as you move through the song.  A solo is not just running scales however. The jazz solo should contain dynamics, structure and have something to say. You cannot know the exact way you will get through your solo, but you can know generally how you will  get there.

Most jazz improvisations start with at least a general understanding and statement of the melody. Starting simply is the best way to leave room to move as you go through your solo. As you go on through your solo you can increase the tension, dynamics and tempo before resolving to the main melody at the end. If you examine some of your favorite solos, you will see that more often than not they follow this general structure .

Listen to other soloists to hear how they do their jazz improvisations. Go to concerts, buy recordings and learn how to build your own jazz musical solo. In time you will know what the structure of a good jazz improvisation is intrinsically without being told.
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How to start your gig off right so you are comfortable and confident.

When I perform at a solo gig I always start the set with something that is well within my vocal range, easy to play and is not prone to mistakes. Something I am so familiar with I could play it in my sleep.This builds my confidence and allows me to hear what the room “sounds like” and gets my blood going. Nothing too complicated right out of the gate.
Also, and it may sound elementary, but when you pratice; pratice the songs all the way through every time. Do not stop and go back over something as you get near to a performance. If you get nervous you will come to the point where you usually stop and guess what? you will stop! Oh what an awful feeling.
That is from my own experience of course.

Cure Stage Fright

Being humiliated while performing or speaking is the definition of stage fright. Stage fright is so common it ranks among the highest of personal fears . Not many people are born orators or performers. There are certain people that love attention and are natural performers. Some of our most famous celebrities deal with stage fright all of the time. One of the most well known performers that has a problem with stage fright is Barbra Streisand. With help and guidance you can learn to manage stage fright and its debilitating effects.

stage fright

Performing in public manifests stage fright in most people. You must learn to not think about  the audience when you are performing. If you have studied well, you need not worry about the audience. Though you may want desperately to look to see if your friends or family are watching, it is best not to look anyone directly in the eye at first because they may cause you to lose your place or make a mistake. Pick a spot on the wall in the back or a light fixture and sing to that spot, no one will notice.

Your first song should be one which you can always do without thinking, an easy one. Do not start with a piece you have to think hard about or one which requires a difficult technique to perform. Save the tough stuff for last. In order to feel good about the performance at the start, do the proper piece for the first number, the audience will applaud and that will make you gain some much needed confidence. Small successes lead to larger ones in managing stage fright.

All of us deal with stage fright but we can learn to manage it with time and help. Failing is a fear we all face and this is why stage fright is so hard. Learn how to manage stage fright and manage your own anxieties.
definition of stage fright