Jazz Improvisation: Vocabulary and Practice Techniques

Build a foundation for approaching jazz improvisation while learning how to transcribe on your own, and how to incorporate transcription study during practice time. Topics introduced during this course will include major, minor, dominant, and blues scale applications and patterns, as well as the ii-V-I chord progression, where it occurs, and how to identify it. Blues and standard song forms will be analyzed as well as how to “realize chord changes” using scales and patterns. This course will benefit beginners and experienced players alike. As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to utilize “play-alongs” for optimized practice time, and also examine a transcription of a classic jazz standard. Please bring your instrument as all students will perform during the class.

Instructors: Anthony Kidonakis & Jack Cassidy

Anthony Kidonakis joined the faculty of VanderCook in the Fall of 2009. He earned his bachelor of music education from Northern Illinois University, studying saxophone with distinguished research professor Steve Duke. Mr. Kidonakis performed and recorded with the NIU Wind Ensemble under the direction of Stephen Squires, and toured the United States and Europe with the world-renown NIU Jazz Ensemble and legends such as Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Heath, Ed Thigpen, Frank Foster, and Wynton Marsalis under the direction of Ronald Carter. Mr. Kidonakis maintains an active performance schedule with numerous local musicians and has worked with recording artists such as The Drifters, Gene "Duke of Earl" Chandler, and The Cryan Shames, including a guest appearance with The Redwalls on NBC's Tonight Show With Jay Leno. He taught band for five years in Downers Grove Grade School District 58, and is the composer for the Paideia Projects, a series of video documentaries on the contributions of Ancient Greece to Western civilization. Mr. Kidonakis earned his master of music education from VanderCook College of Music in 2009, and a Master of Wind Performance and Literature from Northwestern University in 2012, studying saxophone with and serving as a teaching assistant for Dr. Frederick L. Hemke.