This is something I really stand behind. The idea is really simple. We’re just playing triads over the main harmonic areas of the tune rather than trying to follow every single chord. So instead of chasing all the changes, we’re hearing the bigger picture and locking into the key centres. What this does is help you feel the “centre of gravity” of each section. Even if the chords underneath are moving around, if you sit on the triad of that key centre it still sounds melodic and connected. It’s also a really good way to simplify things. This tune can look like it’s got loads going on, but really it’s just long periods of I, then II, then V back to I. If you can hear that clearly, your playing starts to make a lot more sense. Technically it’s great as well. It’s a proper workout for your left hand and bowing, and it helps get these basic shapes into your fingers so they actually come out when you improvise. Keep it slow, don’t worry about hitting every note perfectly, and try to hear the shape of the harmony as you play. 👉 Join the live class each week at 6pm (VIP), or get access to these written exercises (Premium & VIP) by upgrading below. https://www.skool.com/jazzviolin/plans

I covered some Rhythm Exercises in today's Q&A. Had a few conversations on here about how to get more rhythmically diverse and free and this one way that I have found can help. The whole recording of the Q&A is available in the classroom for Premium and VIP members. Upgrade Here

Here is a little example of how you might use lines that you have learned when practising improv. Using one of the lines from the new course "46 Simple Lines in G"

A few members have been chatting in the comments about technique. Technique is a really interesting subject for jazz players because the world of jazz violin is inhabited by players from different places, musical backgrounds and varying technical ability on the instrument. I know when I first started jazz, my technique basically didn’t exist at all. I practised jazz HARD, and over that time I think I practised some weird points into my playing. Issues I’ve come up against time after time since playing professionally. Over the years Iv worked at it and had lesson with different teachers to help fix my issues. I would implore jazz violinists who haven’t had a solid technical foundation in violin playing to do the same; alongside you work on improv, take lessons with a good teacher in your area who understands your jazz goals (they can be hard to find) People who have a decent grounding should try to keep this up too but I always suggest that they start to use different material to work on their issues or technical goals. Find a way to work on jazz language whilst focusing on your violin playing. This is where my weekly exercises can come in handy. Rather than schradiek, if you know what you are working on, try to use enclosure and scale exercises to push your left hand. Better still create your own exercises out of lines that you like, that’s literally what I do! Btw, just 48 hours left of my 20% discount on all stand alone courses in my classroom. Those 46 lines could be a great place to start with the above!

https://www.anytune.app/ This is the programme I found for transcription. Good for Mac, PC or as an app for phone or tablet. They give a month's free trial and then ask if you want to purchase for around 40€. It's really easy to use with great looping options, and also speed and pitch controls. What I really like is that when you loop, it automatically clicks to the nearest beat, so it repeats seamlessly in time. Great bit of kit if anyone fancies trying it out.