Week 8-9

Week 8

Explain the role of blues in the development of early jazz

Blues music is one of the forms of jazz, and it generally has its own niche in the musical genres. Blues is characterized by its improvised and spontaneous nature, and like all jazz, is used to convey emotion. This connection with emotion helped develop the early stages of jazz, by encouraging an emotional and message-filled way of playing. Thus, blues is important to the development of jazz.

Instrument Class

Today, Cindy Ditho and I practiced with Michelle and Ivy to play our collaboration jazz pieces. It was difficult, as I haven't really practiced. This time I could actually play the music, so it was an improvement. I need to improve on my playing and sight-reading though.

Week 9

How is my understanding now about improvisation especially in blues?

My understanding is better now, as I had to improvise due to my inability to read the notes. It's not as hard as it looks, but it takes a great deal of skill to make good improvised notes. I have to learn the proper scales first in order to make better improvisations. My understanding is a lot better than it was though, due to my attempts and forced application of improvising.

Instrument Class

I had to learn more about improvisation instead of note-reading due to how effective it is. It's a difficult yet somewhat easy task, as I can improvise already. I'll try my best to learn more about the techniques as time passes. Mr. John also helped me in improvising, as he trained me in instrument class.