This class is an introduction to Baroque-style counterpoint filled with harmonic resources to aid in the ability to compose and improvise within this style. Focusing on contrary motion and the authentic cadence employing secondary dominants, cycles and modulations, the written exercises are designed to help get strong compositional elements in the ears and hands of the player.

Once the finger mechanics and harmonic concepts have been practiced, two-line improvisation in this style can occur more easily.

We’ll be dealing with quick harmonic rhythms, chords lasting one or two beats and played in cycles resulting in music with forward motion that contain interesting modulations.

Highlights of the class include:

• Single note Baroque-style etudes,
• 2-part exercises in contrary motion,
• melodic embellishments,
• conversational bass techniques,
• cycle 4 and cycle 6 target chords using secondary dominants. IV V I
• cadences in various keys,
• chromatic counterpoint in contrary motion,
• an original arrangement of All cadences in various keys
• chromatic counterpoint in contrary motion,
• an original arrangement of All The Things You Are written as a Baroque/Jazz hybrid for 6 string guitar with additional pages included for 7 string guitarists.
• The class comes with 21 pages of written material in standard notation.
• Any player wishing to get deeper into composing and improvising in the Baroque style will not want to miss this class!
• 65 Minutes
• 21 Pages of PDF materials