Contrapuntal Improvisation

"Contrapuntal Improvisation I"

I'm always amazed by the so clear way Steve explains complex concepts, shown with great examples and with such a high level of musicianship on the demonstrations!

Another great lesson from Steve. You can´t go wrong with any of his lessons. This lesson will open your ears. And you will see fast results. Forget about licks. This is about music. Great topic.<br /> Thanks Steve

This is a mind-expanding class. There are 6 pages of written examples, many based on the same sample tune approached with different types of counter melodies. Also very helpful and inspiring are the many beautifully improvised and clearly explained examples. Several devices are discussed like improvising against chromatic cliche-lines like Root-7-b7-6 etc or 5-#5-6 and playing arpeggio-based countermelodies against a held note. This class, in conjunction with Steve's Van Eps-Style classes and the Inner Line class, represented a bit of a breakthrough for me and are revolutionizing the way I play and approach the instrument, from trying to combine chords and melodies, to juggling independent lines inside an organic improvised arrangement. Superb stuff!

I have several classes from Mike's offering, including half a dozen of Steve's and I feel this class is easily his most engaging, interesting, and for me, useful. After watching the lesson and studying the material, I felt like I had seen/heard something on the instrument I didn't know existed prior. Hearing the lines and counter-lines was truly like an epiphany. The class is well-presented (as always w/ Steve), easy to follow, great examples which can be played quickly to gain confidence, and extremely 'usable' in real world jazz settings. Steve is a huge asset to Mike's roster and this class is a great example why. Be prepared to be challenged! <br /> <br /> Jeff Stocks, Kansas City, MO