AboutD C DowDell Expertise D C DowDell will answer questions about Jazz improvisation, composition, chord voicing, scales and modes, practice techniques and ear training. Professor DowDell also enjoys discussions on Jazz musicology and the evolution of style.
Experience D C DowDell is a professional Jazz pianist/composer who currently teaches online Jazz studies at A Passion for Jazz!. He has been teaching music for over 25 years at 2 major universities, several community colleges as well as accepting students for private study.
As an educator, D C DowDell has published articles at the university level and recently published Basic Musicianship a primary reference text for pianists, vocalists and composers.
D C also maintains an active performance schedule, having appeared with Rosemary Clooney, Marilyn McCoo, Bobby Vinton to name just a few. Generally, D C stays in the Southern California area with Jazz ensemble or as a solo artist.
Organizations American Federation of Musicians
National Music Teachers Association
International Association of Jazz Educators
Education/Credentials Bachelors of Music Education from UCLA Masters of Music Composition from UNT
Question Hi, first I'd like to say that learning jazz has fascinated me ever since i became involved in music, and I've been working with using its characteristics when writing my own music to kind of bring a newer sound to progressive and experimental rock. i do already know triads, modes, the circle of fifths, jazz improvisation, and just working with the sound from being in highs jazz band. However there is still a lot i don't know about jazz and one huge thing is how to use passing chords. Is it something you just need your ear for, or are there certain rules and guidelines to follow when trying to use them in music?
Answer Hello Dan and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com.
"Passing Chords" or "Passing Tones" are a method of linear harmony. You are connecting one chord to the next, or one progression to the next. This technique is sophisticated in that you keep forward movement going.
Example: Dm7, G7, C#7, C.
In the above example the C#7 is being used as a passing chord to the C which is tonic.
To gain a better understanding and to learn how the many techniques are applied, it is best to listen to other players. See if you can identify techniques used by different players and notice if they do it the same way. Often there will be slight differences in application.
Thanks for the interest,
D C DowDell
Professor of Music
A Passion for Jazz!
studio: 619.223.2069
mobile: 619.855.2069 http://www.apassion4jazz.net
