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 i want to write and record my own music in the fusion style i know theirs in jazz 2 5 1and 1 6 2 5 but fusion doesnt really work so much that wayright? i listen to old school fusion mainly i know the various modes ,im also stuck on harmonic rythm ive been playing bass 24 yrs i want the skill of writting changes can u give me some ideas on how to help me find my own understanding of this neat style of music thnx.....
Answer Hello Ken and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com.
Fusion uses the same chord progressions and cadences found in other styles of music, just arranged differently. However, Fusion Jazz is such a broad style that it is difficult to comment without a specific example.
Here is a chart on simple chord progressions use in Jazz:
I suggest listening to as many tunes as you can and see if you can identify the time signature, key and the different sections. Then choose a tune and write it down on paper, i.e. do a take down on the tune.
Listening is the key to leaning the many components of music and by examining the work of others, we can get a perspective on how we can put together our own compositions.
Thanks for the interest,
D C DowDell
Professor Emeritus
A Passion for Jazz!
studio: 619.223.2069
mobile: 619.855.2069 http://www.apassion4jazz.net
