Fingerstyle Improvisation and
Arranging for Guitarists
This is what you get when you mix a Ph.D. in theory, a Master's in classical guitar, years of playing fingerstyle jazz, and a dedication to teaching using kinesthetic methods for over 30 years. I love guiding people through a clear path, avoiding dead end alleys, while discovering the joy of the journey and fulfilling on their deepest dreams. I'm excited about this brand new class
Class Description:
This class blends fingerstyle (classical) technique with jazz improvisation and arranging.
Balanced Guitar balances improvisation with fingerstyle technique, exploring the best of both worlds. Students choose their own repertoire and create arrangements and improvisations that take advantage of all the fingers and the counterpoint they facilitate. For classical guitarists, it can be a deep dive into improvisation. For jazz guitarists, it can be a forum to develop classical chops and create contrapuntal arrangements. Every student will receive:
1. A great way to learn jazz chords and to master the notes on the guitar
2. An introduction and tutorial to Finale notation software
3. Develop their ability to read and write in standard notation
4. 7 levels of arranging for solo guitar
5. Taking arrangement concepts into improvising (harmonize while you improvise)
6. Comping patterns
7. Understanding and becoming fluent in form and harmony
8. Breaking out of patterns with simplicity
Class Description:
This class blends fingerstyle (classical) technique with jazz improvisation and arranging.
Balanced Guitar balances improvisation with fingerstyle technique, exploring the best of both worlds. Students choose their own repertoire and create arrangements and improvisations that take advantage of all the fingers and the counterpoint they facilitate. For classical guitarists, it can be a deep dive into improvisation. For jazz guitarists, it can be a forum to develop classical chops and create contrapuntal arrangements. Every student will receive:
1. A great way to learn jazz chords and to master the notes on the guitar
2. An introduction and tutorial to Finale notation software
3. Develop their ability to read and write in standard notation
4. 7 levels of arranging for solo guitar
5. Taking arrangement concepts into improvising (harmonize while you improvise)
6. Comping patterns
7. Understanding and becoming fluent in form and harmony
8. Breaking out of patterns with simplicity
Class Schedule
Week 1: The primary jazz chords, Fingerstyle technique, Jazz and Brazilian comping styles
Week 2: Jazz arpeggios using classical technique (fingerstyle), chord tone improvisation
Week 3: De-mystifying modes: the tri-chord scales with an extension of classical scale techniques
Week 4: Bebop scales and 7th chord inversions: the relationship between chords and scales
Week 5: Arranging on the guitar: 7 levels: melody, harmony, melody with chords, melody with bass line, chord/melody solos, scale and chord tone approaches, chromatic approaches
Week 6: Finale tutorial; writing arrangements; arranging and improvising away from the guitar
Week 7: Contrapuntal lines in arranging and improvisation
Week 8: Putting it all together: woodshedding techniques: scale patterns, arpeggio patterns
Week 9: An astronomical view of chord progressions and form
Week 10: Reharmonization techniques
Week 11: Chord extensions and deeper improvisation exercises
Week 12: Putting it all together: performance matters
Week 2: Jazz arpeggios using classical technique (fingerstyle), chord tone improvisation
Week 3: De-mystifying modes: the tri-chord scales with an extension of classical scale techniques
Week 4: Bebop scales and 7th chord inversions: the relationship between chords and scales
Week 5: Arranging on the guitar: 7 levels: melody, harmony, melody with chords, melody with bass line, chord/melody solos, scale and chord tone approaches, chromatic approaches
Week 6: Finale tutorial; writing arrangements; arranging and improvising away from the guitar
Week 7: Contrapuntal lines in arranging and improvisation
Week 8: Putting it all together: woodshedding techniques: scale patterns, arpeggio patterns
Week 9: An astronomical view of chord progressions and form
Week 10: Reharmonization techniques
Week 11: Chord extensions and deeper improvisation exercises
Week 12: Putting it all together: performance matters
Find out more about Richard Miller's teaching: testimonials
Rates:
10-class package: $90/hour (40% discount)
Special early bird rate: $50/class (18% discount) if paid in full (all 10 sessions =$500) by February 23rd 2022
Next group class 10-week session begins February 23 from 4-5pm PT (7-8pm ET)
To register, fill out the form below and send payment through Zelle (preferred), Paypal, Venmo or a credit card:
Zelle: 240-498-8365 (preferred)
Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/richrellim
Venmo: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2093149996449792507
- Private lessons
10-class package: $90/hour (40% discount)
- Group classes (3 or more students) - 10 class session (once a week)
Special early bird rate: $50/class (18% discount) if paid in full (all 10 sessions =$500) by February 23rd 2022
Next group class 10-week session begins February 23 from 4-5pm PT (7-8pm ET)
To register, fill out the form below and send payment through Zelle (preferred), Paypal, Venmo or a credit card:
Zelle: 240-498-8365 (preferred)
Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/richrellim
Venmo: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2093149996449792507