Jazz Harmony

How do we bridge the gap between theory and the music we love? This book aims to establish as close a relationship as possible between theory, the ear and our instrument. 'Jazz Theory - Think Listen Play' is a comprehensive approach to improvisation, translating knowledge into sound, developing out musical imagination and finding our 'inner voice', which then guides us on our instrument. It will be a rewarding journey for any aspiring musician, music teacher and Jazz player. Always remember - there is no truth in theory, only in music. Enjoy!

Frank Sikora (*1956) was born in London and drifted into Jazz when he was 15, playing in numerous swing, bebop and gypsy groups while still in school. Frank initially studied biochemistry (sciences being his other major area of interest), but then succumbed to his first love, venturing into a career as a musician. After completing his studies at the Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory in Boston/USA, majoring in composition, arranging and guitar, Frank spent more than 15 years on the road, performing amongst others with Art Farmer, Dieter Ilg, Victor Bailey, Joe Haider, Slide Hampton, Pony Poindexter, among others. He then focussed on composing and arranging for a wide variety of professional ensembles (big band, vocal groups, orchestra, radio bands, etc.), acting as musical director for a number of projects (e.g. the "Zurich Jazz Orchestra" 2003-07). Frank eventually launched into teaching as his primary calling, running more than 400 workshops worldwide over the past 30 years (improvisation, theory, Ensembles etc.). He taught ear training and arranging at the State University of Music and the Performing Arts Stuttgart/Germany (1987-2007). Since 1988 he has been in charge of the theory department and the master program in 'Jazz Composition & Arrangement' at the University of the Arts Bern/Switzerland, teaching harmony, counterpoint, composition, arranging, ensembles, etc. with a distinct hands-on approach, helping students recognise their creative potential. Frank currently lives in Switzerland with his wife Regula and his son Loris.

Why yet another Harmony Book? - Think: - First Steps - Tonality - Chord Symbol Notation - Modality - The Lead Sheet - Diatonic Harmony in Major Keys - The Major/Minor System - The II-V-I Progression - Scales, Chord Tones and Tensions - Secondary Dominants - Scales for Secondary Dominants - Tritone Substitution - Extended Dominants - The Chromatic Dominant System - Secondary and Substitute II-Vs - Dimished Seventh Chords - Modal Harmony - Modal Interchange - The Blues - The Turnaround - Guide Tone Lines - Chromaticism - Form - The Motive - Harmonic and Melodic Rhythm - Melodic Contour and Climax - "Saving All My Love for You" - Form and Improvisation - Analysis - "All Of Me" - "Round Midnight" - "Nardis" - Rhythm Changes - Modulation - "All The Things You Are" - "Stella By Starlight" - "Mornin" - "Maiden Voyage" - Listen: - Ear Training-a Musician's Nightmare - The Inner Voice - If you Wanna Hear It, You Gotta Feel It! - Transcription - Play: - Improvisation - Play-Alongs - Guide Tone Lines Again - Licks and Tricks - Playing the Form - Postlude - Appendix