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Jazz Music Practice Sheet
Introduction to Jazz Music
Jazz music is a style of music that originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its use of improvisation, syncopation, and swing. It is a combination of African American and European musical traditions.
Jazz Music Theory
- What is the difference between syncopation and swing?
Syncopation is when a rhythm is shifted by accenting a weak beat or unaccented beat. Swing is a type of syncopation that is often associated with jazz music. It is a rhythmic pattern that is created by playing eighth notes in a triplet pattern.
- What is improvisation?
Improvisation is the act of creating music spontaneously without preparation. In jazz music, it is often used to create unique and interesting musical ideas.
- What is a chord progression?
A chord progression is a series of chords that are played in a specific order. In jazz music, chord progressions are often used to create a sense of harmony and structure.
- Name three instruments commonly found in a jazz ensemble.
Common instruments found in a jazz ensemble are the piano, bass, and drums. Other instruments that are sometimes used include the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and guitar.
Jazz Music Composition
- What is a call-and-response?
A call-and-response is a musical form in which one instrument or voice plays a melody or phrase and then another instrument or voice responds with a similar phrase. This is a common technique used in jazz music.
- What is a blues scale?
A blues scale is a musical scale that is commonly used in jazz music. It is a pentatonic scale with an added minor third. This scale is often used to create bluesy sounding melodies.
- What is a walking bass line?
A walking bass line is a type of bass line that is often used in jazz music. It is a steady eighth-note pattern that moves step-wise through the chord progression.
- What is a chord substitution?
A chord substitution is when a different chord is used in place of the chord that is written in a chord progression. This is a common technique used in jazz music to create interesting harmonic variations.
Jazz Music Performance
- What is the difference between a solo and an ensemble performance?
A solo performance is when a single musician performs a piece of music. An ensemble performance is when multiple musicians perform a piece of music together.
- What is a vamp?
A vamp is a short musical phrase or pattern that is repeated over and over. It is often used as an accompaniment to a soloist or to provide a framework for improvisation.
- What is a scat solo?
A scat solo is a type of solo in which the soloist sings improvised syllables instead of words. This is a common technique used in jazz music.
- What is a jazz standard?
A jazz standard is a song that is widely known and often performed by jazz musicians. These songs are often used as a basis for improvisation.