Harmonic Development and Contrapuntal Techniques for the Jazz Pianist: An Imaginative Approach

Harmonic Development and Contrapuntal Techniques for the Jazz Pianist serves as a guide for harmonic expansion and development for jazz piano, offering pianists both a rationale and methods to improve contrapuntal hand techniques.

The text focuses on the relationship between theory and execution and both of those components’ usefulness in creating a jazz sound at the piano. This kinaesthetic method provides the learner with a systematic approach to harmonic movement, revealing options that may not have been otherwise apparent. This method will allow pianists to add depth and dimension to their chord voicings in the same way that vocalists and wind instrumentalists give character and shape to the notes they create.

Key features include musical examples ranging from singular chord construction to sophisticated harmonic progressions and song application. Performance exercises are provided throughout the text. Learners and instructors are encouraged to create their own exercises. Related ancillaries at harmoniccounterpoint.com include:

• Musical examples
• Audio tracks
• Performance exercises
• Written assignments

Intended for the learner who is reasonably familiar with essential jazz harmony, this textbook will be both a significant resource for the advanced player and a fundamental component for the learner in a structured academic musical setting.

Gary Motley is Professor of Practice and founding Director of Jazz Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where he teaches jazz theory and jazz improvisation.