Music Lessons at University of Texas at El Paso: Production, Mixing, Theory

The Tutor and Student explored chord construction, focusing on major and minor thirds, and then extended this to different chord qualities like major 7th, dominant, minor 7th, and diminished chords. They also covered major scale construction using the whole-half step pattern, the Circle of Fifths for key signatures, and the concept of chord voicings. The session included practice exercises for rhythmic response and a review of study habits.

The tutor and student reviewed rhythmic notation, chord construction (specifically dominant seventh chords like C7 and F7), and the application of these concepts to a 12-bar blues progression. The student practiced playing chord changes and was introduced to improvisational techniques, with homework assigned to further develop these skills using recordings.

The tutor and student worked on understanding and constructing walking bass lines within a blues framework, focusing on chord tones, scales, and transcription techniques. They practiced exercises to fill measures with appropriate notes and develop fluency in outlining chord changes, with plans to continue this work and memorize the transcribed solo.

The session focused on music theory and piano practice, including note reading, rhythm, scales, and jazz techniques. The Student practiced chromatic scales, interval etudes, and rhythmic exercises, with an introduction to swinging eighth notes. Homework includes practicing scales, etudes, and jazz rhythms with backing tracks, focusing on both right and left hand coordination.

The session focused on establishing a practice routine, learning the chromatic scale with correct fingering, and understanding musical intervals. The Student practiced playing intervals and was assigned exercises to improve note reading and dexterity. The Tutor provided access to practice logs, lesson notes, and a YouTube playlist for further study.

The session covered chromatic scales, diminished scales, and their application to jazz improvisation, specifically in the context of the song "Alone Together". The student practiced various exercises, including chromatic scales in different keys, melodic cell construction, and slap bass techniques. As a follow-up, the student was assigned to record themselves playing the baseline and melody of "Alone Together" with a metronome, and to practice improvising using the scales and techniques discussed.