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

Hector and a learner explored advanced scale and chord alterations for jazz bass, focusing on applying these concepts to 'Girl from Ipanema.' The learner, a resident of Grogan's Mill, practiced major and Mixolydian scales, including altered versions, and began learning slap bass techniques. Hector assigned exercises to practice scales in different positions and to incorporate 'spicy' notes into the melody, and will provide a scale chart for the song.

During a recent lesson, Hector and Jennifer delved into "The Girl from Ipanema," concentrating on chord voicings, voice leading, and the "2-5-1" progression. Jennifer specifically worked on playing rootless chords and soloing by utilizing the third and seventh of each chord. Her homework assignment involves practicing the song with a backing track, with a focus on voice leading and soloing using guide tones, and recording a bassline, rootless chords, a melody, and a solo across the song's structure.

Hector recently conducted a music lesson for a student from the University of Texas at El Paso, covering music theory, chord progressions, bass guitar tone, and rhythm exercises. The learner actively practiced chord changes, specifically the 3-6-2-5-1 turnaround in C major, and applied rhythmic patterns to these changes. Looking ahead, Hector plans to send a video on soloing, offer more examples of 3-6-2-5-1 progressions, and they also discussed options for recording the student's playing.

Hector gave a bass guitar lesson to a student from Phoenix, focusing on chord shapes and positions for "The Girl from Ipanema." The student diligently practiced chord transitions and fingerboard positions. For homework, Hector assigned the learner to create a bassline using different positions and incorporate bossa nova rhythms, with the ultimate goal of recording their playing. The next lesson is scheduled for Saturday, August 9th.

Hector Olea taught Jennifer Dineen about Bosanova music, using "The Girl from Ipanema" as a practical example. Jennifer practiced chord arpeggios, scales, and bass lines, focusing on understanding the theory behind the chord progressions. Hector assigned homework including practicing the melody, chords, and scales of the song, and he will provide a practice log to help Jennifer structure her practice routine for the next session.

Hector Olea continued bass guitar lessons with Jennifer Dineen, focusing on scales, modes, diminished scales, bassline construction with chromaticism, and chord voicings. Jennifer worked on improvising over a blues progression and learning chord shapes. Hector assigned homework including creating a bassline for a blues in two feels, practicing scales, and finding videos on chord shapes, with a follow-up lesson scheduled to discuss practice methods and Bossa Nova fundamentals.