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

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.

The Student practiced pivoting exercises, scales (F major and chromatic), and arpeggios to improve finger dexterity and understanding of music theory. The session included identifying major, minor, and diminished chords within the F major scale and recognizing the relationships between them. The tutor assigned watching a video of "Cantaloupe Island" to prepare for next lesson.

The student practiced finger exercises to improve dexterity and learned the F chromatic scale pattern. They also began to memorize the whole and half step patterns within the C major scale and the relationships between notes, sharps, and naturals. The tutor will send visual aids to help with practice.

Hector and Jennifer reviewed music theory concepts, including scales, modes, diminished scales, and chord progression analysis. Jennifer practiced applying scales and arpeggios and worked on chromatic scale exercises. Hector assigned practice exercises focusing on 2-5-1 progressions and chromatic scales in F and C, and they scheduled the next session for October 31st.

Hector and a learner from Rockridge worked on bass guitar finger exercises to improve dexterity and coordination, focusing on alternating finger patterns across different strings while using a metronome. The individual also began learning to read music, practicing rhythms with whole, half, and quarter notes. Hector assigned practice exercises for finger dexterity, rhythm reading, and learning the baseline for "My Girl" by The Temptations, and will share a Google Drive folder with lesson notes and practice logs.