WHY CAN'T I MAKE SENSE OF MY SOLO

Hoday and welcome,

One of my students recently came to me with a problem. He was dead-ended in one his soloing efforts. So I asked him to play it for me and within 41 measures I could tell what the main problem was - there was no 32 bar phrasing! So the first thing I suggested was that he analyze his lead in terms of 4 X 8 bar phrases.

I told him that if he starts in a lower range for the first 8 bars then went to a higher range for the second 8 bars and then maybe change to a faster note value in a lower range for the third 8 bars and then perhaps even faster note values in a higher range for the last 8 bars that he would not only find himself expanding the same material but he would also be changing dynamics with the group and ending the solo climatically in a higher range. Always end solos with a climax and the audience will respond favorably.

I also explained to look at the group at the end of each of the 8 bar phrases and conduct them to rasie and lower their dynamics along with him. And then I explained that it's imperative that he looks up just before the end of the last 8 bars to signal the group that he's done then the group will be tighter and feel better about their performance. So remember analyze your music, practice your solo form, and make visual contact with your performers!

It's you're time to shine, so take command and be the leader.

Later, Thanks for Reading

John