Jeff Harrington

Primary Instrument:
Saxophone

Location:
Newton Center & Boston, MA

Willing to teach:
Beginners

Credentials/Background:
ALL LEVELS: Beginner through professional

Professor, Berklee College of Music

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Affiliated Artist

Harvard University MLSP Instructor

Rico Artist

M.M. New England Conservatory

B.M. Berklee College of Music

PRIVATE LESSON LOCATION: Online Lessons, Newton %& Boston MA

All LEVELS - Beginners through professional

ALL STYLES - Jazz, funk, fusion, blues, classical, Latin

TOPICS - All aspects of technique and improvisation

INTERNATIONAL ONLINE JAZZ LESSONS ®

I begin by finding out as much as I can about your experience, prefernces and goals. Then, after deciding the best and most appropriate place to start, I send you a detailed and organized lesson (approximately a month's worth) on a CD or by email (as an MP3) accompanied by additional written materials (for more specifics see ABOUT THE LESSONS below).

I thoroughly explain each part of the assignment and play examples of how it should sound. After receiving the lesson, you practice, record and send the assignment back to me. You can contact me with questions at any time.

After receiving and listening to your CD, tape or email, I send you comments, suggestions, my own playing of various examples and the next lesson. Each lesson is individually tailored to your needs and prefernces. In other words, private lessons by mail or email.

It is strongly suggested, for your own progress, that you send the assignment back within a month’s time, if possible.

To get started, simply send a money order and, if possible, an example of your playing (anything will do) to the address above and I’ll send you your first lesson! For rates email me at lesson@jeffharrington.com

LESSONS ONLINE VIA EMAIL OR WEB CAM

The only requirement for a live on-line lesson is a computer and a web cam. Written materials and play a long CD's can be exchanged by email mail. You can get all the benefits of a private lesson without leaving your home. For rates email me at lessons@jeffharrington.com

LESSONS BY PHONE

Lessons by phone can be taken once a week, every two weeks or once a month. Together we schedule a mutually convenient day and time for the lesson. At that time, I call you and the lesson begins.

The lesson follows the same basic format as a regular private lesson with the natural give and take between teacher and student.

Lesson materials, such as written music and customized play-along CD’s (or tapes), are mailed, faxed or emailed to you ahead of time as needed. For rates email me at lessons@jeffharrington.com

In order for the lesson to be effective, it is helpful to have either a speakerphone or a headset phone. This enables you to have your hands free so that you can play your instrument. There are several different models available, starting at around $25. Contact me for additional information regarding brands and model numbers.

As an alternative to the LESSONS by MAIL or INTERNET, LESSONS by PHONE offers the immediacy of a telephone conversation. Each of these lesson programs has proven to be highly effective and worthwhile.

It is also possible to combine any or all of the LESSON by MAIL, PHONE or INTERNET formats.

CONSULTATIONS

If you're looking to have your playing evaluated I would be happy to do so. Simply send me a recording on a tape or CD (anything will do). I will review it and then we can either talk by phone (one hour) or I can send you written comments, materials and suggestions. For rates email me at lessons@jeffharrington.com

ABOUT THE LESSONS

These lessons were originally created in response to students’ requests. Now, 15 years later, with students around the world, I have found Lessons by Mail, Phone or Internet to be an extremely effective way of teaching both improvisation (to all instrumentalists and vocalists), and woodwind technique. A few of the advantages are: 1) you can work at your own time and pace; 2) you have a permanent record of the lessons; 3) you receive state-of-the-art personalized instruction for less than the cost of a local teacher.

First, I find out as much as I can about your experience and goals. Then, I try to determine the best and most appropriate place to begin. I give you materials, which are not only fun but will help you reach your goals quickly and efficiently. All styles (including bop, modal, blues, fusion, smooth jazz, Latin, and classical) and aspects of woodwind technique are taught - from beginner to professional.

For improvisation, I feel it’s important to get a solid foundation of chords and scales and then to build from there. While this information is being absorbed, I teach you how to improvise using a unique system of written lines and customized play-along CD’s (or tapes).

For intermediate to advanced students, I stress various exercises which enable you to play improvisational techniques (chord tone soloing, bop scales, approaches notes, 3217/3517 lines and pentatonics, for example) over chord changes, with rhythmic accuracy and without getting lost. These exercises take the mystery out of improvisation by giving you concrete, logical and systematic approaches to improvising.

Learning tunes, transcribed solos, ear training, vocabulary, instrumental technique and theory are also emphasized.

I have carefully developed these proven methods over many years of teaching, performing, research and study. I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, feel free to call (781-643-0704) or email (jazz.lessons@verizon.net).

TOPICS OF STUDY include:

Tonic Systems

7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th Chords

Approach Notes

Chord Tone Soloing

Symmetrical Diminished Scales

Whole Tone Scales

Intervalic Improvisation

Harmonic Analysis

Theory

Ear Training

Articulation Time Feels

Tone Studies

Compositional Techniques

Bebop Cliches

Vocabulary and Language

Diatonic Patterns

Multiphonics

Quoting

Practice Routines

Mouthpieces

Building Technical Facility

Performance Techniques

Keyboard Skills

Voicings

Subtone

Ghosting

Upper and Lower Structure Triads

Overtones

Number Permutation Systems

Repertoire and Learning Tunes

23rd Chords

Bop Scales

-7, -6, -6#5 and -7b5 Pentatonic Scales

Voice Leading

Inversions

Transcribing

Rhythmic Displacement

Melodic Embellishment

All Styles

Reharminization

Transposing

Symmetrical Augmented Scale

Modes

Growling

Altissimo

Repeating & Matching Patterns

Scale Tone Soloing

Reeds

False Fingerings

Reading

3217 & 3517 Lines

5432 & 5732 Lines

Embouchure

Vibrato

Bending

Glissandos

Upper and Lower Structure 7th Chords

Breathing

Tetrachords

Blues Licks

Thematic Improvisation

II-V-I Line Compendiums

Triadic Pairs

Various Approaches to Playing "Outside"

Harmonic Anticipation and Delay

Synthetic Scales

Cycling and Polyrhythms

TRANSCRIPTIONS

Original transcriptions of the following artists are available:

Michael Brecker, Sonny Rollins, Rick Margitza, Tom Scott, Sonny Stitt, Phil Woods, Jerry Bergonzi, Clifford Brown, George Garzone, Larry Schneider, Dave Mann, Earl Bostic, Jimmy Heath, Kenny Garrett, Pat Martino, Pete Christlieb, Bob Mintzer, Dave Liebman, Maceo Parker, Tommy Smith, Hank Mobley, Hank Crawford, Eddie Harris, John Coltrane, Gerald Albright, Joshua Redman, Antonio Hart, King Curtis, Donny McCaslin, Steve Grossman, David Sanborn, Bob Malach, Candy Dulfer, Andy Snitzer, Miles Davis, Barney Bigard, Dave Koz, Clifford Scott, Kirk Whalum, Kenny G, Junior Walker, Lester Young, Red Prysock, Ed Calle, Paul Desmond and Grover Washington, Jr.

Professor, Berklee College of Music

MIT Affiliated Artist

Harvard University MLSP Instructor

M.M. New England Conservatory

B.M. Berklee College of Music

ALL STYLES - Jazz, funk, fusion, blues, classical, Latin

An active performer and clinician, he has performed in Europe, the Caribbean, Los Angeles, the southwest US and throughout New England.

Performing credits include touring as a featured soloist with the Gene Krupa Orchestra and performances with Milt Hinton, Ricky Ford and Makoto Ozone. Locally he freelances in the Boston area and is a member of the Harry Fix Quartet.

Studies in saxophone, improvisation, composition, clarinet and flute with Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Viola, George Garzone, Rick Margitza, Charlie Banocas, John Mehegan, George Russell, John La Porta, Arnie Lawrence, Jimmy Guiffre, Bob Moses, Bill Dixon, Barry Harris, Leon Russianoff, Ignatius Gennusa, Henry Brandt, Matt Marvuglio and Milford Graves.

Clinic/Workshop Information:
Various clinics ranging from all aspects and styles of improvisation to saxophone technique and tone production.