Pentatonics and beyond: improvising in popular music

About this course

The course examines how improvisation works across folk, blues, rock and jazz, including the relationships between these styles. Participants explore scale choices, phrasing, chord sequences, blue notes and extensions, alongside genre-specific melodic features. Teaching includes demonstrations and analysis of classic solos. Written materials and online resources support practice between sessions, allowing participants to develop soloing through aural skills and a clearer understanding of scales and stylistic language.

What you'll learn

• Apply scale choices, phrasing, chord sequences, blue notes and extensions in melodic improvisation.
• Analyse characteristic features of classic solos across folk, blues, rock and jazz.
• Produce musical solos using aural skills and an increased understanding of scale types.
• Identify how stylistic elements contribute to the sound of an improvisation.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level instrumentalists developing beyond fundamental techniques. Learners are expected to read music, while a basic understanding of chord types and the ability to play major and minor scales in several keys will be useful. Practice between sessions is encouraged.

• Written music notation is used in the course materials.
• A basic understanding of chord types is useful.
• Learners should be able to play major and minor scales in several keys on their instrument.
• Independent practice between sessions is encouraged.

Before you go

• Course materials and resources are available in class and through Google Classroom.
• Materials are supplied to support independent practice.