Advance Music Jazz Arranging & Composing

Summary of This Method

This method is aimed at all those who wish to deepen their knowledge of jazz arranging and composition for small ensembles, based on a fundamental principle: the same melody can generate a multitude of harmonic universes. The book illustrates these "possibilities" by relying on techniques associated with major figures in arranging, with precise work on chord color, tension-resolution, and choices of inversions.

The core content explores melody harmonization and line writing, emphasizing an orchestral thinking adapted to wind sections. You will find writing and counterpoint techniques applicable to ensembles of 2, 3, 4, or 5 winds, with particular attention paid to voice clarity, harmonic density, and the balance between verticality (chords) and horizontality (internal melodic lines).

A chapter dedicated to writing for the rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums) clearly presents common techniques used by jazz arrangers: harmonic placement, typical accompaniments, groove support, and interaction with the winds. The goal is to understand how harmony and rhythm mutually reinforce each other in a small ensemble context.

To go further, an extended chapter on form and development addresses long structures and the use of compositional processes in jazz ensemble writing. The 6 complete scores (in concert key) provide an ideal resource for analyzing orchestration, playing wind parts on the piano, or following along with the audio download. Finally, a useful discography concludes each chapter to guide your listening culture and stylistic references.

Technical specifications

Theme

Music theory

Language

English

Pages

184