When I work with students 1-on-1, I would typically assign exercises and studies (all of these are inside the Targeting Masterclass) in specific keys for them to work on. These studies evolved as time went on and included more emphasis on rhythm (concepts from my book, Breaking the Monotony), daily work, and focusing on getting the unfamiliar keys to become more familiar.

Some of my students have taken big leaps forward by focusing on one key at a time during the week. This allows them to continue music for their ensembles, technique practice, etudes, and other material while still growing in their familiarity with all keys.

My hope is that you (or your students) will put these studies to use to help get the tools for improvisation in your ears and under your fingers. Each week you stay in one key. Then, there is a daily study that focuses on a specific area. This makes sure that you are spending time in EVERY key area using multiple tools. These aren’t “licks” to be memorized (although they can be too), but rather tools to help you be the architect of your own improvisations. These studies show you the tools and how to use them. It’s up to you to put in the work and create something that is unique to you!

• IF YOU'RE NOT SURE HOW TO USE THESE TOOLS; PLEASE MAKE SURE TO JOIN THE TARGETING MASTERCLASS!

While I think every student should be able to do these without any accompaniment, I’m also a big proponent of using technology to aid our development. Those include using Drumgenius and iReal. Drumgenius is better than a metronome as you get to feel the subdivisions that a drummer would provide. iReal allows you to create playback exercises that you can transpose into other keys (as well as download just about every Jazz standard available). However, each Key has it's own play along DrumGenius video with tempos in Slow (For Beginner), Medium (For Intermediate), and Fast (For Advanced). If you need tempos in between, you might want to consider purchasing the app for yourself.

What You Need

·     Your instrument

·     Time every day of the week (at least a half an hour or more depending on what YOU need)

·     Be able to read music