Mike's Master Classes

Being the Band

Christopher Woitach·
5.0 (1 review)·INTERMEDIATE·Comping·17 lessons
$14.95
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One of the most useful skills for a guitarist to acquire is the ability to accompany a single line instrument, such as a horn or a voice, in a duo setting, to “be the band”. “Being the Band” is a course that covers the skills necessary to do an introduction and accompany a melody instrument effectively. It includes 4 intros in Soundslice that you can use as springboards for your own ideas, and a performance example with a top notch horn player. By the time you’ve finished the course you’ll have a basic understanding of how to approach “being the band”, whether you’re accompanying a singer, horn player, violinist, or any single line instrument. These skills are easily transferred to other situations as well. Note: a useful companion piece to this course is Christopher Woitach’s “Environments”, also on Mike’s Masterclasses. Look for upcoming deeper dives on some of the subjects covered here in the future! Categories:
  • Chord Melody
  • Comping
Level:
  • Basic
  • Intermediate
Duration:   60 Minutes

Course Content

Lessons

  • 1. Intro100
  • 1. Take the A Train ending19
  • 2. Intro to Intros705
  • 2. Take the A Train ending extended22
  • 3. Intros, Examples, & Discussion982
  • 3. My Baby Just Cares for Me20
  • 4. Count Basie18
  • 4. Intro 1 Swing - Key C34
  • 5. Blues 118
  • 5. Intro 230
  • 6. Blues 218
  • 6. Intro Ex: 330
  • 7. Intro 428
  • 8. Accompanying Melody and Solo1280
  • 9. Performance (with John Moak, Trombone)373
  • Endings Introduction499
  • Intro 1 Swing Key C34

Reviews & Ratings

5.0
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Az Samad
Verified Purchase
4/7/2024

"Great for guitar soloists and guitarists who play in duo, trio or other small groups!"

I recommend this highly if you play solo, duo or trio jazz gigs and want to get even better ideas to approach standards. Your bandmates (soloists or singers) will appreciate the variety that you will bring to your next gig.

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About the instructor

Christopher Woitach →
Christopher Woitach is a jazz guitarist and composer performing a wide range of jazz styles, from Dixieland to Free jazz, Ragtime to Bebop, as well as Rock and Roll, Country, Bluegrass, Blues, and more. Christopher Woitach has played with many nationally and internationally known artists, including Bernadette Peters, Rich Little, Hank Roberts, Bob Mover, Tony Monaco, Mel Brown, and John Stowell. He regularly performs throughout the Pacific Northwest and at jazz festivals in the U.S. and Canada. Christopher Woitach has been a music educator since 1982, giving private lessons, masterclasses, and teaching at several colleges, the last 21 years at Western Oregon University. He teaches privately through Truefire.com, and has a respected video on Truefire called “Jazz Textures”. He currently resides in Portland, OR.