Mike's Master Classes

Pathways To Baroque Improvisation: Part I

Steve Herberman·
5.0 (1 review)·INTERMEDIATE·Technique·2 lessons
$14.95
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This in-depth look at Baroque style improvisation was recorded live with participants. Steve’s teaching approach and structure is similar to his other MMC videos with addition to short questions sprinkled throughout the classes. Concepts included:
  • Super/sub George Van Eps concepts of movement within chord forms,
  • Independent linear melodies in 2 and 3 voices,
  • Use of appoggiatura,
  • Pedal points,
  • Important cycles to create structured progressions while improvising counterpoint,
  • Contrary motion devices,
  • Popular song progressions that work great as Baroque-style improv vehicles,
  • Harmonized scales,
  • Enclosures (targeting essential tones using upper and lower neighbor tones)
  • “Gradual chords” (building chords via single note lines with sustained tones on adjacent strings)
  • 10th intervals with inner line motion, soprano voice motion and bass motion,
  • Layering 10th intervals to create larger chords,
  • Call and response textures,
  • IV V I progressions in all keys exercises,
  • Inner line motion techniques
  • Descending chromatic bass lines with soprano lines outlining the inferred chords
  • Call and response counterpoint using sustained notes,
  • Interval alternation concept to attain contrary motion,
  • Figured bass techniques,
  • Ornamentation and slurring techniques.
Three progressions in which to base the improvisational techniques, in both common time and 3/4, are the bulk of the PDF materials for the class. The other 2 PDF’s are must-know chord forms for both 6 and 7 string guitar with a focus on open-voiced triads and contrary motion counterpoint cadences. Each class runs approximately 90 minutes and 22 pages of PDF material are included in all 5 parts. Here is the approximate class by class breakdown for individual classes: Part 1: Demonstration of super/sub Van Eps concepts, closed positions triads and harmonized scales, open position chords, voice-leading from chord to chord, performance and analysis of PDF of counterpoint etude on Manha De Carnival and more. Running time: 90 minutes

Course Content

Lessons

  • Pathways To Baroque Improvisation: Part I Full Class + Download60
  • Mahna de Carnaval Etude: Soundslice128

Reviews & Ratings

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douglas robin
Verified Purchase
3/29/2023

Simply incredible course. I saw Ted Greene lesson with Steve on youtube a year ago. I didnt know who the student was. When I saw it I wanted to learn how to think and shoot for 1% bach to be humble in the face of his genius. I found myself listening to Steve and then pausing and applying the clear way Steve lays it out. Simply incredible course. It changes the way I think harmonically and helps me get out of standard guitar boxes that are static. Much appreciation to Steve. Highly recommended. I am off to course 2!

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About the instructor

Steve Herberman →
Steve Herberman is an exceptional guitarist…known for his deft counterpoint" –Downbeat Magazine. "The clarity and balance Steve gets with his right hand is amazing". – Jim Hall. "Steve’s improvising is uniquely fresh with melodic ideas that twist and turn and perk your interest with occasional elements of humor as well. There is a constant groove in his solo lines. He shows prowess harmonically and linearly with an abundance of chops and with an exceptional clarity to it all." – Gene Bertoncini Steve Herberman taught jazz guitar on the faculty of Towson University near Baltimore MD for 14 years and is presently teaching guitar at Sidwell Friends School, Washington Conservatory and is an ensemble coach for the Jazz Band Masterclass. He has presented guitar masterclasses in Italy and the U.K. and at many universities across the U.S. Steve has written instructional material for Downbeat magazine, Mel Bay’s Guitar Sessions, Just Jazz Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar Journal and Fingerstyle 360 webzines. Steve Herberman is a graduate of Berklee College Of Music and has performed with renowned musicians such as Keter Betts, Buster Williams, Gary Bartz, Drew Gress, Chuck Berghofer, Harvie S, Mark Ferber, Jim Snidero, Ali Ryerson, Steve Williams, Steve LaSpina, Jeff Hirshfield, John Pisano and many more. Steve Herberman has recorded three CDs as a leader; Thoughtlines (2001) Action:Reaction (2006) and Ideals (2008.) In 2014 Steve recorded a live duo album with fellow guitarist Steve Abshire titled "Between Friends.” In 2017 Steve recorded a duo CD with award-winning vocalist Lena Seikaly, set for a Feb. 2018 release.