Introduction to Jazz Modulations

Mastering Jazz Modulations & Key Changes

Welcome to our comprehensive course on Jazz Modulation & Key Changes for beginner jazz piano students. This course is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of key changes, diatonic harmony, and the essential techniques to navigate jazz standards with confidence.

Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical applications, we will explore the key of Db Major and delve into classic jazz standards such as "Body & Soul" and "In A Sentimental Mood" to develop your skills in jazz modulation and key changes.

Db Major Warm-Up Exercises & Harmony Exploration

We begin our journey in the key of Db Major. We start with warm-up exercises that involve playing the Db Major scale over one and two octaves, helping you become comfortable with the key. From there, we will build diatonic triads, 7th chords, and 2-handed spread voicings which form the foundation of jazz harmony in this key.

These exercises emphasise the importance of smooth transitions, correct finger placement, and visualising the chord shapes across the piano. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be familiar with the harmonic landscape of Db Major, allowing you to move onto the jazz standard studies with confidence.

Deep Dive into "Body & Soul"

"Body & Soul" is a key piece of of jazz repertoire and is a perfect tune for studying modulation and diatonic harmony. This course dedicates significant focus to "Body & Soul", guiding you through its AABA form, with particular emphasis on the B section where the key modulates twice.

• A Sections: We explore the diatonic harmony of the A sections, focusing on how to voice the 2-5-1 progressions using spread voicings and smooth voice leading. We learn how to recognise common harmonic blocks which will speed up your ability to memorise and play through jazz standards.

• B Section (Bridge): The bridge of "Body and Soul" introduces key modulations to D Major and C Major. You’ll learn how to approach these modulations using the appropriate 2-5-1 progressions, and how to integrate these transitions seamlessly into your playing.

This section of the course also includes advanced tips for varying the A sections when they repeat, allowing you to add interest and depth to your performance.

Exploring "In A Sentimental Mood"

"In A Sentimental Mood" is another classic jazz standard that we explore in this course. Known for its lyrical melody and rich harmonic structure, this tune provides a different perspective on jazz harmony and modulation.

• Chord Voicings: We’ll work through the chord voicings specific to "In A Sentimental Mood" focusing on how to create lush, expressive sounds using 7th chords and 2-handed spread voicings.

• Modulation Techniques: This tune also features key changes that add emotional depth to the piece. You’ll learn how to anticipate and execute these modulations, ensuring your transitions are smooth and musically satisfying.

Practical Application: Full Song Play Throughs

Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in full play throughs of both "Body and Soul" and "In A Sentimental Mood." These sessions will be accompanied by commentary on the thought processes behind chord choices and voicing techniques so that you learn how to think like a jazz pianist.

We’ll also discuss the importance of keeping the flow of music even when mistakes happen.

Developing Your Jazz Piano Skills

As you work through this course, you’ll gain a solid foundation in jazz modulation, diatonic harmony, and the ability to play in challenging keys like Db Major. The skills you develop here will be applicable to a wide range of jazz standards and will set you on a path to more advanced jazz piano techniques.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only be able to play and understand these jazz standards but also have the confidence to explore and experiment with modulation and harmony in your own jazz performances.