Module 19: Style (Jazz vs Classical)

The Dialect

Music is a language. Styles are dialects. Playing Jazz with Classical articulation is like speaking French with a thick Texas accent. You must switch your mindset.

Module 19: Style (Jazz vs Classical) — Module 19 Classical Articulation

Jazz Swing (The Triplet Feel)

In Jazz, eighth notes are NOT created equal. We hold the downbeat long and the upbeat short.

Doo-Bah, Doo-Bah.

Think of it as 12/8 time. The first eighth note gets 2/3 of the beat, the second gets 1/3. This creates the rolling 'spang-a-lang' feel.

Module 19: Style (Jazz vs Classical) — Module 19 Swung Eighths Notation

Accents: The Backbeat

Classical: Accent 1 and 3. Emphasize the start of the measure.

Jazz: Accent 2 and 4. Snap your fingers on 2 and 4. That is the groove.

Rule: In jazz lines, accent the highest note of the phrase ('top-lining') and accent the last note of the phrase.

Module 19: Style (Jazz vs Classical) — Module 19 Accent Placement Jazz

Vibrato Styles

Classical: Constant, subtle shimmer. It is part of the tone color.

Jazz (Ballad): Straight Tone -> Vibrato. Start the note with zero vibrato (dead straight), then add a wide shake at the very end. This creates emotion and yearning.

Module 19: Style (Jazz vs Classical) — Module 19 Vibrato Sine Wave

Module 19: Style (Jazz vs Classical)

The Dialect

Jazz Swing (The Triplet Feel)

Accents: The Backbeat

Vibrato Styles

Practice This Lesson Live with Your Trumpet