Pathways Towards Greatness – F Blues by Bob Sinicrope

Instrumental Solo Method
Recommended by Ted Scalzo, Manager, Education Specialist

“This is the method for jazz improvisation I wish I had when I was in school.”

What skills does it address or what lessons does it teach?

Jazz improvisation for all instruments and voices, from the very beginning to advanced concepts of approach notes and forward motion. The focus of this book is the F Blues with more books to come.

What are some teaching strategies you would recommend to teachers who are using this method?

I would start with exercises in chapter two with very young students. For middle school and high school students, I would start with one of the solos in the first section. The overall strategy of this method is to listen first, sing it, then attempt to play. Internalizing time and pitch will have a major impact on students’ musical growth.

What interests you most about this piece?

The method allows anyone at any level to begin the journey of exploring jazz improvisation. This first book will focus on the F Blues but its method will easily be transferred to additional forms and tunes to come in the future. There are hyperlinks to additional material that explains in detail what the student is learning.

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Ted Scalzo is a music educator, having conducted wind ensembles, jazz and marching bands, instrumental lessons, and advanced music composition. Throughout his career in public schools, he has been an advocate of using technology to enhance and improve student and teacher instructional needs. Two pieces of technology that transformed his classroom were Finale and SmartMusic. Since retiring from public school and higher ed Ted has been working with MakeMusic as an Education Specialist.