LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Slonimsky question -- How does one use it?

bardolph -- 01/14/2005, 12:30:30 -- #10385

I had a glance at the Slonimsky book the other day and it totally intimidated me.  How is this book meant to be used?  Probably it's best not to tackle it until basic technique is mastered (the usual scales & arpeggios etc.) or even  later?

Scot -- 01/14/2005, 13:45:10 -- #10386

Do a search up above there for slonimsky- we've had some discussions about it and they are still relevant because at times we discussed exactly what you are asking.

Mike -- 01/15/2005, 00:36:38 -- #10414

excellent question. My opinion is that making the attempt to answer your question is the answer to your question.  I have never figured out the answer to my satisfaction.  But every time I try to figure out the answer I feel my overall musicality is rewarded or advanced in some way.

kennyG -- 01/15/2005, 22:05:01 -- #10433

Another thought.  I do not look at the book as a technique book at all.  I look at it as a totalitarian attempt to organize melodic concepts.  A similar endeavor that George Russel devoted his life to but with a radically different approach.  Slonimskys aproach is pure math while Russels aproach is much more musical.

gsandberg -- 01/17/2005, 02:52:19 -- #10462

Good news is that you donīt have to tackle it at all! You donīt need it to play jazz! Use your precious practicing time on something useful instead!

Mike -- 01/17/2005, 09:38:27 -- #10476

Coltrane found the book useful.  If it was good enough for him to waste time on, its good enough for me to waste time on.

smg -- 01/19/2005, 16:11:39 -- #10540

smg here(believe it or not...!!!back from oblivion again hopefully!!)...there's a link over in the Reference Guide at 360 degrees to info about this....give me a sec to find it...........

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