hey guys.  i have an interesting dilemma.  i am away at college.  my little brother, who is 14, is trying out for the jazz ensemble on monday.  he has been given written music (which he should have no problem with as long as he can get the feel) and a lead sheet of now's the time (which i assume is from the aebersold book since that's what they used when i was there) from which he is supposed to improvise 5 choruses.  

one problem. (actually two.)

my brother has never played jazz in his life. nor has he really listened to it up to this point. nor has he done any improv or transcribing. and it's much harder to try to explain it over the phone or via email than it is to just show him, which i can't do because i'm here.  plus he's supposed to improvise some comping on the two tunes he has sheet music for (which again, he's never done.)

i've told him to listen to charlie parker for the next 5 days like its his job. (that's most of what there is at home.) and i told him to primarily use the blues scale.  and i've also strongly considered just composing him a solo, sending it to him, and having him memorize it.  

any thoughts?
There are 5 comments, leave a comment.
charlie parker is too complex, it would confuse me. have him listen to some john lewis or monk playing the blues in f.
unfortunately, there is no monk or john lewis at the house.

i might try to send him blue monk though.
why isn't he seeing a private jazz piano teacher with the goal of preparing for the audition? he should also have an abersold f blues play-along to practice with.
for anyone who was actually following this...

my brother made it in!  and they want him to learn electric bass and be second bassist as well!
kewl, kudos!
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