The Art of the Solo 

Greetings from Music Performance, starring Fiona! We’ve had a jam-packed first week (pun intended) here in Amherst. Like all music, jazz is equal parts playing and listening, part composition and part interpretation. In the composition and performance department, Fiona and I have worked on improvisational techniques — specifically, how to conceptualize and perform an improvised solo (all on the fly, in real time!). Before getting behind the wheel (or horn), though, we made sure to conquer the rules of the road: in this case the 12-bar B flat blues, a universal jazz jam format. At our instruments — trombone and piano, respectively — we’ve practiced the art of musical storytelling, learning to communicate emotion and express feeling through particular chords and types of musical phrases. To complement our improv sessions, we’ve dedicated time each day to musical analysis, listening critically to (and then discussing) an inspiring mix of great jazz solos, moving ballads, funky big band performances, and even classic rock and roll records — all to better appreciate what goes into crafting a complete musical statement. After kicking off this week with a music-focused campus tour and a visit to the Admissions Office, we’re both excited for what’s in store in Week Two!