Contemplating Mark Stefani’s ‘Seven Steps to Changes Heaven’

Mark Stefani Stresses the Importance of the II-V Progression in Step #2 of the ‘Seven Steps to Changes Heaven’ It has been stated on many an occasion that mastery of the II-V progression (e.g. Dm7 to G7 in the key of C) is critical to a jazz improviser’s ultimate success in soloing over changes. A quick

Mark Stefani’s Step #3 Recommends Transcribing Daily to Acquire Core Language  Given all of the above, it should come as no surprise to you that I would recommend transcribing (learning by ear) on a regular basis as your primary means of acquiring the core language critical to successful improvisation. While the word itself infers pen

Mark Stefani’s Step #4 of ‘Seven Steps to Changes Heaven’ Focuses on Reviewing Your Language Vocabulary As your blues and jazz language vocabulary grows due to your transcribing efforts, you need to review it to the degree that it will always be accessible to you during the course of a solo. At one point in

Mark Stefani’s ‘Seven Steps to Changes Heaven’, Step #5 – Application Using “Dry” Improvisation Once you are on the right path with regards to acquired language and actually have something potentially good to say as an improviser, the next stage is a transitional one. After all, the language doesn’t do much good if it doesn’t

Mark Stefani’s Step #6 – Arranging Model Solos to Put It All Together  The second solution that I discovered is one that has been working for me for close to 30 years now. It also stemmed from a sense of frustration, because certain tunes and progressions would frequently beat me up. Good solo one night.

Mark Stefani’s Final Step in the ‘Seven Steps to Changes Heaven’ – Recording and Evaluating Your Work  Recording your solos and work in general is an incredibly valuable tool for improving your ability as a musician. I learned long ago that the way we hear ourselves while playing as opposed to after-the-fact listening can be