Things You'll Need:
- Biographies
- Jazz History Books
- Jazz CDs
- Jazz Music Videos
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Step 1
Listen for a melody, usually defined by a woodwind solo, and then variations on that melody followed by harmonic variation by two or more instruments.
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Step 2
Determine which instrument is dominant and follow the thread of that instrument. The other instruments will harmonize on the same theme.
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Step 3
Try to discern a style to the artist: quick changes, long notes, soaring crescendos. Styles are loosely defined by era with Louis Armstrong as an example of pre-swing style, Count Basie of swing style, Charlie Parker of bop and John Coltrane of modern jazz.
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Step 4
Listen for mood, tempo and rhythm.







