Speaking the Jazz Language

The “Jazz Language” is one of the most misunderstood topics in our art. When asked what it is, many people come up blank. Some can emphatically state what the jazz language is not. It’s not scales. It’s not chromaticism. It’s not harmony. It’s not rhythms. But if it’s not any of these things, what is the jazz language?

Mr. Lewis uses this clinic to help students to see that the jazz language parallels spoken language. He breaks down the structure of the language and teaches the students to recognize the jazz vocabulary. Then he offers techniques that help the students incorporate that information into their practice time.

Topics Covered

  • The Language Structure
  • Recognizing Jazz Vocabulary
  • Use it in a Sentence
  • Speaking Your Mind

Please note that what we refer to as a clinic, some teachers refer to as a masterclass or workshop. If you are looking for someone to teach a masterclass or workshop, it’s the same thing. Please feel free to contact us to setup an appointment.

Some of Eddie’s Other Clinic Titles

All-State Jazz Etudes

The All-State Jazz clinic specifically addresses the current year’s Texas All-State Jazz audition music. Mr. Lewis is a leading authority on the subject because not only is he an accomplished jazz musician himself, he has also written the audition materials every year since 2009 and actually served as a judge at both the region and state levels.

All-State Prep

The All-State Prep clinic is only available from February to late June, early July. In the All-State Prep clinic, Mr. Lewis teaches the students what they can do to prepare for the All-State auditions before the music is announced. It is limited to Spring and Summer because the music is announced in late July.

The Art of Accumulative Practice

Eddie teaches what he calls “accumulative practice” instead of maintenance practice. It is possible to practice in a way that makes every minute count towards your personal progress. When you are organized and use proven practice techniques, ever minute you practice takes you closer to your musical goals.

The Physical Trumpet Pyramid

The name of this clinic is also the name of Eddie Lewis’ first book. The Physical Trumpet Pyramid is the underlying concept that his Daily Routines and Chops Express books are built upon. In this clinic, Mr. Lewis will teach your students how to apply this extremely beneficial structure to their practice sessions.

Availability Outside of Houston

While most of the workshops and clinics Eddie Lewis does are local to the Houston area, it is not uncommon for him to travel. If you are interested in hiring him for a workshop in a Texas city outside of Houston, please feel free to contact us. We will spend time with you to find way to make it work.