How Can I Effectively Incorporate Advanced Harmonic Concepts, Such As Modal Interchange And Reharmonization, Into My Intermediate-level Piano Students' Repertoire Of Jazz Standards, While Also Ensuring They Develop A Strong Foundation In Traditional Harmony And Voicing Techniques?

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To effectively teach intermediate piano students advanced harmonic concepts while ensuring a strong foundation in traditional harmony, follow this structured approach:

  1. Foundation in Traditional Harmony:

    • Review Basics: Ensure students understand key centers, II-V-I progressions, chord voicings, and basic improvisation.
    • Application: Use familiar jazz standards to apply these concepts, focusing on smooth execution and improvisation over II-V-I changes.

  2. Introduction to Modal Interchange:

    • Conceptual Understanding: Start by explaining how chords from parallel modes (e.g., minor) can be used within a major key context.
    • Practical Application: Use specific sections of standards (e.g., "Summertime") to substitute chords with those from parallel modes, such as using a major7 chord instead of a minor chord.

  3. Reharmonization Techniques:

    • Chord Alteration: Teach altering chord qualities by adding extensions (7ths, 9ths) or substitutions.
    • Application: Take a standard and demonstrate reharmonizing a section, such as a simple C Major chord becoming a Cmaj7 or substituting with a ii-V.

  4. Structured Lesson Planning:

    • Gradual Introduction: Introduce one advanced concept per lesson, ensuring each builds on the previous.
    • Integration: Alternate between traditional and advanced topics, using the student's repertoire as a teaching tool.

  5. Ear Training and Resources:

    • Listening Exercises: Play recordings of jazz pianists using advanced harmonies to help students recognize these concepts.
    • Resources: Utilize books or online courses for exercises and examples.

  6. Practical Application and Creativity:

    • Exercises and Projects: Provide chord charts and lead sheets for comparison. Assign projects where students create their own reharmonizations.
    • Encourage Experimentation: Allow students to experiment and apply concepts in their playing and improvisation.

  7. Assessment and Feedback:

    • Performance and Composition: Assess through playing tasks and composition exercises, ensuring understanding and application.

By building gradually, tying theory to practice, and encouraging creativity, students will develop a robust harmonic foundation and the ability to apply advanced concepts effectively.