Improv Series 1:

Improvise with confidence, one mode at a time

Discover the foundation of jazz improvisation through 9 step-by-step lessons that take you from understanding major modes to creating expressive solos over real chord progressions — including the iconic ii–V–I.

Start your Improv Journey!
 

What you'll learn from this course

Step confidently into the world of jazz improvisation with this 9-lesson series designed to help you understand, hear, and feel the building blocks of great solos.


You’ll start by exploring the colors of the major modes, learning how to move fluently through diatonic and parallel scales. Then, you’ll apply these sounds to the great repertoire of jazz and standard compositions— from major and minor 7th chords to dominant tensions and the classic ii–V–I progression that defines jazz.

By the end of the series, you won’t just know which notes to play — you’ll understand why they work, and how to make them sing with your own phrasing and rhythm.

The final lesson, “On the Trail,” brings it all together with a focus on rhythm, timing, and feel, helping you internalize the pulse that makes jazz come alive.

Course outline:

🎹 Diatonic Modes of Major – Understand how each mode shapes melody and mood.

🎹 Scalar or Modal Sequencing – Build fluidity and creative phrasing within scales.

🎹 Parallel Modes of Major – Explore contrast and color by shifting tonal perspectives.

🎹 Improvising on Modes of Major – Apply modal concepts in real-time improvisation.

🎹 Major Seventh Chords – Develop melodic ideas over lush, stable harmonies.

🎹 Minor Seventh Chords – Learn how to create depth and emotion in your solos.

🎹 Dominant Seventh Chords – Embrace tension, release, and blues-inspired lines.

🎹 II–V–I in Major Keys (Basic) – Connect harmony and melody through jazz’s most important progression.

🎹 “On The Trail” – Rhythm and Time – Strengthen your groove and internal pulse through rhythmic awareness. 

Advice From a World-Class Pianist Who Taught Some of the Best in the Industry

You’ll be learning directly from Gerard D'Angelo. Renowned jazz pianist and educator who has taught at some of the most acclaimed music schools in the world—right in the heart of New York City, the mecca of jazz. 

New York is where legends are made. It’s the city that gave birth to bebop, where jazz giants like Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane pushed the boundaries of music. And now, you have the chance to learn - directly from your room.

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Gerard D'Angelo

 

Gerard is a faculty member of some of the biggest jazz schools in the planet, such as The New School and Manhattan School of Music. There he mentored stars such as Robert Glasper and Emmet Cohen.

Born in 1954 on Long Island, Gerard was immersed in jazz from an early age, inspired by his father’s stride piano playing. By high school, he was performing gigs and later studied at Berklee and Five Towns College, where he also began teaching. His career took off with tours, club gigs, and studies under jazz legends like Lenny Tristano, shaping his intuitive improvisational style.

Settling in Manhattan, Gerard performed at top jazz venues and festivals worldwide, collaborating with icons like Red Rodney, Nat Adderley, and Vincent Herring. His interest in composition grew, leading to recordings with leading jazz artists. In the ’90s, he transitioned to teaching at The New School and Manhattan School of Music, mentoring future stars such as Robert Glasper and Emmet Cohen.

Beyond jazz, he worked as musical director for Brian Stokes Mitchell, coached Ben Stiller for Broadway, and contributed to music production with Gary Haase. Today, Gerard continues performing, teaching, and leading Gotham Music Lab, an online platform dedicated to accessible, high-quality music education.

7-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

If you aren’t completely satisfied with your course, let us know within the first 7-days for a full refund. No questions asked.

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