Pro Jazz Fuauin Plan

A fusion jazz curriculum focuses on blending jazz with rock, funk, and other genres,
emphasizing complex rhythms, advanced harmony, and electric instruments. Here's a

curriculum designed for a jazz fusion student:
1. Foundations of Jazz Fusion (Weeks 1-4)
Goals: Familiarize the student with the basic elements of jazz fusion, rhythm, and
harmony.
 Listening: Introduce jazz fusion pioneers.

o Bitches Brew (Miles Davis), Birds of Fire (Mahavishnu Orchestra),
Headhunters (Herbie Hancock)
 Theory:
o Study modal harmony (Dorian, Mixolydian, Lydian modes).
o Learn about odd time signatures (5/4, 7/8) and syncopation in fusion.
o Explore extended chords (9ths, 11ths, 13ths) and sus chords.
 Technique:
o Practice pentatonic scales, modal scales, and major/minor scales.
o Introduction to comping with extended and slash chords.
 Repertoire:
o Chameleon (Herbie Hancock)
o Birds of Fire (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
o Red Baron (Billy Cobham)
2. Fusion Grooves and Rhythms (Weeks 5-8)
Goals: Develop strong rhythmic skills for fusion’s syncopated, groove-heavy style.
 Rhythm Studies:
o Practice comping patterns in various time signatures (4/4, 7/8, 9/8).
o Develop independence between hands—left hand playing syncopated
chords, right hand soloing.
 Improvisation:
o Improvise over modal chord progressions.
o Incorporate rock and funk-influenced rhythms into jazz lines.
 Repertoire:
o Actual Proof (Herbie Hancock)
o 500 Miles High (Chick Corea, Return to Forever)
o The Chicken (Jaco Pastorius)
3. Synths, Effects, and Electric Instruments (Weeks 9-12)
Goals: Learn to incorporate electronic elements into jazz fusion playing.
 Technology:
o Introduction to synthesizers and electric keyboards (e.g., Fender Rhodes,
Moog).
o Using effects pedals (chorus, delay, reverb) for keyboard textures.
 Technique:
o Learn comping and soloing on electric keyboards.
o Practice using synth leads and atmospheric pads in improvisation.
 Repertoire:
o Stratus (Billy Cobham)
o Spain (Chick Corea)
o Black Market (Weather Report)
4. Advanced Modal and Polyrhythmic Improvisation (Weeks 13-16)
Goals: Master complex improvisation techniques used in fusion.
 Advanced Harmony:
o Study quartal harmony (chords built in 4ths).
o Explore modes of the melodic minor scale (Lydian dominant, altered
scale).
 Polyrhythms:
o Practice 2 against 3 and 4 against 3 polyrhythms.
o Experiment with odd meters and shifting accents within solos.
 Improvisation:
o Solo over fast-moving modal progressions and time signature changes.
o Apply chromaticism, pentatonics, and altered scales in soloing.
 Repertoire:
o Captain Marvel (Chick Corea)
o Inner Urge (Joe Henderson)
o Havona (Jaco Pastorius)
5. Fusion Composition and Ensemble Playing (Weeks 17-20)
Goals: Develop compositional skills and explore group dynamics in fusion.
 Composition:
o Compose short jazz fusion tunes using modal harmony, rock grooves, and
synth textures.
o Explore through-composed sections combined with improvised sections
(e.g., riff-based fusion pieces).
 Ensemble Skills:
o Practice comping behind soloists, locking into rhythm section grooves.
o Learn to blend with other instruments (bass, drums, guitar) in a fusion
context.
 Repertoire:
o Teen Town (Weather Report)
o Romantic Warrior (Return to Forever)
o Crosswind (Billy Cobham)
6. Advanced Fusion Concepts and Personal Style (Weeks 21-24)
Goals: Refine fusion technique, explore advanced textures, and develop a personal style.
 Advanced Techniques:
o Study jazz fusion masters like John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Joe
Zawinul for voicing and texture ideas.
o Incorporate both acoustic and electric piano into compositions.
 Polyrhythm & Groove Experimentation:
o Further explore complex rhythmic layering, groove creation, and
interaction with other instruments.
 Fusion Solos:
o Compose solos that merge jazz phrasing with rock intensity and funk
rhythms.
o Incorporate double-time runs, odd-time motifs, and percussive left-hand
techniques.
 Repertoire:
o Palladium (Weather Report)
o Matrix (Chick Corea)
o Continuum (Jaco Pastorius)
Practice Routine Suggestions
 Technique: 20 minutes of scales, modes, and pentatonics across all keys.

 Improvisation: 30 minutes of soloing over fusion standards or original
compositions.
 Composition/Technology: 15-20 minutes experimenting with synth patches or
composing fusion riffs.
 Repertoire: 30-40 minutes working on fusion classics and integrating
improvisational ideas.
This curriculum emphasizes the hybrid nature of fusion, blending jazz theory and
improvisation with elements from rock, funk, and electronic music to build a well-
rounded fusion pianist.
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A fusion jazz curriculum focuses on blending jazz with rock, funk, and other genres,

emphasizing complex rhythms, advanced harmony, and electric instruments. Here's a

1. Foundations of Jazz Fusion (Weeks 1-4)

 Listening: Introduce jazz fusion pioneers.

2. Fusion Grooves and Rhythms (Weeks 5-8)

3. Synths, Effects, and Electric Instruments (Weeks 9-12)

Goals: Learn to incorporate electronic elements into jazz fusion playing.

4. Advanced Modal and Polyrhythmic Improvisation (Weeks 13-16)

Goals: Master complex improvisation techniques used in fusion.

5. Fusion Composition and Ensemble Playing (Weeks 17-20)

Goals: Develop compositional skills and explore group dynamics in fusion.

6. Advanced Fusion Concepts and Personal Style (Weeks 21-24)

Practice Routine Suggestions

 Technique: 20 minutes of scales, modes, and pentatonics across all keys.

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