STEVE KORTYKA
Essential Jazz Repertoire Vol 1 Intermediate Etudes
A course in how to get the most out of studying jazz etudes. This collection of fun to play etudes composed over standard chord progressions goes along with the first volume of backing tracks from BetterTrax.com. A video lesson accompanies each piece to help students learn jazz language and improvisation techniques.
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Steve Kortyka
Steve Kortyka is a full time New York saxophonist who is passionate about teaching jazz improvisation concepts to his students from around the world in the Better Sax Studio and elsewhere. As a member of the Brian Newman quintet, Steve is an in-demand performer appearing live alongside Lady Gaga and the legendary Tony Bennett as well as on the pair’s latest album releases.
What You Get
- 10 Intermediate Etudes over standard chord progressions.
- 3 PDF Book Download versions included (Bb, Eb and C Instruments).
- Lifetime Access on the Better Sax Members Site.
- Online Course with Video Lessons for each etude.
- Audio recordings of each etude with backing track accompaniment.
- Better Sax User Forum Access.
List of Etudes
- Drift By My Window [Gm] (based on Autumn Leaves)
- Drift By My Window [Bbm]
- The Patriarch's Jam [Fm] (based on Song for My Father)
- No Clones [Eb] (based on There Will Never Be Another You)
- No Clones [Ab]
- In the Clouds [Eb] (based on Misty)
- In the Clouds [Ab]
- Walk Right By [F] (based on Girl From Ipanema)
- Walk Right By [Db]
- Bossa Blue-Ya [F] (based on Blue Bossa)
- A Train to Take [C] (based on Take the A Train)
- A Train to Take [Eb]
- With Nostalgic Vibes [Dm] (based on In a Sentimental Mood)
- With Nostalgic Vibes [Em]
- With Nostalgic Vibes [Cm]
- Simmer Down [Dm] (based on Summertime)
- Simmer Down [Cm]
- Simmer Down [Fm]
- Soup to Nuts [C] (based on All of Me)
- Soup to Nuts [F]
Online Video Course
Each etude is designed to teach you an element of jazz language and improvisation techniques. Steve Kortyka guides you step by step so you’re not just playing the notes, but learning the tools you need to become a better improviser.
3 Digital Download Books
Eb, Bb and C Instrument versions are included with your enrollment.
Audio Recordings
Listen and practice along to recordings of each etude played over the original BetterTrax.com backing track accompaniment.
Jay Metcalf
BETTER SAX
These etudes are fun to play, challenging and each one focuses on a particular element of jazz language and style. In the accompanying lesson videos Steve guides students through these studies pointing out the key things to look out for and dig into.
I’m proud to present to you this first volume of intermediate etudes and look forward to future collections already in the works.
Steve Kortyka
SAXOPHONE RECORDING ARTIST, PERFORMER AND EDUCATOR
In my developing stages as a saxophonist and improviser I would often find myself feeling as though I were missing key pieces of the puzzle. Many times I would learn a line but not know the chords it was played over. The flip side to this is to know the chord changes but not know what to play over them.
Over the years I have found writing etudes over well known chord progressions to be a great way to get students to play authentic and thematic lines. Although reading through an etude is still not yet improvising, it provides a growing musician with the tools to investigate how a line fits the chord changes and what makes a line work. While you can get the same effect from reading a great solo transcription, what is unique about etudes is that they can be organized more strategically to highlight specific musical objectives.
What follows is a set of intermediate etudes that connect standard chord progressions to the BetterTrax.com Essential Jazz Repertoire Volume 1 collection of backing tracks. Time spent practicing these etudes and studying how they relate to the harmony they’re played over is sure to unlock new improvisational ideas and a deeper understanding of Jazz Harmony. Enjoy!
LIFETIME ACCESS
This course is a lifetime access purchase. There are NO recurring fees or subscriptions.
30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
If you are dissatisfied with the course just let us know within 30 days and you’ll receive a prompt and hassle free refund.
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QUESTIONS?
You should begin by watching these free videos and by signing up for my free Play Sax by Ear Crash Course. Once you have completed that material, you you will be ready to take my Pentatonic Foundation Course.
No. Once you are enrolled, you have lifetime access. There will be no recurring fees or renewal fees. Pay once, that’s it.
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Yes. 30 days trial, 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you don’t find that the Course has helped you improve as a sax player, just send us a message and we will refund your entire purchase price no questions asked (If you opt for the physical print version of the book, this portion of your purchase is non-refundable).