Connecting The Dots • 2022.4

Connecting The Dots (CTD) is a comprehensive series of exercises designed to enhance musicians' improvisation skills, regardless of their proficiency level. The program offers a structured approach for budding soloists to expand their musical vocabulary, grasp voice leading concepts, and master navigating through chord progressions with ease.

Key features of Connecting The Dots include play-along backing tracks, call and response exercises, a progress tracker, a total of 169 exercises spanning all 12 keys, instrument-specific transpositions for 11 different instruments, as well as tempo and zoom controls. Moreover, the integration with iReal Pro further enhances the user experience.

The teaching methodology of CTD mirrors language acquisition by breaking down improvisation into easily digestible segments. Perfect for students and instructors alike, the series utilizes call and response exercises centered around chord arpeggios to elucidate the relationship between vertical harmonies and horizontal melodies in music.

CTD delves into fundamental voice leading principles and provides practical insights on their application within chord progressions. Exercises are categorized into three sections: One Chord, Two Chord, and Twelve Bar Blues, demonstrating straightforward voice leading techniques using root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th degrees across various seventh chords and their inversions. Each section culminates in simple melodies and improvisations by Jeff Coffin that leverage the discussed material.

The app offers specific transpositions in all 12 keys tailored to tenor, alto & baritone saxophones, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano, vibraphone & guitar. Additionally, all exercises are paired with iReal Pro backing tracks, allowing users to practice alongside built-in audio or seamlessly transition to iReal Pro with a single tap.

Enhance your improvisational skills under the mentorship of Jeff Coffin, the mastermind behind Connecting The Dots. Jeff is an esteemed saxophonist, composer, and educator recognized globally for his contributions to music. As a member of the renowned Dave Matthews Band and former collaborator with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Jeff's expertise shines through in this app.

In Jeff's own words regarding Connecting The Dots: “I created this easy-to-use app to help players of all genres & styles – classical players, jazz enthusiasts, rock musicians, beginners, educators – anyone can benefit from it. Everyone can improvise!"