Cleaning Up Lead Sheets
I'm taking a math course trying to advance my degree, and was asked to write an essay on how I use problem solving techniques in the capacity of my own job.
Some people might find it useful...
Four Step Problem Solving Process:
As a Jazz musician, I often use a type of arrangement called a lead sheet... (or fake.) Lead sheets outline the form of the tune and the chord changes and melodies, but at times they are inaccurate or written in an overly complicated manner. In such a case it is impossible to accompany or improvise smoothly, so I have to take a number of steps... the key being to find the basic pattern of the tune and simplify it. To do this, I analyze the tune. (Most tunes have "forms" and the forms will usually have similarities to other tunes.. the forms are broken down with a type of roman numeral analysis representing the basic pattern and based on that pattern, I can learn the tune quickly.) Once I find the basic pattern I can have a better idea of how the tune plays out... I will then write out the tune in its simplest form...
After that I'll play through the chords while thinking about the melody and what the tune really sounds like... then I'll add the "hooks" to the tune (the parts of the tune that make it unique, not just a bland generic pattern.) Prior to doing this, I must make absolutely sure that the tune has been broken down into its simplest form (just like numbers are reduced in math)... - - After writing out the new changes, I will then test them out by playing through the tune in real time, making sure the melody matches up and the chords feel right. - - Often, I'll go back to the original arrangement, or try to find another arrangement and compare the before/after as well as alternative products, both recorded and written. If something doesn't seem right, or I have ideas of my own, I will make adjustments... The tune will be deemed ready to add to the band's repertoire if it can be broken down to a simple form that captures its true essence yet everyone can simply play. - - I think this procedure is very similar to the one in the book, which is...
1) Understand The Problem.
I simplify the lead sheet so it is more comprehensible.
2) Devise a plan to solve the problem.
I analyze the lead sheet and try to find the form it represents and based on that, figure out the correct chords (some are like missing pieces of a puzzle), then I use my ear to catch the "hooks" I need to add to the arrangement.
3) Carry out the plan.
I write out the new chord changes.
4) Check the results.
I play through the tune, as well as get insight from other sources.
Some people might find it useful...
Four Step Problem Solving Process:
- Understand the problem.
- Devise a plan to solve the problem.
- Carry out the plan.
- Check the results
As a Jazz musician, I often use a type of arrangement called a lead sheet... (or fake.) Lead sheets outline the form of the tune and the chord changes and melodies, but at times they are inaccurate or written in an overly complicated manner. In such a case it is impossible to accompany or improvise smoothly, so I have to take a number of steps... the key being to find the basic pattern of the tune and simplify it. To do this, I analyze the tune. (Most tunes have "forms" and the forms will usually have similarities to other tunes.. the forms are broken down with a type of roman numeral analysis representing the basic pattern and based on that pattern, I can learn the tune quickly.) Once I find the basic pattern I can have a better idea of how the tune plays out... I will then write out the tune in its simplest form...
After that I'll play through the chords while thinking about the melody and what the tune really sounds like... then I'll add the "hooks" to the tune (the parts of the tune that make it unique, not just a bland generic pattern.) Prior to doing this, I must make absolutely sure that the tune has been broken down into its simplest form (just like numbers are reduced in math)... - - After writing out the new changes, I will then test them out by playing through the tune in real time, making sure the melody matches up and the chords feel right. - - Often, I'll go back to the original arrangement, or try to find another arrangement and compare the before/after as well as alternative products, both recorded and written. If something doesn't seem right, or I have ideas of my own, I will make adjustments... The tune will be deemed ready to add to the band's repertoire if it can be broken down to a simple form that captures its true essence yet everyone can simply play. - - I think this procedure is very similar to the one in the book, which is...
1) Understand The Problem.
I simplify the lead sheet so it is more comprehensible.
2) Devise a plan to solve the problem.
I analyze the lead sheet and try to find the form it represents and based on that, figure out the correct chords (some are like missing pieces of a puzzle), then I use my ear to catch the "hooks" I need to add to the arrangement.
3) Carry out the plan.
I write out the new chord changes.
4) Check the results.
I play through the tune, as well as get insight from other sources.