About iiV7.com
The ii V7 chord progression is the most basic statement of harmony in Jazz. It is absolutely essential for understanding and playing Jazz at any level.
This site is about building, or re-building, a solid foundation in Jazz Study, Practice, Listening, Transcription, and Ear Training.
Our mission at iiV7.com is to provide students of Jazz with more information of a higher quality about the study of Jazz, Improvisation, Practicing, and Inspiration than they can find anywhere else online. And, to offer much of that information for free.
We strive to bring thought provoking, and insightful articles to our blog, and we encourage response, feedback and exchange in our comments sections.
In all cases whatsoever, I reserve the right to be wrong and to make mistakes. And, if I do, I insist on taking the opportunity to make it right.
- Just so you know.
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We have an Ear Training Course, and offer several series of tutorials focused on various fundamentals of music study.
We teach the finer points of Jazz study in each of our free tutorial series: (Look for the links in the Top Menu bar on every page)
Practicing to Practice
A guide to strategically planning your practice sessions, and to intelligently organize your materials to optimize your learning efficiency.
Ear Training for Jazz
A series of free quizzes presenting ear training challenges with varying degrees of difficulty. This is essential musical practice, but it's going to be fun; I promise.
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
An introduction to various styles of improvisation with an in depth discussion about the techniques and concepts used in each.
Trying Transcription
A tutorial on the importance of transcription, and a method for achieving the best results in the shortest amount of time.
Chasing the Changes
We examine and analyze common chord structures including standard sets of changes such as the Blues, Rhythm Changes, and other important and commonly used chord progressions.
The Jazz Arranger
In this series we learn about arranging for small ensembles. It covers topics like melody construction, harmonization, voicing, and instrumentation.
and ...
Inspiration on Demand
Probably the most talked about and least understood aspect of any creative task. Musicians wonder endlessly about inspiration and where to find it. This is more of a focus group than a tutorial because we look to our readers to share their challenges, and inspirations in the comments.
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About Jonathan Martin
I began playing trumpet in 1979, I was in the fourth grade. But, my first instrument was a harmonica I got one summer when I was six. I taught myself to play "Oh, Susannah" and "Camp Town Races" by ear.
I also took lessons on Organ, and Banjo for a while. Once I began the trumpet it took over most of my time to practice.
I began studying Jazz, and Improvisation in High School. The two albums that really got me started, and have kept me going ever since were "Two Trumpets" by Art Farmer and Donald Byrd, and "The Youngbloods" by Phil Woods and Donald Byrd.
I have to say that Donald Byrd's Hard Bop playing and sound influenced me most of all. Even more so than Clifford Brown who I have studied extensively.
I got in trouble once for being late to class, and had to serve some time in detension. I spent the entire detension period writing out all the modes in all twelve keys. That is how I memorized my scales. I was late to class because I was hanging out in the Band Room during lunch listening to SuperSax. I did that a lot.
I continued my music education after high school through college. I graduated Chattanooga State Community College with a Major in Music, and finally got a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music Education K-12 from Tennessee Technological University.
After graduating, I took the position of Head of Music Studies at the Jo Byrns School in Cedar Hill, Tennessee for one year. Jo Byrns was a Unit School, so it contained all grades K thru 12. I was responsible for teaching High School, Middle School, and Beginning (6th Grade) Bands, High School Chorus, and Jazz Band. The students were remarkable, and teaching there was one of the best musical experiences I've ever had.
I spent the next ten years in the US Navy Fleet Bands. My first duty station was the Sixth Fleet Band in Naples, Italy.
During my time in Italy I performed at festivals and military functions in over twenty countries in Europe, and North Africa. I was the jazz soloist for the Sixth Fleet Showband, and was a member of the Jazz Protocol Combo. I also led several special ensembles formed for individual events.
Next, I transferred to Navy Band New Orleans where I performed in four Mardi Gras seasons including over 50 parades and related functions. I was also the soloist for the showband, and leader of the brass quintet "The Crescent City Brass", and performed in and led the Protocol Jazz Combo.
Finally, I decided to get out of the Navy and settle down. It was more of an adventure than I have time share here, but I became a stay home dad and part time musician. Now that my son is reaching school age I'm looking forward to getting some quiet time at home to practice and write music, and to share with you what I've learned through the years.
I'm very excited to bring this site to you, and hope that you will find it immensely useful and helpful in your own Jazz Studies. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. Contact Jonathan.
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Dedicated to the study of Jazz. Find everything you need to become a better musician right here.