"Improvising is so complicated...I wish there was a simpler way."
...sound familiar?
Get ready to learn the clear, concise, and simple way to improvise over any song!
Have you ever thought...
“Why does it seem like my favorite musicians can just play anything on the spot, but when I do it doesn’t make any sense?”
“I’ve spent tons of time practicing scales, chords, and licks - why don’t my solos sound better?”
“I can improvise over a blues and other simple chord progressions, but how do I play solos that sound great over ANY set of chord changes?”
Hi, I'm Dave Pollack!
I'm a jazz musician who has toured and performed all around the world, but more importantly I'm an educator dedicated to helping enthusiastic musicians achieve their goals by showing a clear, concise, and simple path to improvisation success.
Jazz improvisation can feel pretty daunting at first, and trust me - I know because I WAS THERE. I know exactly what it's like to say "how can these musicians create ideas so quickly?" "How do you come up with ideas on the spot over any song?"
After years and years of trial (and lots of!) error, I've figured out simple but powerful and effective ways of improvising over any song in any style, and here's the best part - I've been teaching it to musicians (just like you) all around the world with some fantastic results.
Here's what some people are saying...
Seth said:
“I needed to hear explanations like this Dave. I’m excited about this course as I wasn't one of those lucky kids who started playing music at school, so I find it harder to learn and retain all this stuff. I love the structured way of learning music - this is what I need!”
Al said:
“I’ve binged the first section and I'm looking forward to the rest! The single dashboard view is great and your style of presentation feels like you’re talking directly to me…so very engaging.”
Tony said:
“There seems to be a lot of information out on the internet but it is difficult to go through it all in some kind of logical sequence, and none of it really tells you everything you need to build solos that sound musical rather than sounding like a practice session. Your course is great! Good to have all the information in one place in a clear and logical order. It's all very well presented and explained.”
Here are some (false) things you may have been told that are getting in your way:
- You have to memorize complicated licks and transpose them into 12 keys then use them in your solos
- Great improvisers just make everything up right there on the spot
- Forget learning theory, “just feel it” when improvising
- You need to spend hundreds of hours transcribing complicated solos
- Some people just "have it" and not everyone can improvise
- You need to play specific scales over specific chords to create a great solo
- You need to know hundreds of songs before ever stepping on stage
- You need to put in 10,000 hours of practice before you can improvise well
I'm here to let you know there IS a solution!
It took a lot of trial and error but over the years I've learned how to approach improvising in a concise and simple way, freeing myself up to focus on actually making music while I'm playing. What does that mean for you? Well, you don't have to waste time searching for a magic answer for how to improvise - I have a REAL one!
Would you love to feel confident soloing over any song?
In order to create truly authentic solos that fit any style, you need to first focus on the "non-note" musical elements of a song and the style you're playing. Why is this so important? You could play all the best notes in the world, but remember - we're all using the same 12! It's how you use them that is so powerful, and I have an incredibly simple but effective (and fun!) way of being able to play in any style you want.
Would you like to be able to play creative and interesting solos that work over any chords?
The next step is applying harmony to those non-note musical elements, but don't worry - studying a music theory textbook is NOT what I'm talking about. Once you understand how simple chords are constructed (and realize just how common these chords are) you will be able to improvise over any song!
Wouldn't it be amazing to easily play the melodic ideas you have in your head?
Once you understand non-note musical elements and simple chords, you can easily transition to creating beautiful, melodic, and lyrical solos that work through any set of chord changes. There is no secret here - just a simple path that I came up with that has already helped tons of musicians just like you, and that's why I created...
Simple Steps to Improvisation Success
I know exactly what it's like to dream about playing amazing improvised solos. I also know what it's like to feel like there's something I'm missing or something is out of reach. What was missing was a concise and simple way to approach improvising, and now it's here!
Here's why this will completely TRANSFORM your playing!
- You'll learn simple ways to create melodic solos over any song so you can confidently get on stage at the jam session - no more wishing you were up there!
- You'll learn improvise authentically in any style without spending hours and hours transcribing complex solos, so you can fit any genre or style of song out there
- You'll learn the simple and efficient way to build your own vocabulary without needing to memorize complicated licks and lines, so you can create your very own unique sound
- You'll be able to play solos over any chord changes in any key, so no matter what the situation is you'll be prepared
- You'll learn how to play coherent, melodic solos that tell a story without rambling over the changes, so your solos will make sense and sound more professional
- You'll be able to simplify everything you've learned about improvisation and jazz theory, freeing you up to play more creatively
- You'll be able to play fresh new ideas on the spot without sounding monotonous and repetitive, giving you infinite options for any song you play over
- You'll be able to quickly analyze any song without having to hear or play it first, getting rid of the need to scramble for a recording right before you get on stage
- You'll be able to play great solos over songs from the very first time you you play them - no need to rehearse it a thousand times first
- You'll learn how to quickly identify the function of each chord, which will make your solos much more melodic and lyrical
- You'll learn how to transition between phrases horizontally instead of playing in a choppy "vertical" style, giving you that smooth and connected sound that all of your jazz heroes play
Is Simple Steps to Improvisation Success a good choice for YOU?
This course is perfect for you, if you...
- want a clear, concise, and step-by-step path for improvising
- don't want to waste your time while practicing
- don't know how to start creating solos
- can't connect the ideas in your head to your instrument
- want the confidence to play any song
- feel overwhelmed by scales, chords, and theory
- get lost in the chord changes
- want to confidently solo at a jam session, gig, or just with tracks at home
- have trouble analyzing and soloing over complex chord changes
- want to tell a story with your solos
It's completely risk free!
I truly believe this course will transform the way you perform and approach improvisation because I've gone through it and have successfully taught it to many students. However, if within 14 days you feel like this isn't for you, simply send me an email and I'll refund you immediately.
Listen to what Glenn and Rich have to say about their experience with Simple Steps to Improvisation Success!
Glenn said:
“I’ve taken some online courses and I’ve also purchased a lot of books and a lot of PDFs, and there are a whole lot that just sit on my shelf. Your course is not going to sit on the shelf. It’s going to be used a lot…probably for the next few years.”
Chris said:
“This course has everything you need and more to be successful at improvisation. All the videos/handouts have clear, concise explanations and examples that will help you develop more melodic solos in no time!”
Nate said:
“I often find myself in a rut with my improvisation. Simple Steps has given me so many new things to think about - I feel reinvigorated!”
Check out some of the great things you'll enjoy:
-
Complete step-by-step improvisation course that walks you through the entire improvisational process - whether you're a beginning or experienced improvisor, this course is for you!
-
PDF worksheets that correspond with every video for all instruments.
- A 14-day money-back guarantee
Along with this incredible step-by-step course that will guide you on your entire improvisational journey, I am also including some incredible bonuses for you! (These are only available for a few days, so you have to act fast!)
Bonus #1
The Analyzing Songs course that teaches you how to apply all of the skills learned to quickly analyze and perform any new song you want!
($197 value)
Bonus #2
A personalized critique of your playing where I'll send a video response to your recording, directly helping you improve with focused and specific tips.
($75 value)
Bonus #3
PDF transcriptions of a variety of my solos! You will be able to download the sheet music and audio files, plus you can watch the original video recordings.
($47 value)
Bonus #4
Welcome jam session and Q&A where you will join others who will also be transforming their playing in a live Zoom jam session and Q&A with me!
($100 value)
So you might be wondering what the investment is for the Simple Steps to Improvisation Success course, right?
Well, for this amount of training in 1-on-1 lessons with me you'd have to spend over $6,000.
Also, to get this amount of improvisation training in a classroom setting (which isn't nearly as personalized as this) you'd have to enroll in at least 2 semesters of a jazz improvisation course, which would be $4,500+
Add to that the large amount of expensive individual lessons and small courses out there (that barely scratch the surface of what you'll learn in this complete step-by-step course) and you'll see that the value of this is incredibly high and this course is a no-brainer, so check this out.
You won't pay $6,000. You won't even pay $500.
Want a monthly payment option instead? Here you go!
Here's a sneak peak of what you'll learn inside
Simple Steps to Improvisation Success:
Notes ≠ Music
- How to use non-note musical elements such as phrasing, dynamics, articulation, interaction, and motifs to create authentic solos in any style
- A simple (and often overlooked) strategy to analyze why a solo works so well, that you can instantly implement in your own playing
- How to use reference recordings to make your playing fit any genre
Scales: The Technique You Need to Know
- Why scales are actually useful for jazz improvisation
- How to construct and use all of the modes of the major scale
- A straight-forward method for learning and implementing pentatonic, blues, bebop, harmonic and melodic minor, diminished, altered, chromatic, and whole tone scales
Chords: The Foundation of Harmony
- How to create the building blocks of harmony in a simple and efficient way
- Understanding and constructing the four main types of seventh chords
- Extend the harmony and add color by learning what alterations and extensions you can add to chords, how they sound, and how to actually use them in your playing
Outlining Chord Changes: The Gateway to Improvisation
- Why outlining chord changes is so important if you want to play great solos
- How to first approach playing through the chord tones of all chord changes in a song to set yourself up for success
- The most effective way to play through each chord in real time to truly understand each and every chord tone for each and every chord
Voice Leading: How to Create a Melodic Solo Over Any Song
- Learn and implement my 6-step voice leading process using both diatonic and chromatic guide-tones over any chord changes
- Analysis of sample lines use diatonic and chromatic guide tones with diatonic and non-diatonic lines
- Write out your own unique lines following the simple 6-step process to create interesting and creative solos
2-5-1: How to Effectively Play the Most Common Turnaround
- How to construct and utilize both major and minor 2-5-1s
- Creating melodic lines through major and minor 2-5-1s instead of mindlessly playing memorized licks
- Extend the harmony and color by using alterations, substitutions, and non-resolving chord phrases
Building Vocabulary: It's Time For You to Sound Like YOU
- How to actually build your own vocabulary instead of "painting by numbers" and playing licks created by others
- Start from a simple idea to create a foundation of vocabulary for your own unique style
- Combine different elements to expand your vocabulary and create new and interesting shapes and colors
BONUS: "Analyzing Songs" Course
- Quickly analyze the chord changes to any song without having to hear it first
- Learn the function of each chord in context with the overall harmony instead of separating each chord from the next
- Apply your own vocabulary and knowledge of voice leading, substitutions, and alterations to songs right from the first time you play them
BONUS: A Personalized Critique of Your Playing
- Receive a personalized video with specific feedback of your playing to help you improve
- Get tips and tricks for anything you are currently working on, inside or out of the course
- Make a personal practice plan going forward to maximize your time
BONUS: PDF Solo Transcriptions
- Receive PDFs, audio files, and videos for a variety of my solos
- Instantly identify what specific phrases and notes I'm using over different chord changes
- Play along with my solos and develop your phrasing, articulation, harmony, and more
BONUS: Welcome Jam Session and Q&A
- Connect with other like-minded musicians who are also on the path to improvisation success
- Play songs along with me while I demonstrate skills you're learning in the course
- Directly ask questions about the course, improvisation, or anything else that comes to mind
I have something else for you - two surprise bonuses!
"How to Hang on a Jazz Standard" is a collection of 20 etudes by Ryan Devlin and myself written over 10 popular jazz standards. Get the inside info on what we're thinking about when we improvise over a variety of jazz standards!
Here's what's included:
- PDFs of each of the 20 etudes
- Audio files for each etude
- Backing tracks for all standards
- Analysis videos for each etude
“Strictly Major” is a PDF package that contains 25 diatonic exercises in all 12 keys for both treble and bass clef instruments. If you've ever wondered what to practice to increase your technique without wasting time, this is it!
Here's what's included:
- PDF containing 25 diatonic exercises written in all 12 keys
- Video performance and analysis of each exercise
David said:
“This is the first course where I feel encouraged to practice consistently because it makes a ton of sense. I’ve taken many courses that claim to teach improvisation but the motivation to finish dwindles in a very short period of time. This motivates me to no end! I look forward to practicing everyday despite how little time I have. I hope your course reaches as many musicians as possible because your approach is simple, satisfying, encouraging and without a doubt the best!”
Louis said:
“Okay, this one was really fun for me. I sang my ideas first before playing on my horn, which really helped me do a better call and response. Definitely getting more interesting as you add more complexity to the chord structure in some ways it's almost easier to solo over. Thanks Dave really enjoying the peace and structure of the program.”
Kathy said:
“I think it is excellent. The look of the lesson and the platform is very accessible. You are engaging and informative. Not overly complicated in your explanations - even I get it! I like that you took a different approach to listening and applying in the opening section. I even used it in my band class yesterday with beginning improvisers. Made it much easier to think in terms of rhythmic improv rather than volume of notes.”
Don't forget: it's completely risk free!
I truly believe this course will transform the way you perform and approach improvisation because I've gone through it and have successfully taught it to many students. However, if within 14 days you feel like this isn't for you, simply send me an email and I'll refund you immediately.
I know what you're probably thinking...
"There are so many online courses out there about how to improvise and so many videos on YouTube...what's different about this course?"
Simple Steps to Improvisation Success gives you a complete step-by-step guide to improvising that cuts out all of the nonsense.
If you're like me, you want to be efficient while practicing and want to learn things that will directly help you improve. This course will give you all of the information you need and none of what you don't!
In case you need a reminder of what you'll get with your purchase...
- Access to all Simple Steps to Improvisation Success lesson videos for life
- PDF worksheets for every lesson in the entire course
- BONUS Analyzing Songs course
- BONUS personalized video critique of your playing
- BONUS Solo Transcription PDFs and audio files
- BONUS Welcome Jam Session and Q&A
- BONUS How to Hang on a Jazz Standard PDF Package
- BONUS Strictly Major PDF Package
- A 14-day money back guarantee
...and most important of all, you'll gain the confidence and skills to finally improvise the way you've been dreaming of!
Once you decide to take the next step in your improvisational journey you’ll be guided through a quick and easy checkout, and once your payment is made you’ll instantly receive an email that will get you setup to get straight into all of the amazing content.
I can’t wait to meet you in the course!
