Learning Resources

Learning Resources

Learning Resources

This page is intended primarily as support material for subjects covered in The Musician’s Path.

 

The PDF Downloads and videos are grouped into general categories, so finding material on a specific topic should be easier. Not every exercise mentioned in the book has a PDF Download yet, and not every PDF Download has a corresponding video yet. My intention is to continue to add Resources to the site on a regular basis.

 

The Learning Resources on the site are many of the specific exercises from the book written out, explained, and (in many cases) demonstrated for you on video.

 

Many of the exercises seem simple at first glance, and are indeed designed as introductions to the specific topics. There is a lot more to these exercises than is apparent at first glance. Like any art form or discipline that requires mastery, the “how” is much more important than the “what”, and gaining mastery means mastering the basics.

Downloads

Rhythm Reading Introduction

This essay is a strategy for players who are new to reading music or for those wanting to increase their proficiency at reading music. It is an explanation on how to approach the Rhythm Reading pages that follow.

 

Book Page Reference: P29-30, P75-78

Rhythm Reading

7 pages of rhythm reading that gets progressively more complex.

Chromatic Long Tone Exercise

This routine is designed to increase breath control, range, and stamina. It will also increase pitch accuracy, as the interval between each note is the same throughout the routine. The routine is illustrated here using half-steps, but should be practiced using whole-steps, min 3rds, and maj 3rds.

Book Page Reference: P53-62, P67-68

Pivot Long Tone Exercise

A more advanced long tone exercise designed to increase breath control and pitch accuracy over ever widening intervals. See the attached instructional video.

Book Page Reference: P53-62, P67-68

Major Scale Routine

This routine is designed to familiarize and internalize scales.

 

It is intended for players who do not yet have equal facility over all 12 Ionian scales. The routine is illustrated using Ionian but could be used to internalize any scale structure.

 

I recommend working on one key per week until the entire routine can be played in all 12 keys with equal ease, and without misplaying any part of the routine. See the attached video for a demonstration on how to approach each of the 6 lines in the routine.

 

Book page reference: P53-62, P70

Jump To Scale Routine Videos

Modes

Diagram showing the Diatonic scales (Modes) and chords.

 

Book Page Reference: P41-42

Triads Moving in Half Steps

This routine is designed to internalize chord structures. It is illustrated using major triads moving in half-steps but the strategy would be the same for any chord structure and should also be practiced moving in whole-steps and minor 3rds.

 

Book Page Reference: P39-41, P53-62. P70-72

Diatonic Triads

This routine is designed to familiarize and internalize the sound and chord names of Diatonic Triads. It is intended for players who do not yet have an equal awareness of the diatonic chords of each of the 12 keys.

 

See the attached video for a demonstration on how to approach the 2 Prep. Exercises and 4 Main Exercises.

 

Book Page Reference: P39-41, P53-62, P70-72

Jump To Diatonic Triads Videos

Pentatonic Scales

A definition of Pentatonic scales and their importance in popular music.

 

Book Page Reference: P53,62, P70-73, P92-93

Passing Tones For Ionian

Diagram showing the most “inside” combinations of passing tones for Ionian.

 

Book Page Reference: P53-62, P70-71

Diminished Chords & Scales

This routine is designed as an introduction to Diminished chords and Diminished scales.

 

Book Page Reference: P32,35, P39-40, P47-48

Augmented Chords

This routine is designed as an introduction to Augmented chords and Whole Tone scales.

 

Book Page Reference: P32-35, P39-40, P44-46

More Videos!

Visit Gordon’s YouTube channel for even more in-depth instructional videos, or jump directly to a video below.

Chromatic Scale

Chromatic Scale 2 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 3 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 4 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 5 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 6 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 7 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 8 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 9 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 10 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 11 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 12 Note Grouping

Chromatic Scale 1 Octave Through A Progression

Chromatic Scale 3rd To Root

Diatonic Triads

Diatonic Triads Warm Up 1

Diatonic Triads Warm Up 2

Diatonic Triads 1, 2, 3, 4

Scale Routine

Scale Routine Line 1

Scale Routine Line 2

Scale Routine Line 3

Scale Routine Line 4

Scale Routine Line 4a Triad & Inversions

Scale Routine Line 5a

Scale Routine Line 5b

Scale Routine Line 6

  • After reading this material, I am thoroughly impressed and excited to see it in publication. The information and suggestions you provide are, spot on, and will only improve a musician’s ability... Thank you Gordon for providing this inspirational roadmap to becoming a true musician, mentally, spiritually and practically…

    Tony Zee Bass Guitar/Vocals Host of the Tony Zee Show – World Wide Senior Computer Support Analyst Ryerson University Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

  • There are some books that push the need to acquire the skill set of learning theory, but this book reminds us that there’s always more to being a musician than theory alone. Finally a book that makes use of the words passion and wisdom in the art of making music.

    Professor Fred Duvall, Audio specialist at Seneca College in Toronto Ontario - teaching Protools and computer related recording. He has been a studio musician/producer and engineer for over 40 years,

  • This book hits the nail right on the head!! Common sense and a great read.

    Private trumpet teacher at Long & McQuade, Burlington, Ontario,18 years. Co-leader and trumpet, "The 905 Band" Member of the "Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra" since 1986, now the "Jazz Writers Orchestra" under Mike Malone.

  • I have had the pleasure to know and work with Gord for many years on a musical level. Musicians Path is a must read for any musician, up and coming or seasoned. Passing on and the continued gaining of knowledge is a true window into to the soul of many great musicians.

    Dee Tilbrook

  • I have personally known Gord for 25+ years. I have known him to be an excellent musician, always professional in every way, and always plays every gig like it was his last. It has always been a pleasure to stand next to him in a horn section! I have also studied with Gord and found his teaching method fun and very effective. I use his exercises in my daily practice routine!

    Brian Scriver Customer Service / Brass Mouthpiece Consultant GR Technologies, M.I.B. Horns - www.grmouthpieces.com, www.mibhorns.com

The Musician’s Path is not a method book, but more of an overview of the process of evolving as a musician. I discuss many aspects of this process including; things that affect the learning process, how to select and work with private teachers, and how to get the most out of various playing situations. However I contend that a well organized practice routine never fails to produce dramatic fast results.

In the book I offer specific strategies, information, and ideas meant for (all but the most educated) musicians who are looking for suggestion on how they might develop their playing skills.

My intention with the book and with the web site, is to offer a guide that will produce results for players who are self-taught and are learning to play primarily as a hobby, but also to offer insights to those (like myself), who are more experienced and take playing very seriously, but (due to their exact circumstances) may not have been exposed to certain critical concepts or strategies.

The Musician's Path
The Musician’s Path is not a method book, but more of an overview of the process of evolving as a musician. I discuss many aspects of this process including; things that affect the learning process, how to select and work with private teachers, and how to get the most out of various playing situations. However I contend that a well organized practice routine never fails to produce dramatic fast results.

In the book I offer specific strategies, information, and ideas meant for (all but the most educated) musicians who are looking for suggestion on how they might develop their playing skills.

My intention with the book and with the web site, is to offer a guide that will produce results for players who are self-taught and are learning to play primarily as a hobby, but also to offer insights to those (like myself), who are more experienced and take playing very seriously, but (due to their exact circumstances) may not have been exposed to certain critical concepts or strategies.

The Musician's Path