Here is a suggestion on how to utilize warm up time to teach the fundamentals of jazz improvisation.

Students must first have their Major scales memorized.  Click here or on the scale sheet below for the pdf in concert, Bb, Eb, and bass clef.

After the students have their Major scales memorized, have them refer to the following chord sheet to associate the Major chord changes with the appropriate Major scales.

Step 1

Have students play only the roots and 3rds of each Major chord.  This also doubles as a long tone, sound building warm up.

Be sure to have them look at only the chord changes (see above) after they have memorized all roots and 3rds.

The idea is to commit all scale and chord theory to memory and be able to apply this to the chord changes.

Step 2

Now have students play the root, 3rd, and 5th all in half notes.  Once memorized, refer to the chord sheet only.

Step 3

Students will now be able to play the entire chord starting from the root position