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DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

A warm winter greeting to all of Ted Greene’s musical family!

As an early Christmas gift to you all we’ve put together a sumptuous feast of offerings from Ted’s teachings files.  As always, pace yourself and enjoy every bite, indulge in seconds and a dessert,and be sure to save some leftovers for tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.  We hope it keeps your filled and satisfied during the upcoming cold winter months.

We’d like to welcome two new contributors, David Bishop and Mike de Luca who are helping with “transcribing” some of Ted’s handwritten pages.  David and Mike have been regular participants in the Forums, and we’re happy to have him join the team.  You’ll see the special care they’ve put into making Ted’s pages easier to read.  If you like their work, please send them a “thank you” in the Forums.

One of the main courses for the December banquet is Ted’s 4-page series on “Intervals” which has been beautifully transcribed by David Bishop.  I think you’ll find it easy to read and understand in the new format.  It covers the fundamentals of intervals in which you may already be well-versed, but it can be used as a wonderful teaching lesson for newer musical students.  The file is rather large—a whopping 11.5 MB—and it has both Ted’s and David’s pages together (9 total), so please be patient when downloading it—apologies to anyone using a dial-up. 

One of Ted’s former students, Keith Richman, recently mentioned the sheet on “Reharmonization, Substitutions, and Counterlines” that Ted gave him many years ago and how much it has helped him.  It’s an awesome page packed with great ideas.  We’ve added it to the menu this month along with a transcription by Paul that makes it easier to follow.  We hope you find it instructional and inspiring.  (Thanks for the recommendation, Keith!)

Last month in the “Name That Chord Progression” Forums thread we dissected a blues that Ted wrote using grid diagrams.  We’re adding it to the Blues section and calling it “Blues in E” and it includes a notation/grids compilation page from Paul.  It could be considered a “blues comping study,” but perhaps it’s a little more than that.  It utilizes Ted’s V-5 chord forms mostly; all located around the 12th fret and above (so don’t attempt this one on your classical guitar!)

Another current thread in the Forums has focused on how guitarists practice, how we learn, etc., which is very good food for thought.  Thinking of this, I came across a somewhat related note that Ted listed what he considered the “Ideal Qualities in Student”—a different perspective that we wanted to share.

Another dish de jour is Ted’s “Voice-Leading” pages, with an excellent transcription by Mike de Luca.  Again, these pages make reading Ted’s lessons so much easier and enjoyable.  A big “thank you” to Mike (“Kontiki”) in France!  There are more pages on voice-leading that we’ll be presenting in future months.

Recently someone asked, “What is the end goal of uploading all of these pages from Ted?  Are they going to be published in a book someday?”  Well, perhaps the best answer for that is, yes—a book that you will create by downloading the files, printing them out, and putting them in a 3-ring binder (or just save on your computer!).  That is your ever-growing book (or e-book) of Ted’s teachings and arrangements.

Since Christmas is coming, it’s time to pull your cushy chair in front of the fireplace, get a cup of hot chocolate, grab your Tele and practice amp (with reverb cranked!), open up your Ted Greene book of Christmas arrangements and fill the room with these beautiful songs.  We hope you enjoy the new Christmas arrangements (and compilation pages) we’ve added this month.

And last but not least:  if you find anything in this month’s offerings helpful we’d like to remind you that the musical meal is compliments of the house—no charge!  However, we’d like to suggest that you please tip your waiters.  Your donations go toward keeping this website up and running, bringing you more items from the vaults of the Chord Chemist every month.  (Barbara always wanted to keep the concept of asking for monies very "low key" and on the homepage there is a lone PayPal button near the top area.) Our funds are in dire need of replenishment, and since this is the time of year for giving we’d like to ask that you show your support in a tangible way. 
Please help with whatever you can—every gift however small is greatly appreciated. 
Thank you.

From Barbara Franklin’s Notes & Quotes from Ted: 
Here is a quote that Ted saved by John Wooden (former UCLA basketball coach).  Ted truly admired this man.
Talent is God-given—be humble.
Fame is man-given—be thankful.
Conceit is self-given—be careful.

Happy Holidays!
~The TedGreene.com team

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Ted on Youtube:
*Many exciting videos are also available on The OFFICIAL Ted Greene Video Archive page on YouTube

The Blvd. music seminar is completed and posted in its entirety.
Here is the playlist (parts 1-6) for Ted Greene Blvd Music Seminar 8-22-04.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL70F3E3A0F4928407

Of course all the videos are posted under the Video Section of the .com

As always there is plenty more information in the Forums.
Please join up if you have not done so as of yet.

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New Lesson Material:

BLUES:
* 12-Bar Blues Progression Study, 1982-10-29  (with transcription page included)
* Blues in E, 1983-12-07  (Ted’s grid chords, plus a transcribed notated version included)
* Modern Jazz-Blues Progressions, 1977-08-08  (This page was recently posted in the Forums.  We’re now adding it to the Teachings section for a more permanent home.)

HARMONY & THEORY:
*Voice-Leading, 1975-01-08  (Ted’s 2-page original with transcription pages from Mike de Luca)
*Favorable Mating of Quality and Degree, 1990-06-18.  (This page replaces the previously blurry file.  This new version is better quality, plus a “transcription” page is attached.) 
*Reharmonization, Substitutions, and Counterlines, 1981-10-24  (with transcription pages attached)
*Harmonic Vocabulary of Standard Tunes, (5 pages), 1984-08-04, 31   (This series was already posted as 5 separate pages, all of which were blurry.  This new version has better clarity, plus it is a single file with all 5 pages combined.) 

FUNDAMENTALS:
*Intervals, 1974-09-01  (Ted’s 4-page series on Intervals, combined with David Bishop’s transcription)

TUNES:
* The First Noel
* O Little Town of Bethlehem, (two versions - key of G and key of F combined on one sheet)
* Send in the Clowns (this arrangement has been in the From Students section for a long time, but was somehow forgotten to be included in the Tunes section, so we’ve adding it now.)

FROM STUDENTS:
* The First Noel - compilation pages by P. Vachon
* O Little Town of Bethlehem (key of G) - compilation pages by P. Vachon
* O Little Town of Bethlehem (key of F) - compilation pages by P. Vachon

OTHER:
* Ideal Qualities in Student, 1977  (From Ted’s personal notes, original page plus a transcription page)

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NOVEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

From Leon White:
October seems to be our only Autumn newsletter each year, and here in Southern California the heat is finally giving up to some nice days in the 80’s.

This month has quite a bit of material, as we have included both new items and “house cleaning” items.  We (mostly Paul) have a list of odds and ends that need tidying up – things missing, to be moved from forums, etc.  So this month we formally kick off that effort.   Mr. George Van Eps inspired Ted on the subject of chord streams, and we have also some of Ted’s pages on that.

In addition we are very excited to welcome a new site contributor, Steve Hemsworth.  Steve transcribed some of Ted’s explanation pages.  I say “transcribed” because, although there aren’t sound transcriptions, decoding Ted’s handwriting can, at times, certainly feel like you’re transcribing!  To me, these pages really become much more useful when they’re easier to read, and spaced out a bit.  Ted always packed information in, and sometimes unpacking is a big help.  Welcome aboard Steve!

Ted on Youtube:
*Many exciting videos are also available on The OFFICIAL Ted Greene Video Archive page on YouTube

The Blvd. music seminar is completed and posted in its entirety.
Here is the playlist (parts 1-6) for Ted Greene Blvd Music Seminar 8-22-04.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL70F3E3A0F4928407

Of course all the videos are posted under the Video Section of the .com

As always there is plenty more information in the Forums.
Please join up if you have not done so as of yet.

New Lesson Material:

TUNES:
Girl Talk (1974-12-19) Ted’s arrangement in standard notation

The following arrangements are being added to the “Tunes” section.  These have been posted in Paul’s compilations in the “From Students” section, but were not added to the “Tunes”:
* But Beautiful (1983-04-14)
* Shiny Stockings (key of F, 1977-10-16)
* Something (1993-01-10)
* Till There Was You (key of C, 1991-08-28)
* What Kind of Fool Am I? (1977-06-05)

HARMONY & THEORY:
* Melodic Chord Streams ala George Van Eps (3 pages), 1978-09-03 & 4  (these are some great pages!)
* Melodizing Chord Progressions, 1981-02-25 (with new notation by P. Vachon)  Ted didn’t include fingerings for these so no grid diagrams were added.  There may be multiple ways to play many of them, so the guitarist is encouraged to look for as many different fingerings as physically possible

CHORD STUDIES:
(The items below have been in the Forums for a long time and we’re moving them to the Lessons section so they’re more accessible to new visitors)
* Chord Forms for Chord Melody Playing, Level 1, (3 pages), 1977-08-19
* Major Type Chord Forms - Melodically Grouped, Root in the Bass Only, 1982-03-25
* Minor 7th Type Chord Forms - Melodically Grouped, Root in the Bass Only, 1982-03-31

FUNDAMENTALS:
* Reharmonization and Back-cycling for Chord Melody Playing, 1972-09-11  (transcribed by Steve Hemsworth)
* Learning Names of Notes on Fingerboard, p.1-2, 1976-05-30 & 31  (transcribed by Steve Hemsworth)  Page 2 of this was already posted, but this new version is better because of the transcribed typed text by Steve. 

FROM STUDENTS:
Girl Talk – Paul’s compilation pages of notation, lyrics, and grid chord diagrams (Ted style)

Miscellaneous:
We’re looking for material to post for the “From Student’s” section.  Contributing to this section is a great way to contribute to this site! It doesn’t have to be fancy – beginning to advanced live here as they did with Ted’s teaching.

If you have any questions regarding anything, please contact me via the Forums.

Lastly, to all who celebrate it, have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Holiday! By our next newsletter winter will be upon us.
- Leon

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OCTOBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

From Leon White:
We’ve begun a second month without Barb and she is fresh in our memories.There are a number of activities going on in the background regarding bills and so on. We’ll keep everyone apprised of anything noteworthy. Since people are still inquiring, I want to re-state that the site and forums will continue as-is.  Do not be concerned about that.

New Video Footage: Ted Greene Blvd Music Seminar 8-22-04
pt.5 | pt. 6

Ted on Youtube:
*Many exciting videos are also available on The OFFICIAL Ted Greene Video Archive page on YouTube

As always there is plenty more information in the Forums.
Please join up if you have not done so as of yet.

New Lesson Material:

Baroque:
Counterpoint Exercises (major key) p.1 (02-10-78 & 06-28-78) including new notation pages
Counterpoint Exercises (major key) p.2 (06-27-78 & 08-16-78) including new notation pages

Tunes:
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? - Ted Greene arrangement (original) - Dec. 1974

From the Students:
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? - compilation pages by Paul Vachon 

Blues/Jazz:
The following page is a continuation of the “Pentatonic 4-Note Chord Scales” series that we started last month:
Pentatonic 4-Note Chord Scales_3

The following pages are part of Ted’s studies on “Major Pentatonic”:
* Major Pentatonic, 2 voices, 2-to-1 Soprano thru Adjacent Positions p.1-2 (01-26-85)
* Major Pentatonic, 2 voices, 2-to-1 Soprano in Adjacent Positions, p.3 (01-27-85)
* Major Pentatonic, 2 voices, 2-to-1 Soprano in Adjacent Positions, p.4 (01-27-85)

Fundamentals:
Musical Priorities (1976-05-25)
The ‘musical priorities’ page is another fascinating example of the breadth of Ted’s organizational work as he mapped out topics.  Even if your map does not agree with Ted’s, his certainly suggests an approach to organizing things that may be useful. 

Miscellaneous:
This has been a difficult time for me personally with Barb’s passing, but I will begin to participate more as we race towards Christmas.

We’re looking for material to post for the “From Student’s” section.  There are many ways to donate to the site, and contributing to this section is a great one.  It doesn’t have to be fancy – beginning to advanced live here as they did with Ted’s teaching.
If you have any questions regarding anything, please contact me via the Forums.

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SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

Devastation.  I’ve been asked to write this newsletter because Barbara can’t.  For those ofyou who may not have heard, Barbara Franklin passed away on August 13th.  (There is more information in the Forums)

There is so much to say about Barbara, so many wonderful stories, this site, and so much more, but at this time of mourning most who knew her personally are lost for words.  It was unexpected and it all started with this Forum post: 

07/10/11 at 09:36 PM
To everyone,
Two weeks ago somehow I hurt my back.  It's very painful and hard for me to sit up for any periods of time.  This has never happened before and I can't take it.  Tomorrow I'm going to get an MRI.  Hopefully I will soon be able to contribute again.
Barbara

It ended with a diagnosis of cancer.  She passed away without pain or suffering, and with family and friends around her. 

We all thought it was important to get this Newsletter published to let everyone know about the future of the TedGreene.com website.  The site will continue uninterrupted as Barbara wished and planned.  The guardianship of Ted’s work was intended to last into the future, and it will.  The site itself will remain as-is.  The contributors, Forums, videos, and lessons will continue in the same way.  
           
The thing that will be missing is Barbara and her sensitive and gentle touch.  At this moment, her loss dwarfs discussion about the site.  It is hard to write anything else about her right now, so I’ll stop.  However, more details about her and the site will be posted in the Forums. While there will be a family memorial, our celebration of her life will be made in the Forum where you can add your remembrances and condolences.

On behalf of her family I would like to thank all those who post about Barbara at this time.  The family reads every post and the words do bring comfort.

~ Leon White

I will leave you with Barbara’s words from a prior newsletter:

At this most significant point in time, I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone for their efforts in helping to perpetuate Ted Greene’s legacy.  May it extend forever beyond the reaches of time - sending forth a beacon of musical light and beauty as a gentle guide for all those who wish to find this path. 

Wishing you inspiration and joy,
Barbara Franklin

As Barbara wished, Ted’s legacy of sharing should continue, and so we present the following works.

New Video Footage: Ted Greene Blvd Music Seminar 8-22-04
pt.3 | pt. 4

Ted on Youtube:
*Many exciting videos are also available on The OFFICIAL Ted Greene Video Archive page on YouTube

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New Lesson Material:

Harmony:
Expanded Diatonicism, Introduction — Extensions on bIII & bVII (7/17/1989)
Expanded Diatonicism, Multi-Tonal Major Key Colors (12/17/1989)

Tunes:
Polka Dots and Moonbeams

Blues/Jazz:
Pentatonic Studies:  4-Note Pentatonic Chord Scales, pages 1-2 (3/30/1985 and 4/4/1985)

From the Students:
Polka Dots and Moonbeams (key of F, 1992) - compilation pages by Paul Vachon
Polka Dots and Moonbeams (key of D, 1992) - compilation pages by Paul Vachon

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AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER

A warm August greeting to you all!

Over the course of the last two months a thread in the Forums examined each of the examples in Ted’s two pages on “Warm Harmonization of Diatonic Major Scale Melodies” and “Warm Harmonization of Melodies with b7” - both of which were posted as part of the new items in June 2011. 

Many enjoyed this on-line participation of studying Ted’s pages together, and we’d like to continue and encourage this kind of activity in the Forums.  The Forums are a great place to share your insights, comments, or questions as you work through any of Ted’s pages. 

The knowledge base of the TedGreene.com community is extensive and has much to offer in terms of help and encouragement.  Use it to your full advantage!

• Video of Blvd Music Seminar from 2004
• Ted’s beautiful arrangement of Angel Eyes, written for solo guitar
• Minor Blues—an original 16-bar blues composition by Ted
• Whole-Tone Studies (4 pages)

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Both Angel Eyes and Minor Blues have been notated by Paul Vachon and combined with Ted’s chord diagrams.  These “compilation” pages can be found in the “From Students” section. Included in Paul’s write-up of Minor Blues are Steve Herberman’s comments about this unique composition by Ted.

The Whole-Tone Studies contains all the student hand-out pages that Ted had on whole-tones.  There’s two dated November 26 and 27, 1974, two from January 24, 1977, and one from August 30, 1978 (combined with one from 1977).  As you work through the 1978 page, please notice how the chord are broken up for the right-hand fingering.  Ted separates each chord into pairs and alternates them as they move - great exercises for the right hand as well as chording moves.

Unfortunately the 11/26/74 page is a rather poor scan and some of the grids are very difficult to read.  If someone has some time and patience this would be a great project to create a cleaned-up version of this page. 

A quote from Ted: 
“I’ve learned to accept what life has given me here:  modest but steady growth over many years, with a few bursts forward now and then - which overall, is good enough.  It has to be, because that’s apparently all I’m gettin’... at least so far.”

New Lesson Material:

Harmony:
Whole Tone Modulations (Major Key) to New I, 1974-11-26, p.1
Whole Tone, 1974-11-27, p.2
Whole Tone Derived Chords, 1977-01-24
Whole Tone Sounds, 1978-08-30 and 1977-01-24

Tunes:
Angel Eyes

Blues/Jazz:
Minor Blues

From the Students:
Angel Eyes - compilation pages & comments by Paul Vachon
Minor Blues - compilation pages & comments by Paul Vachon, with additional comments by Steve Herberman

**At this time Barbara Franklin, who normally writes these Newsletters, is struggling with some intense physical pain and has had to take a break for healing.  Please take a few moments to send her your positive thoughts and prayers for a quick and permanent recovery - we need our Ted Greene Captain at the helm! 

We hope you all enjoy watching the new video and working through the new material.
~The Ted Greene.com Team

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JULY 2011 NEWSLETTER

Summer Greetings,
There is much new material to offer. To begin with there is more new video.
I thought one more month of Ted and Cathy at Rocco’s not only since everyone particularly enjoyed this performance (understandably), but to offer a bit longer of a break before the new seminar gets posted and inundates everyone with so much more information.
After all, it’s summer!

Tune this month Baubles, Bangles & Beads is a popular song from the 1953 musical Kismet, credited to Robert Wright and George Forrest. Like all the music in that show, the melody was based on works by Alexander Borodin, in this case the second theme of the second movement of his String Quartet in D.

The setting maintains the original's 3/4 waltz rhythm; pop music settings change the rhythm to a moderate four-beat accompaniment. Jazz musicians are especially drawn to the song's beguiling melody and advanced harmonic structure. (Wikipedia)

Paul Vachon recommends listening to the 1958 version by the Kirby Stone Four which can be found on Youtube.  This I did and found it to be a great arrangement and quite enjoyable indeed.

New Video Footage: Ted Greene and Cathy Segal-Garcia at Rocco’s
Hey Jude
Up On The Roof & On The Boardwalk Medley

Ted on Youtube:
*Many exciting videos are also available on The OFFICIAL Ted Greene Video Archive page on YouTube

New Lesson Material:

Harmony:
Contemporary Harmonized Scales

Chords:
Turnarounds to get from I7 to ii7 or (II7) – music notation
Turnarounds to get from I7 to ii7 or (II7) – grids

Tunes:
Baubles, Bangles & Beads – Ted Greene arrangement

From the Students:
Baubles, Bangles & Beads - compilation notes from Paul Vachon and Steve Herberman

May you embrace each delight as if a singular moment in time.
Barbara Franklin

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JUNE 2011 NEWSLETTER

Late Spring Greetings,

It’s June! The month that splits the year in half, and soon the days imperceptibly begin to shorten. But we won’t even notice.   Paul and I noticed that no one commented on We’re Off to see the Wizard, and wondered if anyone began to tackle it yet?

AND… Once again, I’d like to thank everyone who sent in a donation to TedGreene.com – the outpouring was truly sensational, the largest response ever! So again, thank you all from my whole heart.

Well then… as a result we are able to continue to offer new video.  I thought you’d enjoy something different before we get back to another run of seminars, so this is really a special treat.  Video clips from Ted Greene accompanying Cathy Segal-Garcia at Rocco’s in 2000.  This was a very genial, easygoing occasion as they charmingly brought these songs to life.

Here is what else is in store for your learning adventure. I have included 2 pages from Ted’s Application of Harmonic Concepts File.  The Harmony lesson material this month includes an extra sheet from me as to make clear what Ted has written under the grids.

New Video Footage: Ted Greene and Cathy Segal-Garcia at Rocco’s
I've Grown Accustomed to his Face
Kansas City

Ted on Youtube:
*Many exciting videos are also available on The OFFICIAL Ted Greene Video Archive page on YouTube

New Lesson Material:

Harmony:
Warm Harmonization of Diatonic Scales Melodies
Warm Harmonization of Melodies with b7
Warm Harmonization Concept Explained (Downlaod PDF)

Comping: Our Love Is Here To Stay

Tunes: Something - Ted's arrangement

From the Students: Something - compilation and detailed breakdown by Paul Vachon

As always I do hope there are many enjoyments and benefits from all we share.
Pleasant summer days to you all,
Barbara Franklin

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MAY 2011 NEWSLETTER

Good day and twenty, gentle readers,
There is an eclectic mix of studies this month with hopes that there will be at least one morsel that appeals and is constructive for all.

We’re Off to see the Wizard –  Paul mentioned to me that although he thoroughly enjoyed making this compilation, Ted’s grids were very complicated, and he wanted to construct it so as not to be daunting to anyone. Hence, this became a mutual musical endeavor incorporating the added insight of James Hober, Mike de Luca, and David Bishop. (Thank You All!) Included in the commentary is information regarding the song, remarks by James and myself on Ted’s impressions about this kind of music, and an abundance of very helpful hints for playing this arrangement.  Ted adored this song, (find out why!), and a very special effort went into presenting this with hopes for your enjoyment too.  Therefore I earnestly advise perusing the notes included with the compilation, it will be well worth your time.

About this month’s lesson material -
Ted’s Triad Relocations pages were devised as yet another ingenious way to memorize the fingerboard along with gaining the knowledge of triads and their inversions.  Very clever, indubitably!

New Videos:
And need I remind you of Part 7 and Part 8 of the California Vintage Guitar Seminar on May 18, 2003. 

*Videos are also available on The OFFICIAL Ted Greene Video Archive page on YouTube

New Lesson Material:

Chord Studies: Triad Relocations (3 pages)

Comping: Just Friends

Tunes: We’re Off to see the Wizard – Chord Melody arrangement

From the Students: We’re Off to see the Wizard - compilation by Paul Vachon

I bid you all a wonder-filled and productive month,
Barbara Franklin

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APRIL 2011 NEWSLETTER

Springtime Greetings,

While perusing a portion of the more or less recent lesson material that has been posted, it came to my attention that there have been no newBLUES lessons for quite a while.  Even if it’s not your main staple, perhaps it would be interesting to explore these distinctive little riffs.

Although I have been trying to coordinate the monthly lesson material to apply as closely as possible to Paul’s compilations, I thought - by now there is so much already posted that is applicable to chord melody – so how about some blues as a side dish this month?

Ted’s clever and tasty  “Freddy King Triplet Shuffle Run” and “A Multi-position Blues Run” provide another example of Ted’s unique approach to agreeable learning.  By following Ted’s instructions on the page, if one is diligent, the blues runs will open up a multitude of possibilities. Note: these are all single line studies. 
 
This month’s chord melody arrangement, All the Things You Are was composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 musical Very Warm for May.  I am not at all familiar with the musical but this wonderful song has remained very popular as a jazz standard.  Please see Paul’s notes.

Also…. a “last minute addition!”  As per a request in the Forums from SonnyIntervals (Steve), included in this   month’s lesson section (below: Chord Studies) is the lesson sheet Ted is using in Part 4 of the C.V.G. Seminar Video -  Paul found it! Wow!

New Videos:
The much-anticipated Part 5 and Part 6 of the California Vintage Guitar Seminar on May 18, 2003. 

*Also available for view on YouTube

New Lesson Material:

Blues:
Multi-position Blues Runs
Freddy King Triplet Shuffle Run as a Tool for Learning the Fingerboard

Chord Studies:
Applying m/9 Chords in Descending (from Root) Line Progressions

Tunes:
All the Things You Are (Advanced & Basic Versions)

From the Students:
All the Things You Are (Advanced & Basic Versions) by Paul Vachon

And a few parting words from Ted:
“Undoubtedly we are among the lucky ones on this planet - those of us, musicians and otherwise, who just swoon for music, from music.”  Ted Greene

I commend you all to your own content.
Barbara Franklin

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MARCH 2011 NEWSLETTER

Late Winter Greetings,

During the past few months I have noticed that all of the sites devoted to Ted Greene have garnered a remarkable amount of views.Statistics say, thus it is so, and it pleases me beyond belief to know that Ted’s music, lessons, and perhaps just general curiosity about Ted are all drawing so much attention. 
Possibly the harsh and brutal winter that buffeted much of the northern hemisphere had many snowed in and by fortuitous opportunity ventured into this realm?
Be how it may, thank you one and all for coming to visit.  

The lesson pages this month are from Ted’s file titled Application of Harmonic Concepts.  Each page contains a considerable amount of information, (typical for Ted’s lesson pages), but as always take each area in small sections, slowly. Ted offers many options for each concept; listen and compare.  It is certainly not necessary to learn them all, ‘tis fine to simply determine and learn your favorites!
I think that these two particular studies have a wide-ranging application and usefulness for many areas of playing.

New Videos:
The much-anticipated Part 3 and Part 4 of the California Vintage Guitar Seminar on May 18, 2003. 

*Also available for view on YouTube

New Lesson Material:

Harmony:
Application of Harmonic Improvement Concepts
Harmonization Studies for Intros, Endings, Interludes and Fills – 2 Pages

Tunes:
I Got Rhythm – Chord Melody
I Got Rhythm – Comping
And I Love Her – Chord Melody

From the Students:
All compilations and notes for the following Ted Greene arrangements are by Paul Vachon
I Got Rhythm – Chord Melody
I Got Rhythm – Comping
And I Love Her

There is something else I feel important to emphasize: Paul Vachon, on his own accord, by virtue of knowledge, humility and graciousness prepares and explains the chord melody arrangements every month.  I do hope (even mildly implore?) you to take the time to read his words as they lend much clarity and invaluable assistance in navigating your way through these pieces. Those who never had the opportunity to study with Ted personally will find Paul’s work is especially beneficial.

I bid you persistence and joy in all your strivings.

Barbara Franklin

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FEBRUARY 2011 NEWSLETTER

Mid-Winter Greetings,
How soon our remembrance of the holidays slip into some distant ideological hollow and one-twelfth of the year falls away to mingle or dissipate with those memories.  Thus is it with time; and the all-consuming presentpredominates. How much is ours to determine what’s to be held inside and what is to be forgotten?

However, one could be consciously making an effort to retain information, hence in regard to learning music, (the most relevant example for our purposes), memory becomes essential.  So.  Onward.

What this month holds:

Video:
This year we will attempt to present all of Ted’s seminars in the video section, beginning this month with Part One and Part Two of the California Vintage Guitar Seminar on May 18, 2003. 

Also available for view on YouTube
part 1
part 2

New Song:
Interesting notes about the song chosen for February:
Happy Days Are Here Again, Music by Milton Ager and lyrics by Jack Yellen was recorded by Leo Reisman and His Orchestra, with Lou Levin, vocal (November 1929), and was used in the 1930 film Chasing Rainbows. The film was about Drunks, Bootlegging and Prohibition and the song was the finale, celebrating the imminent repeal of Prohibition. Today, the song is probably best remembered as the campaign song for Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s successful 1932 presidential campaign. 
(source: Wikipedia – edited by me)  Ted and I never watched this movie.

Lesson Notes: Within the immense framework of Ted’s lesson material, the ever observant Paul Vachon alerted me to a file Ted designated Application of Harmonic Concepts.  This rather massive file in itself contains many lesson sheets applicable to quite a few of Ted’s Chord Melody arrangements.  I choose two that I thought would complement this month’s arrangement of Happy Days Are Here Again.

Lesson Material:

Harmony:
Diatonic Harmony Derived from Bass Lines
Diatonic Major Harmony: Ascending Bass Starting from Various I’s

Tunes:
Happy Days are Here Again - Ted’s Chord Melody Arrangement

From the Students:
Happy Days are Here Again - Compilation and commentary by Paul Vachon

And I close with a rare quote from one of our most revered masters:
“Bring me a bowl of coffee before I turn into a goat” J.S. Bach

Once again, wishing you joy and inspiration,
Barbara Franklin

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JANUARY 2011 NEWSLETTER

Greetings for the New Year,

Time constraints and other things have created obstacles at the end of this year, therefore it was questionable if there would be occasion to choose and post new material. There is no new video or audio this month.

But.. (like Ted), never wanting to disappoint if it can be avoided, I was able to put together lessons and comping arrangements - lots of chord study type stuff. Regarding the comping - I chose Bluesette because it utilizes "Bass Enhanced Triad Voicings" . However, as Ted has gently implored on the sheet, you must know the original melody. As an alternative for some, I have included Bye Bye Blackbird due a certain familiarity, and Watch What Happens.

I do hope you will find this useful and perhaps pleasurable
Barbara


Lesson Material:

Chord Studies:
Contemporary Bass Enhanced Triads in ‘Expanded Diatonic’ Chord Progressions
Tri-Level Chords and their Progressions: A Beginning (for the lover of Harmony)

Comping:
Watch What Happens - Key of D
Bye Bye Blackbird - Eb
Bluesette - Bb

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