Teaching Music Improvisation with Michael Cain, Ep. 3
Episode Three: Tonality And Ear Engagement (Blues Language)
This improvisation series with Michael Cain is predominantly designed for music educators working with middle-and-high school students. It is also appropriate for private music teachers who are interested in integrating improvisation into their teaching. This five part series explores core concepts, tonality and ear engagement for both the western tradition and blues language, development of rhythmic skills, circular integration, best practices, and next steps.
Episode Three (3 of 5) explores the tonality of the blues tradition
Meet Michael Cain
Michael Cain became a first call pianist while living in New York in the 1990’s, working with drum legend Jack DeJohnette for nine years, as well as Dave Holland, Steps Ahead, Ravi Coltrane, Bobby McFerrin, Stanley Turrentine, Lauren Hill, Joshua Redman, Pat Metheny, Charles Neville, Christian McBride, John Scofield, Robin Eubanks, and Meshell N’degeocello, among others.
His numerous awards include a 2006 Grammy nomination for Dance of the Infidel, Meshell N’degeocello’s release on which Michael is pianist and co-arranger.
As an educator Michael was a Professor at the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, the University of Minnesota, and Brandon University in Brandon, MB, Canada.
Michael’s latest release is entitled Hoo Doo and is available on iTunes and other platforms. Read about Michael Cain…
More Improv with Michael Cain
This curriculum is made possible through a MacPhail Center for Music School Partnerships initiative, Project Amplify, a grant-funded, music education initiative focused on strengthening learning opportunities for K-12 Minnesota music students from historically marginalized backgrounds. This effort provides transformational programming that nurtures creativity, honors students’ backgrounds, and provides tools and resources to support K-12 educators.
Music Educators: If you are interested in arranging a visit to your school from Michael Cain (or another faculty member) to speak with your students or do a professional development session, please contact Ben Bussey.
About MacPhail Center for Music’s School Partnership Program
MacPhail School Partnerships enrich the lives of students by providing unrivaled in-person or live online instruction in tandem with Minnesota schools. Our staff works with schools to develop customized and relevant programming through individual instruction, sectionals, ELL support, residencies, masterclasses, and more.
Visit School Partnerships for more information, or contact Ben Bussey