“Larry is the best!”

“Larry possesses vast knowledge!”

“Every word from Larry is wisdom!”

“Loved Larry’s total honesty – and patience.”

“Excellent masterclass. Be ready to take notes.”

“Well-structured, choice of great basic topics!”

“All topics were presented very clearly & to the point!”

“Loved the topics, the humor & wide scope of the masterclass!”

“This is a wonderful class. Worth the price of admission in itself.”

“Enjoyed Larry’s explanations of voicings, harmony, and classical music.”

“I liked the concept that we can learn a lot from Bach Chorales or Prokofiev, Ravel.”

“Larry gave thoughtful responses. He offered LOTS of info, and at the same time made things clear. “

“Takeaway: Practice your listening! Apply active listening. Work with limitations. Chose what’s best for the music – don’t let your ego stand in the way. Sometimes the best you can ‘say’ is to say nothing at all.”

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:00:24]: Avoid Stock Sounds & Common Devices
[00:01:08]: Play Some Basic Piano!
[00:01:51]: Explore Different Chord Textures
[00:03:43]: Specific Sounds & Avoid Overplayed Chords
[00:04:55]: Think in Terms of Numbers!
[00:05:34]: Analyze & Sequence Ideas
[00:06:48]: Use Common Tones as a Compositional Tool
[00:09:11]: Create Melodic Logic with Unrelated Chords
[00:11:14]: Make Any Note Work with Any Bass Note!
[00:12:09]: How to Internalize Sounds like Lydian Augmented
[00:14:05]: Harmonize Any Two Notes!
[00:15:40]: Use Creative Voice Leading Techniques
[00:18:06]: Explore Polytonality in Compositions
[00:19:21]: Voice Leading Tip: Read Bach Chorales
[00:20:18]: Study Some Classical Harmony, VL & Counterpoint!
[00:22:50]: Counterpoint: Short Example & Definition
[00:23:34]: “Running the Chords” vs. Telling a STORY
[00:24:32]: Compose with Limits & Two-Voice Writing
[00:25:18]: Idea based on My Funny Valentine Changes
[00:28:27]: Write Something based on Certain Intervals
[00:29:38]: Write Something only using the Diatonic Scale
[00:33:19]: Form & Compositional Process (Record Yourself)
[00:35:14]: Practice with Limited Material for Strength
[00:36:19]: Write Away from Your Instrument
[00:40:16]: Compose Using Samples
[00:41:03]: Write with an Instrument You don’t really know
[00:42:03]: Being in Flow & Channeling Tunes
[00:44:01]: Motivic Development for Jazz Beginners
[00:45:51]: Analyze Great Compositions of Any Genre
[00:47:10]: Discover Music from Around the World Radiooooo.com
[00:48:26]: Brazilian Music & Voicings
[00:51:40]: Creating Intros: Set the Mood!
[00:53:19]: Importance of Quickening Your Ears for Writing
[00:55:40]: Quickening Your Ears is Key for Writing
[00:57:14]: Transcribe it Yourself! (And Improve Your Ears!)
[00:58:34]: Develop “Quick Ears” (as a Sideman)
[01:01:19]: Genre-Specific Chord Voicings & Examples
[01:05:10]: Importance of Rhythm in Composition
[01:06:36]: Working with Guitarists & Communication
[01:09:33]: Choose Key Centers You Tend to Avoid
[01:09:57]: Tunes Sound Really Different in Different Keys!
[01:11:42]: Again: Think in Terms of Numbers!
[01:12:49]: Daily Practice Plan for Composers & Arrangers
[01:16:14]: Final Thoughts & Importance of Active Listening
[01:18:54]: It’s Not about YOU (when Playing with Others)