Music theory · Maestro

Jazz Theory for Orchestral Musicians

Extended chords, chord-scale theory, and the ii–V–I

5 lessons · approximately 140 minutes of material

Jazz harmony has infiltrated every genre of contemporary music. This module teaches extended chords, chord-scale relationships, jazz scales, and the ii–V–I progression, with examples from Wynton Marsalis and Mark O'Connor.

Before this module

Introduction to Post-Tonal Theory

What this module covers

01
Extended Chords in Jazz
Major 7, dominant 9, minor 11, the jazz chord vocabulary
28 min
02
Chord-Scale Theory
Matching each chord to its scale, the jazz improvisor's map
28 min
03
Jazz Scales
Blues scale, Dorian, Lydian dominant, and altered scale
28 min
04
The ii–V–I Progression
The fundamental harmonic unit of jazz, and why it works
28 min
05
Jazz Harmony in Modern String Writing
Marsalis, Mark O'Connor, and the jazz-classical intersection
28 min

What comes next

Improvisation & Ornamentation in Classical Style, Baroque ornaments, figured bass improv, and cadenza writing

Practise with a free reference

Public scale references
Read pitch sequences and play reference examples. Available routines do not establish an exam syllabus requirement.

Planning this part of your learning

Where should I start with jazz theory for orchestral musicians?: The curriculum places Introduction to Post-Tonal Theory before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Extended Chords in Jazz”: Major 7, dominant 9, minor 11, the jazz chord vocabulary. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.
How long is the jazz theory for orchestral musicians module?: The 5 listed lessons total approximately 140 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with extended chords, chord-scale theory, and the ii–v–i. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.
What can I try here without an account?: The jazz theory for orchestral musicians description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

Open this module in Arco

Lessons include the synchronised staff, keyboard, and fingerboard view, recorded string playback, and quizzes that track your answers. The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess physical technique or certify exam readiness.

Create an account See packages and pricing Back to the music theory curriculum

What this module covers

Extended Chords in Jazz

Major 7, dominant 9, minor 11, the jazz chord vocabulary

28 min

Chord-Scale Theory

Matching each chord to its scale, the jazz improvisor's map

28 min

Jazz Scales

Blues scale, Dorian, Lydian dominant, and altered scale

28 min

The ii–V–I Progression

The fundamental harmonic unit of jazz, and why it works

28 min

Jazz Harmony in Modern String Writing

Marsalis, Mark O'Connor, and the jazz-classical intersection

28 min

Planning this part of your learning

Where should I start with jazz theory for orchestral musicians?

The curriculum places Introduction to Post-Tonal Theory before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Extended Chords in Jazz”: Major 7, dominant 9, minor 11, the jazz chord vocabulary. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

How long is the jazz theory for orchestral musicians module?

The 5 listed lessons total approximately 140 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with extended chords, chord-scale theory, and the ii–v–i. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

What can I try here without an account?

The jazz theory for orchestral musicians description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

Open this module in Arco