Utilizing The Tone Row in Jazz Pedagogy- A Technique to Create Tonal Harmony in an Atonal Environment

Abstract

This paper examines a jazz pedagogical method, based on a Bill Evans composition, that utilizes Schoenberg's serial tone row in a harmonically tonal setting. By exploring the extensive harmonic possibilities produced by one tone row, this method guides students through the creation of harmonic options to produce tonal accompaniment against atonal melodic content. The result of this exercise establishes numerous harmonic possibilities for the tone row and may also serves as a rigorous theoretical exercise in chord construction. The paper further discusses the unique capacity of the exercise to help students connect intuitive organic music choices with empirical pedagogical elements.