Bill Evans' 'Autumn in New York' Transcription: A Guide for Musicians

As musicians, we all know the importance of internalizing great solos. It's a valuable skill that can elevate our own playing and help us become better improvisers. That's why Centrum's Jazz Port Townsend is excited to announce its transcription project, where participants can earn rewards for transcribing some of the greatest jazz pieces of all time.

For this project, we've chosen several tunes, including Bill Evans' iconic 'Autumn in New York.' This piece is a staple of jazz repertoire and features Evans' unique piano style. To participate, simply choose your favorite tune from the list below and begin transcribing it.

Transcription Requirements

The transcription requirements vary depending on the level you're at as a musician. For beginners and intermediates, we're asking you to transcribe just the melody. For advanced musicians, we're asking for one chorus of the solo. And for semi-pros, we want the entire solo transcribed.

To make it easier, we've provided some guidelines on what to focus on. Pianists are encouraged to learn both left and right hands, while drummers should 'lock in with the grooves' on the recordings. Bass players can memorize solos or write out bass lines.

Rewards

The rewards for participating in this project are significant. If you transcribe eight songs from the list below, your name will be entered into a lottery to win a full scholarship to Centrum's 2024 Jazz Port Townsend. That's a guaranteed $325 towards tuition!

Transcribing five pieces will earn you a $200 tuition scholarship. And if you're just getting started with transcription, don't worry – we'll still reward you for your efforts.

Getting Started

To get started, simply choose your favorite tune from the list below and begin transcribing it. Make sure to state your name at the beginning of each track and adjust your levels so that you can be heard clearly. We'll review your recordings and let you know if they're acceptable for this project.

If you have a favorite solo that's not on the list, feel free to propose an alternative by emailing Gwen Franz. And don't forget – we encourage learning by ear, without writing out anything.

Centrum's Jazz Port Townsend transcription project is an exciting opportunity for musicians to internalize great solos and earn rewards in the process. With its focus on Bill Evans' 'Autumn in New York' and other jazz classics, this project is perfect for musicians of all levels looking to improve their skills and join a community of like-minded artists.

So why not give it a try? Register now and start transcribing your way to success!

Bill evans autumn in new york transcription