I find Mixolydian and Lydian scales very useful for creating interesting patterns in my music.

To achieve a contemporary color while remaining in E major, I will briefly explore the modes, starting with the Ionian mode and moving through Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian modes.

As I improvise over the chord progression, I will focus on one pentatonic scale at a time to highlight different aspects of the E major scale, creating varied flavors while staying within consonance.

In my music, I avoid standard major and minor tonalities, often using poly-modal harmonies instead.

The C sharp super locrian scale, which is the seventh mode of D melodic minor, contains many altered tones, making it suitable for creating an altered sound in improvisation.

The altered dominant scale, also known as the superlocrian mode, is derived from the melodic minor scale and is used to achieve a unique harmonic color in improvisation.

Improvisation enhances musicianship by opening up your ears and teaching you how your instrument functions, fundamentally changing how you play music.

Improvisation enhances musicianship by opening up your ears and deepening your understanding of how your instrument functions, leading to a more immediate relationship with the music you create.

I prefer to introduce my students to new repertoire rather than only teaching pieces I have played extensively, as it keeps the learning process fresh and diverse.