Architectures of Modal Landscapes

This research investigates how the harmonic and melodic principles of polymodality in jazz can be translated into a structured didactical framework to support the development of theoretical, aural, and practical understanding through jazz solfeggio and theory.While polymodality, as found in the music of McCoy Tyner, John Coltrane, and Woody Shaw, remains an influential yet insufficiently systematised concept among emerging jazz musicians, existing pedagogical approaches are often fragmented and limited. Through transcription analysis, literature review, and interviews with jazz musicians and educators, the study identifies key elements that shape polymodal harmonic and melodic practice, particularly in relation to modal characteristics and pentatonic structures.Building on these findings, the research proposes a didactic model based on two conceptual tools developed by the author: characteristic superimpositions and pentatonic superimpositions. These concepts form a systematic framework for understanding polymodal colour, intermodal relationships, and the interaction between quartal harmonic and melodic structures. The model is supported by graded exercises, including hybrid scales, intervallic patterns, and mode-specific melodic exercises for sight-singing.By translating established musical practices into clearly defined concepts and exercises, the study aims to bridge the gap between intuitive performance-based knowledge and systematic learning. This approach offers a practical model for developing polymodal awareness and contributes a new perspective to jazz pedagogy.Biography:Sandi Štor is a Slovenian jazz trumpeter, big band conductor, jazz composer, arranger, and jazz educator. He graduated from the Prins Claus Conservatory (Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen), where he studied with Alex Sipiagin, Don Braden, Michael Mossman, Piotr Wojtasik, Robin Eubanks, and George Garzone, and is currently completing his master’s degree at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. He is active as a big band arranger and conductor, the author of the 4 Jazz Solfeggio textbook series. As a performer, he has appeared at international festivals across Europe and Asia as a jazz trumpeter and choral singer. keywords: jazz theory, JAZZ SOLFEGE, POLYMODALITY, QUARTAL HARMONY, MCCOY TYNER, Woody Shaw, A LOVE SUPREME, pentatonic, modal jazz, Jazz Studies, jazz improvisation, modal improvisation, Music Education, Jazz Education, Jazz Pedagogy, Jazz Didactics, sight-singing, solfeggio, Kodály Concept, musical literacy, musicianship skills, Modal improvisation, John Coltrane, Ear Training