Harmonic Grounding is Chase's original theoretical approach to chromatic and polytonal melodic construction. Harmonic Grounding radically connects modern musical elements with foundations in the overtone series. Downbeat Magazine featured his work in its December 2010 issue and Harmonic Grounding has since influenced musicians across the globe in both the realms of jazz and classical music.
"Chase Baird is a tremendous talent both as a writer and as a saxophonist, but what makes him a cut above is the clarity with which he expresses his ideas. His concept of "Harmonic Grounding" provides the improviser of any level with the tools to step outside the changes in a clear and harmonically logical manner. It organically builds a new vocabulary that stands toe-to-toe with traditional idioms."
~ Dave Chisholm, DMA Candidate, Eastman School of Music
Chase periodically offers workshops on Harmonic Grounding. Workshops elaborate upon the concept in both its direct and indirect applications. Workshops explore Harmonic Grounding as it relates to:
- Melodic Construction
- Tonal, Polytonal & Atonal Harmony
- Ear-training & Intonation
- Conceptualization of Key Centers and Harmonic Color
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More on Chase Baird and Harmonic Grounding:
"Hello Chase, I am not an improvising musician, but enjoyed reading your article in Downbeat about Lydian scales and Harmonic Grounding. The sounds of the chords you generate with them are beautiful! I am using Lydian scales in my daily practice routine more now and find the relationship to the stacked fifths helps with intonation... Thanks for a thought provoking article."
-Bill Klingelhoffer French Horn, San Francisco Opera and Ballet Orchestras
"Chase's effectiveness in teaching music, particularly jazz improvisation, stems from his own creative and cerebral approach to improv. He has prepared himself thoroughly, which makes its possible to generate curriculum at the level of his students. I have observed his instruction to young Jr. High musicians as well as to advanced college level musicians and remarked the careful, thoughtful presentation of concepts, ideas and techniques that match his students' needs and abilities. Students with differing learning styles thrive in his classes. He is a true pedagogue for all age groups."
-Paul Watson President Emeritus, Utah Music Educators Association
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