# Connecting The Dots • — Jazz Improvisation Made Easy

> Jazz improvisation exercises for musicians of all levels. (iPhone/iPad app by Jeff Coffin LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/connecting-the-dots/id1545223793 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jeff Coffin LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1545223795)
- Category: Education, Music
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.1 · 224 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2021-10-08
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/connecting-the-dots/id1545223793/reviews.md

## What is Connecting The Dots?

Connecting The Dots (CTD) is a fun and effective series of progressive exercises that will get musicians of any level improvising immediately! The program allows aspiring soloists to quickly develop vocabulary, understand voice leading, and successfully navigate chord changes. And the best part? It’s so simple you can get started today!

Powerful features include:

·      Play-along backing tracks
·      Call & response exercises
·      Progress tracker
·      169 exercises in all 12 keys 
·      Range specific transpositions for 11 instruments
·      Tempo and zoom controls
·      Integration with iReal Pro

Learn improvisation the same way you learn a language - in small, understandable pieces. Ideal for students and educators alike, Connecting The Dots (CTD) uses call and response exercises which utilize the “bones” of the chords - the arpeggio notes - to help you understand how the vertical chords and horizontal melodies relate in music.

CTD teaches voice leading principles and how to apply them to chord progressions. The exercises are organized into three sections: One Chord, Two Chord and Twelve Bar Blues. They demonstrate simple voice leading from the root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th degrees of one chord to another, using seventh chords and their inversions. Simple tunes and improvisations by Jeff using the material presented are featured at the end of each section.  

The app includes range specific transpositions in all 12 keys for tenor, alto & baritone sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano, vibes & guitar. All exercises have an iReal Pro backing track, the user can play along with the in-app audio or open the backing track in iReal Pro with one tap.

Learn from the best! Play along with Jeff Coffin, creator of Connecting The Dots. Jeff is is a globally recognized saxophonist, composer, educator, and is a member of the legendary U.S. rock group, Dave Matthews Band. You may also know him from his 14 years, and 3 Grammy Awards, with the genre-defying Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. Jeff fronts numerous groups when not touring with DMB and has released 15+ solo CD's on Ear Up Records.

“An educator asked me during a clinic presentation what information I wish I had when I was first learning about improvisation…I told him, ‘Everything in the Connecting The Dots app’. I feel this information and these exercises clarify and connect so many elements dealing with the fundamentals of improvisation. I created this easy to use app to help players of all genres & styles, classical players, jazz players, rock players, novices, educators, weekend warriors, soloists, ensembles, etc… Anyone can use this and they WILL benefit from it. Everyone can improvise!!” - Jeff Coffin

## Key features

- Play-along backing tracks
- Call & response exercises
- Progress tracker
- 169 exercises in 12 keys
- Instrument-specific transpositions
- Integration with iReal Pro

## Chart rankings

- #192 in Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/connecting-the-dots/id1545223793/reviews.md

### 3/5 — For beginners only

*2023-12-02*

I heard Jeff talking about this app in an interview and I got really excited about it. I’m a relatively seasoned player wanting to learn how to better improvise over chord changes, particularly jazz standards, and the way he described this app made it sound like it was exactly what I was looking for. But I was pretty disappointed to discover this is really suited for new players. I didn’t really learn anything new from this. I think if it were to cover more complex changes and incorporate more modes and scales rather than just basic dominant arpeggios, it would be what I was looking for. I’m sure if I had this in my first year of playing it would’ve been a godsend, but at this point I don’t find it very useful. I must also say that he doesn’t explain the grids at all, and I’m not really sure how to understand them.

### 5/5 — Excellent to develop playing the changes

*2022-04-19*

I’ve played saxophone for three years (started in my 40s), and although I’ve progressed, I’ve struggled to memorize arpeggios and, as the name of this app suggests, to connect the dots and start nailing chord changes. I still have several lessons to go in the app, but after the first few lessons I’m finally remembering arpeggios in all 12 keys and how to use them over chords…without always starting on the root. 😉 Thanks to pro Jeff Coffin for creating such a great and affordable tool for musicians!

### 5/5 — Great educational tool

*2022-03-10*

I have just touched the tip of the iceberg of this comprehensive and well thought tool. The Voice Leading Grids are great visualizations to help color the movement of notes.  This app alleviates the barriers to improving musical ability.

## Frequently asked questions about Connecting The Dots

### What is Connecting The Dots •?

Connecting The Dots • is an educational application designed to teach jazz improvisation through a series of progressive exercises. It helps users develop musical vocabulary, understand voice leading, and navigate chord changes effectively.

### How does Connecting The Dots • teach improvisation?

It uses a call-and-response method, similar to learning a language, breaking down improvisation into small, understandable pieces. The exercises focus on arpeggio notes and their relation to chord progressions.

### What instruments are supported by Connecting The Dots •?

The app offers range-specific transpositions for 11 instruments, including tenor, alto & baritone sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano, vibes, and guitar.

### Can I play along with Connecting The Dots •?

Yes, all exercises come with iReal Pro backing tracks, allowing users to play along with in-app audio or open the tracks directly in iReal Pro.

### How much does Connecting The Dots • cost?

Connecting The Dots • is a paid application, available for $9.99. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

### Is Connecting The Dots • suitable for beginners?

Yes, the app is designed for musicians of any level, from novices to experienced players and educators. It aims to make improvisation accessible and understandable for everyone.

### What is the update frequency for Connecting The Dots •?

The latest version is 2022.4, last updated on April 27, 2022. This indicates a relatively consistent update schedule for the application.

### What devices can I use Connecting The Dots • on?

Connecting The Dots • is available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is rated for ages 4 and up.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 2022.4 — 2022-04-27

New feature - sync your progress across all your devices

### 2022.3 — 2022-03-31

- Improved zoom performance
- Other minor fixes and improvements

### 2021.7 — 2021-10-08

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*