Typically, in these modal (vamp—or pedal point) pieces, the piano part will specify a chord symbol such as Dm7, or Dm7/G, etc. and it will specify for how many measures: ----PLAY 8----. Or it may just specify the mode: D Dorian ----Play 8----. There also may or may not be a specific, written ostinato bass line supplied, as in Maiden Voyage or Equinox. Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea prefer such symbols as CMA7/D, which is how Herbie notated the D13sus4 for the first eight measures of Maiden Voyage. In this way they can specify a type of voicing as well as a chord.

While Berklee College does also teach guide tone line and root progression technique--and a great many other things (I taught there for over three years--full time), their primary focus is on modes and translating chords into scales as a primary means of improvisational technique. Now--even at Berklee itself--there is a gigantic philosophical battle raging over this very issue. The question is does this mindset serve your best interests?