Tell me more ×
Musical Practice & Performance Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for musicians, students, and enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite
2

I have been playing classic music in the piano since I am a teenager and now I want to switch to Jazz music and learn it by myself. Which book would you recommend me? I know there are is this one Jazz piano Book but I would like to have your opinion about it? Or do recommend me another one? Thanks for your help !!

share|improve this question
1  
It's a very good book that gives you a good overview to start with. I'd recommend it! – groovingandi Aug 17 '11 at 9:29
It's a great book but it think it's not the easiest method and requires lots of discipline from you as musician, but i guess that's jazz... :D I just think there are books with a less steep learning curve... it's a awesome book though... – Sander Versluys Aug 22 '11 at 14:12

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

The ABRSM "Jazz Piano Pieces" books have worked fine to me. They are based on some known pieces and include some Blues, Jazz Standards and Contemporany Jazz. The proposed excercises guide you through basics of jazz rythms and tecniques, so they could help you getting into the jazz world.

About the publications.

ABRSM shop.

share|improve this answer
Those are interesting but I have no idea what the grades mean. Do you know how I can find out? Also, are those fully written sheet music or lead sheets? – Trillian Aug 16 '11 at 22:07
ABRSM grades for jazz are 1-5 (therefore grade 5 jazz is more like grade 8 classical) – Alex Coplan Aug 16 '11 at 22:19
@Trillian Those aren't fully written sheets, just an introduction to the piece and then a solo part that is like a lead sheet but intended to be educational. – Yonosoypol Aug 17 '11 at 14:33
up vote 2 down vote

There are several good ones, for starting out with jazz piano, I would recommend the microjazz series by Christopher Norton - most of his books are pretty good.

Also check out Jazz Piano Solos... I like these books especially vol.2, Jazz Blues - has some great classics.

Once you get better at Jazz Piano you can stray away from the written music a bit more and get something packed full of tunes which just gives you chord symbols and a melody line. I would recommend the real book for this - especially good for accompanying a vocalist.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.