ABRSM Jazz series exams

[green]

Anyonw with experience here to share? I'd like to know how effective they are, in ur opinion, successful, fun, motivating, boring...etc? Which grades have u taught?

[bernhard]

I think they made an excellent job of teaching what is ultimately unteachable.

Make sure to get the book (Charles Beale - Jazz piano from scratch). The selection of pieces/songs is also excellent. It is by far the best introduction to the subject I came across. The CDs are also very good to give you an idea of how to get on with improvisation which is definitely the most difficult section of the syllabus, both to do as to teach.

Although I have not put any students for jazz grades (it is not really my strong point) I have used the pieces extensively with beginners – they just love to be able to play something that although simple sounds impressively professional (the arrangements are excellent)

Best wishes,
Bernhard.