Hi. I am a classical piano student in college (so it goes without saying that I am reasonably technically proficient), and I've gone through undergrad theory. I would like to learn the Jazz piano style (solo), especially how to improvise.
The reason I am interested is not because I want to become a jazz pianist, but because I think it would be fun AND I am interested in composing. However, I feel like there is a huge mental block or some inhibition that is preventing me from composing. I think about it a lot (and literally dream about it a lot) and have tried once or twice, but it just doesn't feel right. I think that learning a very improvisatory style would help remove the block because I have always been very afraid of improvising (other than the amount I do for my church job).
So, my question is, where would be a good place to start learning? Do you have any books to recommend? Should I get a private teacher? Should I just teach myself? A little of both?