jazz

[yup790]

I really like jazz but unless a score is written out I have no idea what to play.

Does anyone know a book on piano jazz theory and improvisation.

Thank you

[visitor]

https://us.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/jazz-exams/jazz-piano-exams/

[yup790]

I meant a book on theory and improvisation techniques, not an exam.
ie, exploring jazz piano by richards.

Any reviews on this or an other to recommend

[visitor]

I meant a book on theory and improvisation techniques, not an exam.
ie, exploring jazz piano by richards.

Any reviews on this or an other to recommend

you apparently did not read (see publications....). it is 5 progressive (i.e. easier to advanced) levels instructional books on theory, patterns, improv, pieces, etc., in other words a jazz instruction curriculum and associated supporting materials.

try actually thinking before making a nonsensical quicky snap back reply.
a simple scroll down and click you lead you to the store where you can buy...
https://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Jazz-Piano-Pieces-Grade-1/600411

it is the most comprehensive instructional widely available course on the matter i know of

[gregh]

Okay, I'm no expert, and I can't compare over a wide swath of literature and tell you to get this one rather than that one.

But there are books aimed at various levels, and you might find some of them by browsing local music stores. One is Jazzabilities by Eric Baumgartner. Book 1 is 31 pages of piano exercises with sections where he encourages you to improvise based on the exercises and using a limited number of notes. There's a companion volume of solos, and a Book 2. Exercise books like that are valuable in the sense that jazz improvisation isn't just totally random stuff--there's a vocabulary that you should know, even if you ultimately stray from it.

Moving up a few levels is Jazzology by Rawlins and Bahha. It's around 260 pages of music theory for jazz musicians. It has chapters with names like Harmonic Analysis, Reharmonization, Jazz Piano Comping, and Approaching Improvisation. ("Jazzology" is the name of one of the songs that is analyzed in the book, but it's also an appropriate title for a work like this.) If you don't already know something about the basics like chords and chord progressions, this probably wouldn't be a good place to start.

[kevin69]

The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine gets a lot of praise, but i've not read it myself.

I'm working my way through Beginning Jazz Keyboard by Noah Baerman.
I'm enjoying the book, but mainly chose it because most of the other books i saw assumed a higher level of general playing ability than i have (i had played for about a year when i started this book).

[jamesplayspiano]

There are tons of great resources out there, between books, videos, and such. The Mark Levine book is very well-known and respected, as are many books by Dan Haerle.

Depending on where you are with regards to theory, you might consider even a single session with a teacher. You might be able to get what you need to move forward.

Best of luck to you!

James

[pianoplunker]

I really like jazz but unless a score is written out I have no idea what to play.

Does anyone know a book on piano jazz theory and improvisation.

Thank you

I took lessons from a Jazz teacher and learned there is not one book, but many. Some books are arranged for the student to focus on improvising, some are completely written out with all the fancy chord substitutes, some are written with the basic chord harmonies. I would suggest a book with your favorite jazz pieces written out and then listen to what the pros do with chord substitutions and riffs. One very simple excersize I would do is to play a 7th chord in the left hand and a Pentatonic scale in the right. then eventually not just doing a scale but make up a melody with those scales.  whatever you do , dont get hung up on the fact you didnt improvise.  Do get hung up if you dont know what is going on musically. An improvisation can go very poorly if you dont understand the music in the first place. 

[pianoplayer51]

You need to have good rhythm for jazz