Jazz Theory for a Beginner

[aloou]

Hi guys,
I have gotten standard piano theory down pretty sufficiently but I've been wanting to get into Jazz piano. The thing is I want to understand what makes Jazz, Jazz and also understand the concepts of what Jazz is based on. Then I want to learn how to compose it, play it as well as improvise on it. I'm not a professional music student and so I can't spend all of my time on piano but whatever time I get, I'll try to focus towards Jazz piano because I've heard it takes a lot of time.

Considering all of this, do you guys think Mark Levine's Jazz Theory is a fit book to start out Jazz with? Because I've read reviews for it and against it blaming its complexity. Other books up for consideration are Jazzology by Rawlins as well as Bert's Jazz Volumes. I would buy all of these books if I could but as I said before I don't think I will be able to use them to their full potential and they will be left lying around. So what do you guys think is a good book for a beginner student who wants to actually understand and play Jazz not just to learn chord progressions that sound Jazzy?

[eric0773]

Hello aloou,

I did not find the Mark Levine book to be sufficiently step-guided and accessible for the novice I am. It is extremely rich and could be rather used as a supporting document for an in-person class.

Recently, I purchased "Jazz Piano from Scratch" and find it much better at my stage (exercises, improvisation, backing tracks on a CD, etc). It is published by the ABRSM. This one may not be the book that you will keep coming back at for the next twenty years, but the content are rich enough to give a very solid base.

Just to give you an illustration, the first 15 pages or so focus on rhythm, and how rhythm is the very first step in jazz - not chord progressions. They are developed later.

Cheers,

Eric

[aloou]

Hi, thanks for replying!
I'm looking into it as I write. Although, I did want to know - does it teach the background theory of Jazz? By theory, I don't mean the musical notation/chords etc. but what makes jazz so different and why things sound good the way they do in Jazz.

Otherwise it looks like a pretty good book! Have you had the chance of getting the one of the Jazzology or Jazz Volumes books I mentioned?

Also did the book help you to begin to play Jazz on your own or did it just get the basics down? Are you going to get another book after this one?

Thanks for your insight once again!

[eric0773]

I am still at the beginning (just bought the book, and my focus remains on preparing a classical recital for now) but the first lesson is about the various jazz rhythms, and how they are responsible for the "jazzy" sound. The author also stresses that jazz is about change (little predictability) and how you can create a dialogue between two melodies. Again, "jazzy" sound here. I have not reached the chords part yet.

This book is supposed to bring you to grade 5 of the ABRSM jazz program, to give you an idea - but then again it depends on discipline and motivation (my previous attempts, with other books, have not been glorious). The book emphasizes group practice: most exercises can be done either alone or, preferably, with a friend. I imagine that you should be able to play something decent after a couple chapters.

In my vague memories, Jazzology is a very dense book that could not do it for a self-learner like me. I do not know the other book, though.

Regarding your other question, I do not plan to buy another book - I would already be very happy to finish this one seriously - and if needed, the Levine book is there. The next step would be to take actual lessons with a jazz specialist.

[pianoplunker]

Hi guys,
I have gotten standard piano theory down pretty sufficiently but I've been wanting to get into Jazz piano. The thing is I want to understand what makes Jazz, Jazz and also understand the concepts of what Jazz is based on. Then I want to learn how to compose it, play it as well as improvise on it. I'm not a professional music student and so I can't spend all of my time on piano but whatever time I get, I'll try to focus towards Jazz piano because I've heard it takes a lot of time.

Considering all of this, do you guys think Mark Levine's Jazz Theory is a fit book to start out Jazz with? Because I've read reviews for it and against it blaming its complexity. Other books up for consideration are Jazzology by Rawlins as well as Bert's Jazz Volumes. I would buy all of these books if I could but as I said before I don't think I will be able to use them to their full potential and they will be left lying around. So what do you guys think is a good book for a beginner student who wants to actually understand and play Jazz not just to learn chord progressions that sound Jazzy?

Enough piano players praise of Mark Levine's book so it must be a significant resource, yet it could be complicated as jazz can get complicated. There are so many different approaches and what you may need is not what Mark Levine's book offers, but maybe try and attend a jazz performance and talk to the musicians . Jazz has alot to do with social musicianship if you want to know more , read about Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, and others. It helps to understand the background of Jazz

[gregh]

I don't think Jazzology would be a good first book. But the OP has gotten his theoretical foundation, so it might work out.

[greglloydmusic]

Hi Aloou,

I see the Mark Levine book as a great reference book. It is hard because Jazz is difficult. To read this book A to B can be very confusing for the beginner. But the book does contain great content.

I have been teaching Jazz at all levels for years now and with every student I start with playing the blues. The blues is were it all came from. Charlie Parker once said, "I learn't the blues in every key...then I was ready"

With my students I start with a 3 chord Blues, then a harder Jazz blues and when they are ready - ie. improvising with the blues scale - I move them onto the Jazz.

I notice most students want to walk before they can run. I want to learn Jazz now!

My advice is learn the blues first, the blues scale and how to improvise with that scale before you move on. It will improve your Jazz later too.

A great book I use for this is:  Improvising Blues Piano by Tim Richards. ED12504. Schott.

It starts with the basics and moves you into the harder stuff.

Check out: www.greglloydacademy.com in about 3 months from now. I might have a book I'm writing that will help you.

Hope this helps,

Good luck,

Greg

[keyofc]

Alan Swain has a great book - forgot name of it - but it helped me.

[rangerx]

to get a good groove turn on jazz radio and play along,you'll be surprised how fast you learn

hope you have a good ear