Guidebooks
Philonious Funk
Each Guidebook in the Jazz Piano ABCs series explores one jazz topic. Some topics include typical jazz grooves – such as rock or bossa nova. Others focus on common chord progressions like rhythm changes and blues. No matter which topics you choose, the Guidebooks always lead learners through a four-step process that teaches them how to think like a jazz musician!
How do jazz musicians think?
In classical music composers prescribe every note that’s to be played, and musicians work to read and play the music exactly as the composers conceived it. In jazz, the musicians are given license to interpret the music and put their own spin on it.
Jazz musicians use the sheet music, often called a chart or lead sheet, as a point of departure for bringing to life the melody and harmony of a piece of music. In addition, they improvise – or solo – by creating their own melodies on the spot!
Because of this, most jazz pieces are performed in a “head-solo-head” format, where the written tune (called the head) starts the piece, followed by improvised solos in the middle, and ending with the head once more.
Play It In Four…
Each Guidebook walks students through four steps that develop the skills used by jazz musicians.
The goal at the end of each Guidebook is to perform the finished piece in head-solo-head format. And, just as it is for the pros, each performance of a Guidebook tune will be different and unique!
No prior knowledge of jazz, improvisation, or music theory is required for teachers or learners! Each Guidebook is designed to meet you where you’re at and support your journey into creative jazz piano playing!
All of the Guidebooks are interactive PDFs and are compatible with all computers, phones, and tablets. The interactive digital format expands what a traditional printed book can provide.
Inspiranza Allswing
Features
Colorful layouts and illustrations to engage learners of any age
Entertaining tips presented by the series hosts, Philonious Funk and Inspiranza Allswing
Printer-friendly sheet music and student assignments
90+ audio tracks to accompany and support practice and performance
Videos that demo how you can use the material
Package Options
Book + Audio Package
Audio Only Package