Creative Beginnings: An Introduction to Jazz Improvisation

Book Description
Motivating beginners to improvise from the start, this comprehensive approach to jazz improvisation offers discussions of jazz theory, exercises based on scales and chords, and jazz compositions suitable for classroom or ensemble performance to help develop facility in jazz improvisation. This complete approach to learning jazz improvisation discusses how a particular chord and scale are used in jazz improvisation; applies exercises based on that particular scale and chord, and; transposes materials for concert pitch treble clef, B-flat, E-flat and bass clef instruments, making it useable for a jazz ensemble as well as private instruction. Integrating inspirational quotes by major artists between each section to motivate readers and convey a deep truth about why we play music, it gives instruction on how to practice, how to construct an improvised solo, and how to tap into our creative potential, and provides an overview of who to listen to, with a short biography of selected major artists by instrument. The importance of rhythm and jazz articulations is discussed, and readers are provided with specific exercises to help them develop a jazz rhythmic concept. All musical terms are defined, highlighted, and indexed, and a play-along compact disc containing rhythm section accompaniments to all exercises and compositions is included. For professional musicians and music stores that employ private music teachers.

The publisher, Prentice-Hall Humanities/Social Science
Motivating beginners to improvise from the start, this comprehensive approach to jazz improvisation offers discussions of jazz theory, exercises based on scales and chords, and jazz compositions suitable for classroom or ensemble performance to help develop facility in jazz improvisation.

From the Back Cover
Motivating beginners to improvise from the start, this comprehensive approach to jazz improvisation offers discussions of jazz theory, exercises based on scales and chords, and jazz compositions suitable for classroom or ensemble performance to help develop facility in jazz improvisation. This complete approach to learning jazz improvisation discusses how a particular chord and scale are used in jazz improvisation; applies exercises based on that particular scale and chord, and; transposes materials for concert pitch treble clef, B-flat, E-flat and bass clef instruments, making it useable for a jazz ensemble as well as private instruction. Integrating inspirational quotes by major artists between each section to motivate readers and convey a deep truth about why we play music, it gives instruction on how to practice, how to construct an improvised solo, and how to tap into our creative potential, and provides an overview of who to listen to, with a short biography of selected major artists by instrument. The importance of rhythm and jazz articulations is discussed, and readers are provided with specific exercises to help them develop a jazz rhythmic concept. All musical terms are defined, highlighted, and indexed, and a play-along compact disc containing rhythm section accompaniments to all exercises and compositions is included. For professional musicians and music stores that employ private music teachers.


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Designed for beginning and intermediate students of jazz improvisation, Creative Beginnings is a comprehensive and enjoyable course of study for high school and college students, as well as adult beginners. Special features include:. Chapters devoted to specific chord progressions and scales frequently encountered in jazz improvisations. Each chapter contains an explanation of jazz theory that assumes little prior knowledge, warm-up exercises to enable the student to gain facility with these scales, and a jazz composition in which to practice improvisation. All warm-up exercises and compositions are transposed for treble-clef, B-flat, E-flat, and bass-clef instruments, allowing for simultaneous usage in a classroom or jazz ensemble setting, as well as for private instruction. Rhythm section parts are provided for all compositions. The accompaniments to the warm-up exercises and compositions are contained on a companion CD play-along recording, making practice a fun and inspirational experience. Additional chapters include "Whom to Listen To," "How to Practice and Improvise," "Jazz Rhythms," "Basic Music Theory," and "Jazz Theory."


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