Description

The tunes cover a wide range of styles – from New Orleans and swing through to modal, jazz-rock and Latin jazz. Each arrangement contains a fully notated Head and at least one section for improvisation, with a simple chord sequence and set of guideline pitches.

Jazz exams include:

Three tunes from the list for the grade
A blues, a standard and a contemporary tune. All include improvisation.

Scales and arpeggios
Common patterns found in jazz.

Aural tests
Testing all-round aural awareness and musicianship skills.

Quick Study
To play either at sight or to reproduce by ear a short phrase and to improvise a response.

• Arrangements by jazz arrangers, carefully researched and designed to accommodate teacher and pupil alike
• An approach that encourages playing by ear
• ‘Minus-one’ rhythm-section tracks and full performances recorded by top jazz musicians
• Written-out piano score
• Sections for improvised solos, with notated guideline pitches to get you started
• Background information including suggestions for further listening