Jerry Coker

How to practice jazz

This book evolved from 40 years of teaching jazz composition and arranging plus 50 years of personal writing experience in the professional field. It is, therefore, a comprehensive study, covering preparatory activities, philosophical perspectives, listening lists, choice tune lists, all elements of composing melodies and chord progressions, arranging for small and large ensembles, enhanced use of rhythm sections, a sensitive approach to instrumental ranges, textural options, form, and more. Though a self-contained study, the book has the unique feature of leading the reader to other excellent books on the subject.

A Guide to Jazz Composition & Arranging

Gary Campbell

James Casale

Jerry Greene

Patterns for Jazz stands as a monument among jazz educational materials. Condensed charts and pertinent explanations are conveniently inserted throughout the book to give greater clarity to the application of more than 400 patterns built on chords and scales -- from simple (major) to complex (lydian augmented scales).

Patterns for Jazz: A Theory Text for Jazz Composition and Improvisation

Patterns for Jazz stands as a monument among jazz educational materials. Condensed charts and pertinent explanations are conveniently inserted throughout the book to give greater clarity to the application of more than 400 patterns built on chords and scales---from simple (major) to complex (lydian augmented scales).

Patterns for jazz

New, revised edition of Jerrys best-selling Listening To Jazz. Since 1900, when jazz - a uniquely American music form - began to evolve, much of its allure and artistic growth has depended on the creative freedom and expressive force that improvisation allows its performers. Jerry Coker, himself a teacher, composer/arranger, and noted saxophonist, has written How To Listen To Jazz to fill the need for a layman's guide to understanding improvisation and its importance in the development of this artistically rich yet complex music form. Without relying on overly technical language or terms, Jerry Coker shows how you can become a knowledgeable jazz listener - whether you are an aspiring musician, student, jazz aficionado, or new listener. In addition to looking at the structure of jazz and explaining what qualities to look for in a piece, the author provides a complete chronology of the growth of jazz, from its beginnings in the rags of Scott Joplin, the New Orleans style of the 1920s made famous by Bessie Smith, Bix Beiderbecke and Louis Armstrong, the Swing Era with Benny Goodman, and Art Tatum, Be-Bop, post Be-Bop, to the greats of Modern Jazz, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, and Wes Montgomery. Also including a list of suggested recordings, a section on the improvised solo, and a complete glossary of jazz terms, How To Listen To Jazz offers you a complete introduction to the entire jazz experience...the music and those who make it.

How to Listen to Jazz

A comprehensive book on jazz analysis and improvisation. Elements used in jazz improvisation are isolated for study: they are examined in recorded solos, suggestions are made for using each element in the jazz language, and specific exercises are provided for practicing the element.

Elements of the jazz language for the developing improvisor

A musician's guide to developing an individual jazz style through variations in melody, harmony, and rhythm

Jerry Coker

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