Music Theory Books

As taught at Berklee College of Music READY, AIM, IMPROVISE! explores the critical areas involved in learning how to improvise, including: music theory, jazz harmony, ear training, jazz execution, jaz...

The jazz ballad provides our greatest opportunity for lyrical expression and represents the surest way to the musical heart. Traditionally, it has been the testing ground for a performer's worth, yet...

Line Playing - Voice-Leading - Chromaticism - Bebop Scales A clear and practical step-by-step approach to chromaticism, line playing and voice leading. The CD contains 23 play-along tracks (most of th...

Time and rhythm are king! Number one! We are constantly aware of this fact when we are playing or listening to improvised music. All notes seem to sound good when they are played with good time. Even...

This method book/CD set is about understanding, developing and incorporating the art of melody into Jazz Improvisation. Topics discussed in the book are demonstrated by the author on the CD. This CD,...

Let's Play Rhythm is one of the most versatile book/CD play-alongs available providing three CDs which offer a complete learning experience. You'll hear master musicians demonstrating the lessons in t...

Uncommon Bebop from Common Bebop Practices & Concepts demonstrates how to develop a colourful language for improvisation from common bebop practices and devices. Learn how to alter melodic lines beyon...

One of the most popular tunes of all time is Take Five. Musicians know that it's the 5/4 time that makes it swing. Since Dave Brubeck, more and more musicians have devoted themselves to playing in odd...

Phrasing is the way the elements of music (melody, harmony and rhythm) are interpreted by different cultures (or different musicians, including vocalists). In Phrasing In Brazilian Music, Antonio Adol...

This book offers 7 pieces in diverse Brazilian styles. Five CD tracks for each piece are provided: full version; without melody and solo; without the harmony; without bass; and without drums. Lead she...

Hip up your playing with the signature sound of modern players. Contains many exercises/etudes of varying levels and 12 solos written over standard chord changes which utilize augmented scales in both...

Phrase like a pro! By simply adding one chromatic note, you can convert the most commonly used scales into'Bebop' scales. Bebop scales almost magically turn scales into jazz lines, adding melodic flow...

Phrase like a pro! By simply adding one chromatic note, you can convert the most commonly used scales into 'Bebop' scales. Bebop scales almost magically turn scales into jazz lines, adding melodic flo...

A concise description of David's approach to playing over the stated tonality using chromaticism, polychords, derived chords, and non-diatonic scales. Includes a CD of David playing examples over sele...

Explores the 'hows, whats, and whys' of practice, performance, technique, and musicianship. Sometimes, it only takes a 'nudge' to move your playing to the next level. 6'x9' paperback. Why do musicians...

John Coltrane's landmark composition Giant Steps used a new harmonic formula. This book examines it in detail as well as Countdown! Also, contains many practice exercises and solo examples plus, how t...

Legendary jazz educator Jerry Coker's newest contribution to jazz enlightenment, 'Clear Solutions For Improvisers' identifies all of the most common problems Jerry has encountered in his many students...

Much has been written about the jazz 'language' or the jazz 'vocabulary.' Linguistic references are sensible and proper because, just as we speak in words and phrases derived from the alphabet, so do...

A Study Guide for Developing Soloists - Newly revised format features a 274 page Book, two audio play-a-long/demonstration CDs, and a third CD with 168 printable pdf pages of transcribed solos (from t...

Written by jazz legend David Baker, these solo-form etudes are swingin'! Better yet, they can be played with the popular Volume 5 (Time to Play Music) and 6 (Charlie Parker 'All Bird') Play-a-longs, s...

Jerry Coker's new 84 page pocket-sized handbook teaches you not only 'how' to play in all 12 keys, but also 'why' it is essential to play in all 12 keys. This book is dedicated to all musicians who re...

New - Book & CD packaging! by Lennie Niehaus. Intermediate level. Hip, swinging solos in the swing/bop style as performed by the great Lennie Niehaus while performing with the VOLUME 42 Aebersold Play...

New - Book & CD packaging! by Lennie Niehaus. Intermediate level. Hip, swinging solos in the swing/bop style as performed by the great Lennie Niehaus while performing with the VOLUME 42 Aebersold Play...

For all instruments. Motives - also referred to as motifs, licks, or clichés - are the building blocks of a good jazz vocabulary. This book shows how motives may be developed using simple five-note ma...

For All Instruments! By Ben Markley. Learn how to create your own etudes in the style of your favorite players! Doing so reveals their favorite phrases and stylistic tendencies, allowing you to better...