Table of Contents
A Primer on Jazz Piano Book 1

Lesson 1 Rudiment Studies

Introduction - Chord Symbols
Intervals - Reference Table 1
Theory Examples - Intervals/Triads and Assignments

Lesson 2 The Diatonic Scale Tone Triads

Introduction: The Diatonic Scale Tone Triads
Triads: Maj/Minor - Inversions and Assignments

Lesson 3 Simple Chord Progressions and the Circle of Fifths

S.T. Sevenths: Major and Minor Examples 3a-d
Voicings - Exercise 3a - ii7-V7-I
Voicings - Exercise 3b - ii7-V7-I in minor
Left Hand - ii7-V7 voicings Root 7 - Root 3

Lesson 3a Another Simple Progression

Introduction - "I Got Rhythm" and I-VI7-ii7-V7-I
Voicings - Exercise 3a and 3b
Melodic Exercises

Lesson 4 Vertical Approach to Improvising-Chap.1 -
Blues and the Dominant Cycle

Examples of Blues Progressions 1-6
Dominant Cycle Exercises 4a-c

Lesson 5 The Keyboard Bass

Playing Exercises 5a-g
Exercise 5j-Writing Assignment and Exercise 5k (playing)
Examples of Blues Progressions 1-6

Lesson 6 The Concept of Rhythmic Phrasing Chap.1

Rhythmic Equivalents/ Value Divisions - notes and rests
The 2 measure phrase-syncopation
Examples 6a-i - The 2-bar Syncopated Phrase
Exercises 6j-m - Written Phrasing

Lesson 7 Horizontal Approach to Improvising Chap.1 - Song Form

Momentary Keys - Form Discussion Assignment: "Just Friends, "Robbins Nest", "Triste"

Lesson 8 Concept of Rhythmic Phrasing. Chap.2

Introduction - Early Jazz Syncopation
Excerpt - Fats Waller Blues
Rhythmic Exercises

 

 

Table of Contents
A Primer on Jazz Piano
Techniques and Styles Book 2

Lesson 1 Vertical Approach to Improvisation Chap.2 -
Harmonic Foundations of Bebop

Introduction
Scale/Chord Syllabus 1
Scales and Corresponding Chords table: Examples 1a - e
Assignment - Diminished scale: Exercise 1
Assignment - Diminished Whole Tone Scale
and it's Equivalents: Exercise 2

Lesson 2 Vertical Approach to Improvisation Chap 3. Bebop.

Introduction
Vertical Improvisation Examples 2a-d
Dominant Alterations - Ex2a - 2h
Dominant Chord/Scale Syllabus 2

Lesson 3 Blues, Blues, and More Blues

Introduction
Altered Dominant Cycle - R.H. Exercise 3a
Double Altered Dominant Cycle - RH. - Exercise 3b
Altered Dominant Cycle - LH - Exercise 3c
Double Altered Dominant Cycle - L.H Exercise 3d
Examples of Blues Progressions
Assignment Pages

Lesson 4 Chord Substitutions

Introduction: Why substitute?
Non- Definitive Chords and their subs: Min6 chord,
Augmented Chord and Diminished Chord: Examples 4a - d
Definitive Chord subs: Major Chord, Tritone Subs
and Minor 7th sub (4e)
Assignment

Lesson 5 Introductions - Endings and Turnarounds

Introduction
Introductions: Examples 5a - 5e
Examples 5f - 5h - Endings
Endings:5i - 5l
Examples 5m - Turnarounds
Assignment: Written Intros
Assignment: Endings

Lesson 6 Horizontal Approach to Imp. Chap. 2 - Modal Harmony

Introduction: Three ways to use them in tunes with examples.
Solo Approach - Modal Improvisation in Jazz History
FAQ and Assignment
Modal Harmony - Scale Tone Triads - Example 6a
Assignment: Hearing the modes - Example 6b
Exercise: 6a - Definitive Modal Chords - Written Assignment

Lesson 7 Influence of Contemporary and Latin Sounds

Introduction
Latin basics
Latin piano styles - Exercises 7a - h
Written Exercise: Montuno
Polychords - Exercise 7c
Polychords and their modes - Exercise 7b

Lesson 8 Concept of Rhythmic Phrasing - Chapter 3

Introduction
Rhythmic Subdivisions in the Jazz Waltz
Other Polyrhythms and Assignment