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Six tunes for beginning Jazz Students

11/18/2020

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Memorize these tunes as your first priority using the method below. This method is based on the wise words of Louis Armstrong and experience of Lenny Tristano. I credit the singing of the chord roots to my week of study with Aaron Goldberg of Yes Trio. What a great insight Aaron presented. 
 
Autumn Leaves https://youtu.be/tguu4m38U78    Key of Gm
Take the A train https://youtu.be/D6mFGy4g_n8     Key of C
Blue Monk https://youtu.be/_40V2lcxM7k             Key of Bb
Satin Doll https://youtu.be/Gj42JotNUko                Key of C
Blue Bossa https://youtu.be/U7eOs5lERww    Key of C minor
C jam Blues https://youtu.be/16UIKglJ56w             Key of C

  1. Listen to the recordings over and over until you can confidently sing the melodies.
  2. Learn the melodies of the tunes by ear.
  3. Learn to sing the roots of the bass lines. See Below. Be sure to sing in key and in time. You can use a fake book here to finish what I’ve started. Add your own turn arounds.
  4. Put the melodies over the bass roots. Close the fake book.
  5. Learn the Jazz chords and put them under the melody.
  6. Play from memory everyday until they are solid.
  7. Now you can learn to improvise and play jazz.

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​Benefits?
  • You head is no longer in the book.
  • You can play with the recordings.
  • You can jam with some confidence.
Because you learned the melodies by ear, you will have absorbed the feel, swing, and articulations of jazz. Other beginners will be envious.
 
David
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    You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.
    Charlie Parker

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    I'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. 

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                                                ©2022 David Story
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Adult Lessons
  • Jazz Workshop #Eleven March 5, 2023
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Children's Winter Concert 2023
  • My Story
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Classical downloads
  • Classical outline for beginners
  • Jazz downloads
  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Breakfast Piano Minute
  • Books, Apps, Websites, Music
  • Ear Training and Sight Singing Resources