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Jazz pieces for beginners to learn and memorise

11/18/2020

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Memorizing simple tunes is the shortest way to get your jazz mojo swinging. The jazz method below is based on the wise words of Louis Armstrong and the teaching experience of Lenny Tristano. I credit the singing of the chord roots to Aaron Goldberg who I spent a week studying with in 2018.  
  1. Listen to the recording over and over until you can confidently sing the melody.
  2. Now search for the melody on the piano.  
  3. From the chord lead sheet in iReal Pro, sing the roots of the chords in time and on pitch.
  4. Next play the melodies over the bass notes you’ve just sung.
  5. Construct the jazz chords for the left hand and then jam with the recordings. Later add the melody.
  6. Everyday play with the recordings until it’s solidly memorized.
  7. Now you are ready to focus on improvising.  
  8. Here is a playlist to get you started. (31) Beginner Jazz Tunes to Play Along With - YouTube

  • Autumn Leaves    Key of Gm
  • Blue Monk            Key of Bb
  • Satin Doll               Key of C
  • Blue Bossa     Key of C minor
  • C jam Blues              Key of C
  • Summertime Key of G minor
  • All Blues Key of G
  • Mr. PC Key of C minor
  • St. Thomas Key of C
  • Doxy Key of Bb
  • Bag's Groove Key of F
  • My Little Suede Shoes Key of Eb

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Let us consider the benefit of singing the bass lines in the manner above
  • Your head is no longer in the book.
  • You can play with the recordings.
  • You can jam with more confidence.
Because you learned the melodies by ear, you will have absorbed the feel, swing, and articulations of jazz. Other beginners will be envious.

​If I can help you through these steps, please call me.
 
David
Revised June 2023
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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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                                                ©2025 David Story
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Adult Lessons
  • About Me
  • Children Lessons
  • Jazz and Blues Workshops 2024 2025
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Classical downloads
  • Classical outline for beginners
  • Jazz and Blues Downloads
  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Children's Piano Recital
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Breakfast Piano Minute
  • Books, Apps, Websites, Music
  • Ear Training and Sight Singing Resources
  • My YouTube channel
  • Chord Voicings for Jazz Standards
  • Long and McQuade Teacher Workshop 2024