Jazz pieces for beginners to learn and memorise

Memorizing simple tunes is the shortest way to get your jazz mojo swinging. The method below is based on the wise words of Louis Armstrong and 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. Singing the roots was his insight. 

1. Listen to the recordings over and over until you can confidently sing the melodies.
2. Now search for them 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 sing the bass lines in the manner above

• You 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