Guides: Jazz: Improvisation, play-alongs, performance philosophy and aesthetics

Improvisation

Search the library's catalogue using the following subject headings to browse books and resources on jazz improvisation:

Below are just a few examples of items available at the library to get you started.

Select books on jazz improvisation:

Developing a jazz language by Jerry Bergonzi
Developing a Jazz Language is the sixth volume of Jerry Bergonzi's series, Inside Improvisation. Learning a language requires listening on many levels to the meanings, the sounds, the intentions, and the inflections or nuances of the language.
The Jazz Improvisor's Reference by Jerry Coker
Universal patterns, techniques for tune learning, interval study and considerations, must-know voicings for pianists and non-pianists, blues and rhythm changes exploration, essential licks/patterns, and much more.
Jazz Improvisation by David Baker
Jazz Improvisation focuses on the communicative and technical aspects of improvisation and makes an excellent resource for both pros and aspiring improvisers.
It's about Music by Jean-Michel Pilc
Focuses on the expressive aspect of improvisation based on the premise that originality in art is a matter of expressing one's own uniqueness.
Improvisation by Derek Bailey
Originally published in 1980, and here updated and extended with new interviews and photographs, is the first book to deal with the nature of improvisation in all its forms--Indian music, flamenco, baroque, organ music, rock, jazz, contemporary, and "free" music.
Thinking in Jazz by Paul F. Berliner
A landmark in jazz studies, Thinking in Jazz reveals as never before how musicians, both individually and collectively, learn to improvise.
Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns by Nicolas Slonimsky
A reference book of scales and melodic patterns, presented in the form of piano scales and melodic studies; arranged according to the principal interval of each particular section.

Play-alongs

Aebersold scores and CDs
The Music Library has over 60 Aebersold books with accompanying CDs. Click on the title above to view the complete list of titles in the collection.

Performance philosophy and aesthetics

Search the following subjects in the library's catalogue to discover books and resources on:

Below are just a few examples of items available at the library to get you started.

Selected books on performance philosophy and aesthetics:

Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner
Kenny's remarkable work deals directly with these hindrances, and presents ways to let our natural creative powers flow freely with minimal stress and effort. Includes inspiring recordings of meditations designed to initiate positive thought.
The Mastery of Music by Barry Green
Green shows how musical excellence requires a mastery of ten unique qualities of the soul and the human spirit, such as confidence, passion, discipline, creativity, and relaxed concentration, and discusses specific ways in which musicians, composers, and conductors can take their skills to higher levels.
The Art of Practicing by Madeline Bruser
This landmark book enlightens amateur and professional musicians about a way of practicing that transforms a sometimes frustrating, monotonous, and overly strenuous labor into an exhilarating and rewarding experience.
The Jazz Ear by Ben Ratliff
Acclaimed music critic Ben Ratliff sits down with jazz greats to discuss recordings by the musicians who most influenced them. In the process, he skillfully coaxes out a profound understanding of the men and women themselves, the context of their work, and how jazz is created conceptually.
Jazzwomen by Wayne Enstice; Janis Stockhouse
Jazzwomen collects 21 fascinating interviews. The participants discuss everything--their personal lives, musical training and inspirations, recordings, relationships with other musicians, the music industry, sexism on the bandstand--and often make candid and revealing statements.
The Musician's Way by Gerald Klickstein
In The Musician's Way, veteran performer and educator Gerald Klickstein combines the latest research with his 30 years of professional experience to provide aspiring musicians with a roadmap to artistic excellence.
Conversations in Jazz by Ralph J. Gleason; Toby Gleason; Ted Gioia
An extraordinary collection of revealing, personal interviews with fourteen jazz music legends.