Books by Chuck Sher

Before founding Sher Music Co., Chuck Sher was, and still is, a working jazz bassist, driven by a deep love for the music and a desire to share it with others. His books reflect that same spirit: written by a musician, for musicians, with an emphasis on clarity, practicality, and musical truth. Each title is grounded in real-world experience and designed to help players deepen both their understanding and their expression.

His groundbreaking The Improvisor’s Bass Method was one of the first method books to be written by a gigging jazz bassist for other serious players, earning praise from legends like Eddie Gomez and Rufus Reid. Foundation Exercises for Bass expands on that legacy with a deep dive into the core mechanics of great bass playing, while Concepts for Bass Soloing (co-authored with Marc Johnson) and The Latin Bass Book (with Oscar Stagnaro) have become must-haves for players seeking to expand their musical vocabulary.

Whether you’re building your foundation or looking to refine your artistry, Chuck Sher’s books offer clarity, depth, and an unshakable commitment to the music itself. They are the work of a musician who never stopped learning, and who built a publishing company so others could do the same.

Book cover of 'The Latin Bass Book' by Chuck Sher and Oscar Stagnaro, with illustration of two people playing bass on an abstract blue background.

Latin Bass Book: A Practical Guide

$20.00 $42.00
Book cover of 'Concepts for Bass Soloing' by Chuck Sher and Marc Johnson with a brown textured background.

Concepts for Bass Soloing

$20.00 $34.00
Cover of the book 'Foundation Exercises for Bass' by Chuck Sher, featuring a colorful design with notes and a bass clef on a red background.

Foundation Exercises for Bass

$14.00 $24.00
Book cover of 'The Improvisor's Bass Method' by Chuck Sher with blue background, basses, and text of famous endorsements.

Improvisor's Bass Method

$20.00 $34.00

Endorsements

"Since David Berkman was appointed to the Aaron Copland School at Queens College, the difference in the level of sophistication of our graduates in both performing and composing has been tremendous. Musicians get much more value from all of our courses because of the understanding they gain from the material contained in this book. When musicians understand harmony they hear more detail in the music and can participate at a much higher level. David has a gift for explaining complex ideas and guiding musicians along the path of learning jazz harmony. This book is invaluable!”
— Michael Philip Mossman

[The Jazz Harmony Book]

"I found this book to be insightful, witty, and very inspiring. Staying inspired to practice is probably one of the biggest challenges that we all face as both young and veteran musicians. Well, that and finding work — but that's another book! This is a 'must-have' for any musician looking to take their playing to the next level.”
— Sam Newsome

[The Jazz Musician's Guide to Creative Practicing]

"David Berkman is one of the top jazz pianists working today and he brings his experience as an accompanist and as a teacher of jazz voice students to this incredible book - not only very useful to singers, but to educators alike!! A must have!”
— Dena De Rose, jazz vocalist, recording artist

[The Jazz Singer's Guidebook]

"Well-respected teacher and jazz musician David Berkman has done it again; his new book is another 'must have.' Berkman presents a well thought-out, well-organized look at chords and harmonic structures used in jazz music. Berkman's instructional logic is sound and he thoroughly explains each new concept. He also keeps your attention with smart analogies and interesting anecdotes. This is a great book for novices, educators, or pros who want to have a clearer understanding of how harmony works. I highly recommend this book.”
— George Colligan

[The Jazz Harmony Book]

"Great book! Insightful, practical, entertaining. Finally a book for vocalists that is very well organized and clearly laid out. Thank you David!”
— Christine Correa, vocal studies, Columbia University, NYC

[The Jazz Singer's Guidebook]

"A refreshing and edifying insight into the nuts and bolts of our daily creative pursuit. For the musician on any level, this is a gift that keeps on giving.”
— Steve Wilson

[The Jazz Musician's Guide to Creative Practicing]
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