Introduction to Jazz Piano is a comprehensive and inspiring entry point for pianists ready to explore the world of jazz. It starts at the beginning, and helps you develop all the skills necessary to become a functional jazz pianist. For the dedicated student, this book will be your “Bible”!
With over 60 workouts that can be practiced alongside classic jazz recordings, this method bridges theory and application in a way that’s both engaging and effective. You'll explore everything from triads and folk song harmonization to Barry Harris’s “Little Chords,” open/closed position voicings, scale practice strategies, and the art of comping.
Patton also introduces creative tools like comping games, solo piano arrangement techniques, and transcription-based learning to help students internalize the language of jazz. Whether you're studying independently or with a teacher, this book offers a step-by-step guide that empowers you to grow musically and creatively.
Jeb Patton, long-time pianist for Jimmy Heath and the Heath Bros., brings his decades of professional experience and pedagogy to this accessible and inspiring guide.
Includes:
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60 Workouts you can do with Classic Jazz Recordings
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Triad Study and Application to Folk Songs and the Blues
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Blues phrasing
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Basic Voicing Techniques
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Comping with Closed Position Voicings
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Intro to Barry Harris’s “Little Chords” and Sixth-Diminished Scale Concept
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Comping Games and Exercises
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Comping with Open Position Voicings
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How to Create Solo Piano Arrangements of Standards
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How to Practice Scales
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How to Develop Melodic Building Blocks for Soloing
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An Intro to Transcribing and Assimilation Transcriptions
CD download containing extensive demonstrations and play-along tracks is included.
Jeb Patton also recorded over four hours of video tutorials to use in conjunction with this book, which can all be found here: Jeb Patton's "A Deep Dive" YouTube Playlist
Spiral-bound, 224 pages, Table of Contents.
Sample Pages: Page 11, Page 54, Page 63, Page 188
Sample Tracks: Track 1, Track 9, Track 33
Endorsements:
“Jeb Patton is a living treasure, and his new book Introduction to Jazz Piano: A Deep Dive is a generous labor of love as well as being an extremely valuable text for students and pros alike. Jeb is the most noble and authentic kind of a teacher as can be found.”
— Benny Green
“When it comes to learning jazz piano, this is about as good as it gets. Packed with enough learning material to last a lifetime — it is, indeed, a 'deep dive.' ”
— Downbeat
“Introduction to Jazz Piano: A Deep Dive is just that. It is an in-depth, refreshing course on deepening one's skill set. It encourages musical exploration in a conceptual way, rather than a one size fits all approach. Highly recommended! ”
— Alan Pasqua
