My new book will be published in February 2025!
Book Title: Jazz Interactive: An Immersive Musical Journey into Jazz by iServalan
Subtitle: Book One – Foundations for the Aspiring Jazz Musician
Introduction:
Welcome to Jazz – What to Expect from this Book
Why Study Jazz? The Impact of Jazz on Music and Culture
How to Use This Book: Interactive Features and Study Methodology
Chapter 1: The Birth of Jazz
The Roots of Jazz: Blues, Ragtime, and New Orleans
Key Figures in Early Jazz: Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton
Listening Guide: Essential Early Jazz Tracks
Interactive Activity: Create a Timeline of Jazz History
Chapter 2: Getting Started with Jazz Basics
Setting Up: Instrument Choices and Techniques
Understanding Swing: The Rhythm that Defines Jazz
The Language of Jazz: Chords, Scales, and Progressions
Interactive Activity: Play Along with a Simple 12-Bar Blues Backing Track
Chapter 3: Jazz Scales and Improvisation
Introducing Scales: Major, Minor, Pentatonic, and Blues
The Art of Improvisation: Listening, Reacting, and Creating
Backing Track Practice: Improvising Over a II-V-I Progression
Interactive Activity: Compose Your First Jazz Solo
Chapter 4: Understanding Jazz Harmony
Chord Construction: Triads and Seventh Chords
Common Jazz Progressions: II-V-I, Blues Changes
The Role of Voice Leading in Jazz
Interactive Activity: Harmonize a Melody Using Jazz Chords
Chapter 5: Jazz Rhythms and Comping
Exploring Jazz Rhythms: Syncopation and Groove
Techniques for Comping: Piano and Guitar Focus
Practice Session: Comping Along with a Backing Track
Interactive Activity: Record and Critique Your Own Rhythm Playing
Chapter 6: The Jazz Ensemble
Understanding the Roles of Each Instrument
Communicating in a Jazz Band: The Art of Listening
Interactive Activity: Virtual Ensemble Practice (Play Along with Full Band Backing Track)
Chapter 7: Jazz Composition Basics
Writing a Jazz Tune: Melody, Harmony, and Form
Exploring Jazz Forms: AABA, Blues, Modal Jazz
Composition Workshop: Create Your Own Jazz Head
Interactive Activity: Share and Perform Your Composition
Chapter 8: The Development of Jazz
Swing to Bebop: Key Developments in Jazz History
Influential Figures: Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane
Listening Guide: Tracks that Changed Jazz
Interactive Activity: Write a Short Essay on a Jazz Legend
Chapter 9: Taking Jazz Further
Practice Techniques: Daily Routines for Jazz Musicians
Expanding Your Repertoire: Must-Know Standards
Interactive Activity: Develop a Personal Practice Plan
Recommendations for Further Study: Books, Recordings, and Online Resources
Appendices:
Glossary of Jazz Terms
Essential Jazz Standards (with Lead Sheets)
Scale and Chord Reference Charts
Interactive Features:
Backing Tracks for Each Exercise (Available via QR Code or Online)
Self-Assessment Checklists at the End of Each Chapter
Space for Notes and Composition Ideas
Quizzes to Reinforce Learning
iServalan’s Unique Study Method:
Listen, Analyze, and Replicate: A Tri-Part Process for Learning Jazz
Focus on Ear Training: Developing Relative Pitch and Melodic Recognition
Building Confidence Through Composition and Improvisation
Outcome Goals for Students:
A clear understanding of jazz basics
The ability to play simple jazz pieces and improvise over common progressions
A foundational knowledge of jazz history and key figures
Tools to continue exploring jazz independently
