Doug Cameron's Alternative Styles music book series offers a unique look into solo jazz violin technique. In the introductory book, he offers tips on writing, arranging, recording, practicing, improvising, intonation, sitting in jam sessions, the music business, performing and production. Volumes 1-3 contain original tunes and arrangements that encourage students to improvise using jazz and blues soloing techniques. Each book comes with a DVD of Doug performing each tune and offering performance advise. In addition to the DVD, customers will also receive a CD of accompaniments (minus the solo violin part) for each tune as well.

Basic Library
The energy core of any jazz ensemble or combo is the rhythm section! It radiates the groove, time and essence of the music. This outstanding and comprehensive series includes introductions, explanations and instructions on the essential elements of performance, such as style, performance tips, and genres required for the solid understanding of what is required of a successful member of this vital part of the jazz group. There is also a play-along piece at the end of each chapter for reinforcement and further development of appropriate skills. The seven genres covered in this excellent method for your rhythm section are: swing, bossa nova, rock, shuffle, samba, funk, and ballad. Additional topics include: volume -- or knowing when not to play; how to keep time as a rhythm section; and effective comping. Each student book includes reproducible pages and a compact disc. The optional DVD is included with the director's book and is also available separately. The CD offers examples of jazz grooves, complex rhythms, and accompaniment tracks for the play-along pieces. Demonstrations of the examples are effectively presented by a driving rhythm section on the DVD. The complete kit includes: the Training Kit plus Bass, Drums, Guitar, Piano and Supplemental Books with CDs. Each book is authored by a professional musician and teacher in the respective performance area. The entire jazz ensemble will reap huge rewards when the rhythm section plays as a cohesive unit and comprehends the elements of the chart being performed! Very highly recommended!