These three comprehensive instruction books from Alfred and the National Keyboard Workshop reveal the secrets of blues keyboard. Students at the intermediate level or above can learn to play and improvise in the blues style with this fun and easy-to-use method. Great as a supplement to traditional piano lessons, or as a primary method for the serious blues student, the "Beginning" book allows the student to dig right in and begin learning blues right away with basic chords and scales, blues melodies, improvisation, turnarounds, intros, twelve-bar blues form, and walking bass. The "Intermediate" book starts with a review and explores chord extensions, blues techniques, building bass lines, playing in the key, ii-V substitutions, slow blues, twelve and eight-bar blues. The "Mastering" book also begins with a review and covers techniques such as tremolos, octaves, grace notes, two-handed chords and various styles such as Chicago blues, New Orleans R&B, jazz blues and more. A CD demonstrating examples and for playing along is available for each book.

This series from Alfred and the National Keyboard workshop reveals all the secrets to playing jazz keyboard. It provides a fun way for the player with intermediate-level or above note-reading and keyboard experience to gain valuable playing and improvisational skills. The "Beginning" book spans the major scale and basic triad theory all the way through 7th chords, pentatonic scales and modulating chord progressions and features a full etude or tune demonstrating every new concept. The "Intermediate" book includes a review of book one, a continuation of modes, chord extensions, making the changes, using chromatic tones and guide tones, chord substitution, "rhythm changes," the blues, altered dominant chords and more. The "Mastering" book starts with a review and quickly moves on to the more advanced concepts of chord voicings, modal soloing, substitution, reharmonization, modes of the minor scales, diminished and whole tone scales, walking bass, stride piano technique, non-diatonic progressions and much more. The optional CD demonstrates examples and gives the student an opportunity to play along. The optional "Beginning" DVD runs 45 minutes and offers comprehensive instruction so any keyboardist with basic keyboard skills can dig right in and begin learning jazz right away.

An essential element of playing jazz, improvising solos that are creative and well put together can be very intimidating. Easy Soloing for Jazz Keyboard proves that improv can be fun! Learn basic tools for making great, authentic-sounding jazz solos, like embellishing a tune's melody or chords. The ideal book for keyboardists with basic music knowledge but little improvisation experience, this how-to guide is perfect for real life situations. Players from beginner to advanced will find everything they need; plus, the included CD demonstrates all the examples in the book.

If you're a jazz singer or instrumentalist and don't already have basic skills in jazz piano...now is the time! Piano skills are the gateway to understanding chords and progressions, checking lead sheets for accuracy, learning new tunes, arranging, writing your own tunes, becoming a better improviser and more. This book/CD package outlines an easy, step-by-step process for learning basic jazz piano.

Basic Library
Renowned jazz composer, arranger, saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, educator and member of the group "The Yellowjackets," Bob Mintzer designed this book for the instrumentalist who is not an accomplished piano player but wants to acquire basic jazz piano skills and jazz vocabulary. The book includes etudes that make players aware of the sound, texture, cause, effect and function of jazz chords and harmony. The 22 piano etudes feature a variety of styles, tempos, chord progressions and the book also includes a chord voicing glossary. Mintzer offers a practical guide with a realistic approach.

A complete course in a variety of musical styles, "The Versatile Keyboardist" helps pianists become an in-demand player by teaching rock, reggae, classical, funk, blues and other styles of music. The book also includes a CD with recordings of pioneering players and has fun techniques for accompanying as well as solo playing.