Jazz Piano:A Primer for Classical Pianists

About the Book

This unique book is especially designed for traditionally trained classical pianists who are interested in learning the rudiments of jazz piano. It uses a systematic, a step-by-step approach to learning to read jazz lead sheets, and provides simple techniques for beginning jazz and blues improvisation. The book is based on many years of successfully teaching classical pianists and piano teachers to overcome their notation dependency and conquer their fear of improvisation. A special feature is the inclusion of complete lead sheets for several popular jazz tunes (Satin Doll, Lover Man, Summertime, Autumn Leaves, Birth of the Blues).

About the Author

Dr. Janeen Larsen has a Ph.D. from the University of Florida with a dissertation on Teaching Jazz Piano to Classically Trained Pianists: A Mastery Learning Approach. She has a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in both Piano and Musicology, and is nationally certified in Piano Pedagogy by MTNA. Dr. Larsen is a an active classical and jazz performer whose former classical teachers include Gunnar Johansen, Howard Karp, Jack Radunsky, and Jacques Abram. Larsen teaches courses in piano, piano pedagogy, music history and advanced theory at the college level, and provides jazz piano workshops throughout the midwest.