Alfred's Essentials of Jazz Theory, Book 2: Book & CD

Berg's textbook approach treats jazz theory not as an abstract academic subject but as a living language rooted in listening and performance. The inclusion of a CD gives students immediate access to the sounds they're studying, cutting through the gap between reading notation and hearing how these concepts actually function in real music. The review sections at the end of each unit ensure retention without requiring additional workbooks.

Opening this book feels like stepping into a studio where jazz is treated as a craft to be mastered methodically. The combination of written work and ear training creates a rhythm of learning that mirrors how jazz itself works: you read it, you hear it, you play it. The CD brings the examples to life with professional recordings that demonstrate why these harmonic moves matter.

This book addresses students and musicians who have completed foundational music theory (such as Books 1-3 of Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory) and are ready to explore jazz-specific harmonic language, comping patterns, and improvisation frameworks. It works equally well for jazz piano students, horn players preparing for jazz ensembles, and ensemble directors who want to understand jazz pedagogy deeply enough to teach it.

• Engage with the CD examples actively rather than passively. Sing or play along with each recorded example to internalize the sound of the concepts being taught.
• Work through the written exercises before moving to the audio components so you have a solid foundation in how the theory looks on the page.
• Return to earlier units in the book if concepts feel shaky. Jazz theory builds cumulatively, and gaps in understanding will compound as you progress.

Use this as a core text in jazz ensemble or jazz history courses where students need systematic exposure to jazz harmony and improvisation conventions. It also serves individual students working toward jazz proficiency exams or preparing for college jazz auditions. The 40-page length makes it manageable to pair with repertoire study in a semester-long jazz intensive.

• Identifying and using jazz chord extensions (9ths, 11ths, 13ths)
• Understanding ii-V-I progressions and their variations across jazz standards
• Reading and performing jazz rhythm notation and swing feel
• Applying blues harmony and form to improvisation
• Ear training for jazz sonorities through listening exercises