Jazz Piano Projects: Piano Book

Collins understands what students actually need to become jazz musicians rather than what traditional piano books offer. The emphasis on ear training and the 'experience before the symbol' approach means students develop genuine listening skills and intuition alongside notation, which is exactly what separates confident jazz players from those merely reading parts.

This book opens a different world. Instead of following the rigid structures of classical études, you'll find yourself listening more carefully, making musical choices based on what your ear tells you, and discovering that jazz piano has its own logic and beauty. The concepts introduced here are accessible but genuinely jazz, not watered-down approximations.

Late elementary and early intermediate pianists ready to move beyond traditional classical repertoire and explore jazz fundamentals. Students in this range benefit from an approach that builds listening and improvisation skills without abandoning technique, and teachers looking for materials that fill the gap between method books and more advanced jazz studies.

• Use the glossary actively during practice, not just as a reference at the back. Return to it when you encounter unfamiliar terms or concepts, and let it deepen your understanding of what you're playing.
• Engage your ear before looking at the page. The experience-first approach only works if you're actually listening to yourself and noticing what sounds right.
• Work through the ear training exercises consistently. Skip them and you'll miss the whole purpose of this book.

Introduce this material once a student has solid late elementary technique and is ready to expand their musical vocabulary. It works beautifully as a supplementary book alongside standard repertoire, allowing students to develop jazz literacy without abandoning their classical foundation. Consider using it as an entry point for students showing curiosity about improvisation and contemporary styles.

• Ear training and listening discrimination specific to jazz
• Jazz vocabulary and chord terminology
• Understanding jazz harmony and progressions
• Improvisation concepts and approaches
• Musical decision-making through listening rather than symbol-reading alone