Jazztastic: Flute Book & CD

These pieces swing. There's an ease and groove built into the arrangements that invites the flutist to relax into the rhythm rather than rigidly execute it. The recorded accompaniment creates a genuine musical conversation, turning a solo flute line into something that breathes like a real jazz performance.

Flutists who read music confidently but are new to jazz idioms, intermediate through early advanced students, and flute students in jazz ensembles or combos who want accessible solo material that doesn't sacrifice authentic jazz language. This book works equally well for school jazz bands and private studio instruction.

• Listen through the entire CD performance before diving into the written parts. Notice where the recorded accompaniment breathes, comps, and takes space so your phrasing sits naturally within the ensemble sound.
• Pay attention to articulation markings and note attacks, which shape jazz phrasing far more than classical legato. The difference between a ghosted eighth note and a fully articulated one changes the feel entirely.
• Practice the swing feel with a metronome set to the backbeat (clicks on 2 and 4) rather than on the downbeat. This trains your internal pulse toward the jazz pocket instead of classical precision.
• Use the CD as a practice tool by playing along at slower tempos first, then gradually matching the recorded tempo once the melody and changes feel secure.

Feature a flute soloist in a jazz band concert pairing a selection of these pieces with larger ensemble charts for continuity. Alternatively, use individual pieces as supplemental solo material in jazz combo rehearsals or as recital pieces for flute students exploring beyond classical repertoire.

• Jazz articulation and phrasing techniques
• Swing feel and rhythmic placement
• Reading and interpreting jazz lead sheets and chord symbols
• Playing over recorded accompaniments and managing tempo consistency
• Jazz-specific expression and dynamic shaping