Ready, Aim, Improvise!: All Instruments Book 2 & Online Audio

This book moves beyond abstract theory to build improvisation skills through concrete exercises and recorded progressions at playable tempos. Crook's methodology reflects what actually works in jazz education: systematic ear training, vocabulary building, and self-assessment tools that students can apply immediately in their own practice.

Methodical and encouraging. The book doesn't pretend improvisation is mystical or innate; instead it breaks the skill into learnable components and gives you the tools to practice each one deliberately. The recorded accompaniments feel like a patient bandmate, letting you work at your own pace.

Jazz students at any level who want a structured, teachable path to improvisation rather than learn-by-listening alone. This works equally well for students in high school jazz ensembles, college jazz studies programs, or independent learners who are serious about building real skill.

• Loop the audio tracks and practice the same progression until phrases become automatic, not just familiar.
• Record yourself improvising, then listen critically for the habits you're repeating and the ones you're avoiding.
• Start with the modal progressions before moving to key-area changes; building comfort in one harmonic space first accelerates progress across all contexts.
• Slow the tempo down further if needed. There's no penalty for starting at half speed and building from there.

Assign this as the primary improvisation text for your jazz ensemble elective or sectional work. The modular structure allows students to focus on different progressions and concepts while still playing together at rehearsal. It's equally useful for preparing soloists before a concert or integrating improvisation into your band curriculum beyond jazz-specific contexts.

• Recognizing and improvising over modal progressions (Dorian, Mixolydian, etc.)
• Navigating key-area and modulating chord progressions with confidence
• Developing jazz vocabulary and recognizing common lick patterns
• Transcribing by ear and building muscle memory for jazz phrasing
• Self-critiquing recorded practice sessions for accuracy and musical intent
• Understanding harmonic function and how to target chord tones meaningfully