JAZZ is a complex, fascinating and (most importantly) fun art form; spontaneously creating improvised music that grooves and moves you at the same time. Studying jazz can give you a solid grounding in a wide range of other musical styles, and will really push your playing to new heights. Use the links at the top of this page, or in the drop-down menu to find a range of resources we will be using in jazz band this year.
Books containing the lead-sheets (melody and chords) for all our tunes can be found in 'SHEET MUSIC'.
For etudes, exercises and tutorials, and examples (to learn your part) look in 'LEARNING TUNES'
'SCALES and ARPEGGIOS' look at some of the foundation skills needed to master jazz improvisation.
"BACKING TRACKS" are the tunes played by a rhythm section, for you to practice improvisation over.
LISTEN TO SOME OF THE JAZZ STYLES WE'LL BE LOOKING AT (AND PLAYING) THIS YEAR:
DIXIELAND
SECOND LINE
SWING
MAINSTREAM
GYPSY JAZZ
BEBOP
POST-BOP
COOL JAZZ
LATIN JAZZ
AVANTE-GARDE
FUSION
SOUL JAZZ