Jazz Piano Studies 2
A great new collection of 16 original jazz studies and study pieces for players of approximately AB Grade 4-5 ability and above, spanning a host of jazz idioms from blues, trad and 'big band' to gospel, ballad and more reflective styles. These carefully-graded studies explore systematically a broad range of techniques including left- and right-hand chord shapes, larger hand stretches, more complex rhythms, blue notes, ornaments and chromatic phrasing.
First published in 2005, Jazz Piano Studies 2 is intended for Grades 4 to 5. It has 16 original compositions on 32 pages.
Price £7.99
Jazz relies heavily on recognisable, repeated harmonic patterns (chord sequences and/or bass lines) combined with inventive melodic and rhythmic improvisation - rather like the classical Theme and Variations. Level 2 of 'Jazz Piano Studies' sets out to explore these and other features of jazz piano styles, while aiming to develop familiarity with chords, increased independence of the hands, and a substantial repertoire of rhythmic and melodic ideas, figures and devices.
(Originally published in 1995, this revised edition published in 2005)
Click here to read John's article in the summer 2005 edition of the Faber magazine 'Pianofforte'
What they say
“much to discover and enjoy”
“Kember cleverly covers a vast array of jazz idioms from blues, traditional and big band to gospel and ballad via swing, rock and Latin with many ideas for improvisation, left-hand and right-hand chord-shapes as well as "rootless" chords, larger hand-stretches and more complex rhythmic patterns. Basic chord patterns and progressions are introduced in different formats which simplify syncopation and encourage stylish phrasing throughout. These volumes cover many musical moods. thereby encouraging young pupils to characterise their playing right from the start. Adult learners, aspiring to jazz, will also find much to discover and enjoy in these well-designed jazz programmes. (Referring to Jazz Piano Plus One; Jazz Piano Studies 1 and 2).”
'Piano Journal' Summer 2005.
“good fun and well-written”
“John Kember's 'Jazz Piano Studies' are good fun and well-written. Book 1 is aimed at grades 3-4 (and above) pianists. Twenty-two varied and progressive short pieces each focus on a particular jazz idiom, notably swing rhthyms ('Bah-ba-doo-bah' and 'Window Shopping', for example) and syncopation. Here the anticipation of both melody notes and chords is explored in several lively numbers including 'Early Bird' and 'Rest Easy'. Pieces of a more relaxed nature include 'Romance', featuring right-hand melodic variations over a left-hand chord sequence, and 'Small Talk', with right-hand swung chords. Short introductory notes emphasise the importance in jazz music of good rhythm and maintaining a regular beat and the fingering suggestions are helpful.”
'Music Teacher' October 2005. Review by Katharine May.
“Here is a composer and teacher who understands the jazz piano idiom and how to train it positively, thoroughly and progressively”
“Here is a composer and teacher who understands the jazz piano idiom and how to train it positively, thoroughly and progressively, starting at about the grade 3 level. His music always feels and sounds great and the 'Plus One' volume also encourages ensemble work, improvisation and a wider experience for the pupil. All styles are covered within the books, big band, gospel, ballad, blues etc and, again, presentation is brilliant.”
John York in 'Piano', July/August 2005
