As a Classically trained pianist from a young age, the author shares an incredibly personal story of diving head first into Jazz piano as a 21 year old attending University as a Classical Piano Performance major. After only one semester into the program, he turned to Jazz and never looked back. The University at the time was Classical-focused and did not have an established Jazz program, which would be set in place a few years after graduating. After much intensive and rigorous self-study and outside mentorship over the course of his 4 years while attending, the majority was wrtiten at the end of his time at the University in the fall of 2012.

The book addresses a wide range of interesting topics, including a compelling read about his first experiences in Jazz, why there was (and still is) a lack of good Jazz education/pedagoy, fallacies and misconceptions about improvisation from the Classical perspective, the Jazz Language, why you can't learn Jazz in a Classical way, the enigma and mysteries of practicing Jazz improv and how to address them, how to find key links from Classical training which apply to Jazz playing, a comprehensive listening guide, being your own teacher, a list of the best books on the market to help aid your study and a detailed list of 10 first steps to take to help aid the transition, among others.

Highland offers a plethora of invaluable insight, advice and guidance to others with similar backgrounds who wish to get into the world of Jazz and imprvisation, as he went about it "The hard way." The aim is to give clarity, direction and focus while saving the reader years of immense frustration, confusion and wasted time which he experienced. Mostly completed in 2012 and published in 2023, there have been some recent edits, giving a more well rounded total of all the knowledge and experience gained over the course of his 15+ years experience with Jazz piano. However, the majority of the writing and material has largely been left unchanged since it's original completion, to preserve the experience and perspective more closely related to the transition period.

Justin Highland is an active pianist, keyboardist, composer and educator who resides in Denver, Colorado. He has 30 years of piano experience and 15 years of seasoned teaching experience. For more information or if interested in private lessons/coaching please visit playbetterjazz.com/contact