Jazz Piano and Improvisation
for the Classical Pianist
• Why You Can’t Learn Jazz the Classical Way – Discover the key differences in mindset, technique, and approach that Classical pianists must embrace to truly understand and play Jazz.
• Uncovering “Jazz Myths” that Classical pianists unknowingly believe. Learn why improvising is a skill that can be developed and practiced, and isn't just an innate talent.
• How to practice jazz – Tackle the #1 question everyone has, develop your ear training and listening skills, and learn how to approach practicing jazz efficiently and effectively.
• Unlock the 10 First Steps to transitioning without wasting years of trial and error. Gain clarity and direction with a structured, practical roadmap for transitioning into Jazz, so you can start your journey with confidence and clarity.
• Access the Ultimate Jazz Education Guide – Get a comprehensive list of must-listen recordings, the best books for self-study, practice tips and the most effective methods to fast-track your jazz journey.
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$24.95
Publisher Description
Empowering Classical pianists to unlock their greater musical potential: As a Classically trained pianist from a young age, the author shares a deeply personal journey of discovering Jazz piano while pursuing a Classical piano performance degree in college. After just one semester, his passion shifted to Jazz. At the time, his university was heavily focused on Classical music and lacked a dedicated Jazz program which was in it's infancy, a program that would be introduced years later. Through intense self-study and private mentorship outside of the university, the majority of the material was written during the final stages of his program in fall 2012.
The book dives into a broad range of topics, including the author’s firsthand experiences with Jazz, the ongoing challenges of poorly presented Jazz education, common misconceptions about improvisation from a Classical perspective, and the intricate "Jazz Language." It reveals why Jazz cannot be learned through the Classical approach and explores the mysteries of learning and practicing Jazz improvisation.
It also highlights how to find key links from Classical training which can apply to Jazz playing, a comprehensive listening guide, self-teaching tips, a curated list of the best books for learning jazz and a clear, actionable roadmap with 10 first steps to best facilitate the transition into Jazz, saving curious readers countless hours of trial and error, frustration and confusion.
Highland offers invaluable insights, advice, and guidance for those with similar backgrounds looking to explore new creative paths through the rich world of Jazz and improvisation, having navigated this journey "the hard way." The aim is to provide clarity, direction and focus, helping readers avoid the immense frustration, confusion, and wasted time he himself experienced.
While the book was mostly completed in 2012, it was published in 2023 with some updates to reflect over 15 years of experience and musical growth. Despite these edits, much of the original material has been preserved to maintain the raw authenticity of the author's transition from Classical to Jazz.
About the Author: Justin Highland is a pianist, keyboardist, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles, California. With over 30 years of piano experience and 16 years of seasoned teaching expertise for all ages, levels and styles, he is passionate about helping others discover their musical voice. He currently offers 3 self-paced courses: The Beginner Jazz Piano Bluesprint, The Complete Jazz Improv System (intermediate to advanced), and Transcribe Smarter.
For more information, and to inquire about private lessons and high level mentorship, please visit playbetterjazz.com/contact
