The Ramon Ricker Improvisation Series

The Beginning Improviser

Volume one is for the absolute beginning jazz student who knows his/her major scales. Subjects covered in this book include. VOCABULARY: Intervals, Roman Numerals, Scales, Modes, Diatonic Seventh Chords, Major, Minor, Dominant, and Suspended Chords, Chord/Scale Relationships, The Blues Progression, Using Pentatonic Scales with Blues, Pentatonic Chord/Scale Relationships, The II-V-I Progression, Rhythm Changes, The Circle of Fifths, and The Circle of Fourths, and Steps for Playing on Changes. STYLE: Swing Eighth Notes, Use of the Metronome, Scale Practice, and Scat-Singing Solos. EAR TRAINING: Specific examples and suggestions with recorded tracks for practice. REPERTOIRE: A suggested basic repertoire. This improvisation method is more than just another play-along. It is a series of books and CDs that progress step by step, offering concrete suggestions and advise that shows you how and what to practice.