O'Neill, John: Selected Pieces

These methods provide complete courses for players off all ages, guiding students from their first note to 'classics', together with compositions by contemporary writers. Each book is accompanied by high quality rhythm section tracks recorded on compact disc. Right from the start, students can enjoy authentic jazz sounds, playing in the company of professionals. With step-by-step instruction and a progression of specially written pieces, the fundamental elements of good technique are introduced alongside the rhythmic subtleties of jazz. Improvisation is encouraged from an early stage and is given direction through the systematic study of scales and arpeggios and advice on ear-training and chord patterns. With supplementary suggestions for listening and reading, and an Appendix containing all the chord progressions for 'live' accompaniment of the tunes, "The Jazz Methods" are ideally suited to both students working alone and those learning with a teacher. "John O'Neill has a solid understanding of jazz and how it can be taught. I highly recommend his educational jazz materials." (Jamey Aebersold) "...a rare opportunity for a new player (or a more experienced one) to develop a really musical facility. A rare addition to the jazz improvising library." (Lee Konitz, international jazz saxophone soloist) The Saxophone is, for many, the instrument of jazz and there is an enormous and exciting repertoire waiting to be explored by newcomers to the instrument. "The Jazz Method for Saxophone" will guide beginners of all ages from producing their first note on the saxophone to the performance of full-blown jazz pieces, including "classics" by Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins and Horace Silver, as well as contributions from leading contemporary jazz players and composers. Backing for all the music-specially recorded for this method is provided on the accompanying CD so that, right from the start, student saxophonists can enjoy an authentic jazz sound, playing in the company of a top-class rhythm section (bass, guitar, drums) used later to support first attempts at improvisation. With step by step instruction and a progression of specially written pieces, the fundamental elements of good saxophone technique-breath control, tone-production, embouchure, tonguing and fingerings-are introduced alongside the rhythmic subtleties of jazz (for example, "swung" and syncopated rhythms). Improvisation is encouraged from an early stage, given direction through the systematic study of scales and arpeggios and advice on ear-training and chord patterns. With additional information on practical matters such as choosing reeds and earing for the instrument, as well as supplementary suggestions for listening and reading, "The Jazz Method for Saxophone" is ideally suited both to students working alone and those learning with a teacher.