Hi,

quick question I hope some of you can give some recommendations on

I have someone who has just passed grade 5 piano and wants to concentrate more on the jazz side of things - any suggestions as to where to start on the jazz courses? Back at 1 or higher up?

If it helps they are grade 6 sax and play that in a big band, so they have some exposure to the style of music.

Thanks

Hi, I am teaching a student who had passed grade 4 classical piano and has now switched to a more pop and jazz based approach. Like your student, she has plenty of experience (she plays clarinet to grade 7 using the jazz syllabus). We did not find it necessary to go back to grade 1 as far as the actual exam goes, but we did use some of the AB jazz pieces and quick studies at grade 1 level to help with improvisation before progressing onto more advanced pieces. She has now passed her grade 5 piano using the Rockschool Board, and is taking grade 6 this summer. I have found this syllabus to be a good way in, especially for classically trained pianists as it is user friendly, and introduces improvisation very gradually in the pieces, rather than having to improvise a complete solo straight away- but again it depends on your student's experience. I've also found plenty of books to provide practice material, eg Microjazz by Norton, Jazzin About, Mike Cornick's jazz piano books. Hope this helps

QUOTE (jpiano @ May 18 2004, 09:13 PM)

Like your student, she has plenty of experience (she plays clarinet to grade 7 using the jazz syllabus).

Interesting - it only goes up to 5 on the AB.

Can I assume she took GSMD exams?

Thanks for the info - I'll pass it on