Mel Bay Jazz Theory Handbook Book/CD Set [Perfect Paperback]

Peter Spitzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 18, 2001

Jazz Theory Handbook is a complete guide to all the essential topics of jazz theory, suitable for all treble instruments. Its approach is clear and concise, realistic and practical. This book will help you to understand how contemporary jazz players think, and to apply theory concepts in your own playing. Subjects are introduced progressively, with each new one based on those introduced before. Topics include chord building, harmonic movement, modes, II-V-I licks, polychords, blues, rhythm changes, how to learn tunes, practice techniques, playing outside, and more. All of the book's musical examples are performed on the accompanying CD, along with sample solos and 3 play-along tracks with a great rhythm section. Jazz Theory Handbook is designed for both self- study and classroom use.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Spitzer is a saxophonist and clarinetist living in the San Francisco Bay Area. He received a BA (Music) from Portland State University and an MA (Music) from San Jose State University. Teachers have included Tomas Svoboda and William Bolcom, and he has studied privately with Paul Pone, Eddy Flenner, and Joe Henderson. His current teaching activities include public school instrumental classes, adult jazz combos, and private instruction for students of all ages. As a performer, his interests range from jazz to classical to Brazilian music; he plays in several big bands and leads his own jazz ensemble. He is co-owner of Hope Street Music Studios in Mountain View, California. His works for Mel Bay Publications include the Easy Classics series and the Jazz Theory Handbook.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (June 18, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786653280
• ISBN-13: 978-0786653287
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #365,194 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thanks for checking out this Author Page! I hope you have had some educational fun with one of my publications. I'm a teacher/performer of saxophone and clarinet based in the San Francisco Bay Area; I teach at Hope Street Music Studios in Mountain View, California. You can read a short bio on the studio website (www.hopestreetmusicstudios.com).

You'll find a link to my blog on this Author Page - please check it out for some amusing autobiographical gig stories, jazz theory writeups, and occasional other posts.

If you benefitted from the "Jazz Theory Handbook," you might like to check my short article, "100 Must-Know Jazz Tunes" (at www.hopestreetmusicstudios.com). It lists the most important tunes for an aspiring jazz player to learn, with notes on preferred fakebook sources for each tune, and a discussion of what it means to "know" a tune.

Saxophone and clarinet players might also be interested in another paper on the Hope Street website, "Adjusting Saxophone and Clarinet Reeds." This article includes a summary of adjustment procedures, short reviews of several books on the subject, and some notes from a friend on his reed-adjusting sessions with Joe Allard.

Although the above articles are copyrighted, please feel free to link to them on your own website, if you like.

Thanks for your interest!

Peter Spitzer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Clearest Jazz Instruction Ever, September 27, 2001

By 

Sandra Gordon (Mountain View, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mel Bay Jazz Theory Handbook Book/CD Set (Perfect Paperback)

There are many jazz theory books out, but Peter Spitzer's new Jazz Theory Handbook (complete with CD) stands out as the most thorough, yet easiest to comprehend. It's a must-read BEFORE reading any of the others. Mr. Spitzer carefully defines all his terms, then leads the musician step-by-step to the kind of clear understanding that leads to hands-on playing. The layout and typography are inviting, not overloaded as some books are. As a piano teacher, performer, and jazz lover for some 30 years, I simply can't say enough good about it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for any musician who wants to learn jazz, February 27, 2006

By 

Joseph Keebler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mel Bay Jazz Theory Handbook Book/CD Set (Perfect Paperback)

This is a great book for learning the structure and theory behind jazz. Everything you need to start is here, although I would recommend this book to already established musicians. It might be hard for a beginner to utilize this information. The writer is very systematic in his presentation of the info, and he leaves no stone unturned in his thorough explanation of jazz theory.