Metaphors for the Musician [Spiral-bound]

Randy Halberstadt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2005

This book is a gold mine of insights into almost every aspect of jazz musicianship, including scale/chord theory, practice strategies, composing techniques, performance psychology and how to create the states of mind that produce the best improvisations. Designed for any level of player, on any instrument, the book provides numerous exercises throughout to help the reader turn these concepts into musical reality. Endorsed by Jessica Williams, Jerry Bergonzi and others.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 329 pages
• Publisher: Sher Music (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883217121
• ISBN-13: 978-1883217129
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #289,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You NEED this book!, June 22, 2006

By 

Joseph C. Mankowski (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Metaphors for the Musician (Spiral-bound)

If you play jazz piano, this book is a necessity!! Randy Halberstadt puts into text, elements that are not always first on your mind. I have been playing over 30 years and have just about EVERY jazz piano book there is, and this should be your "piano bible".

Not only will this book show you how to get great at your playing, it shows you how to practice as well. I can hardly put it down. I thank Randy for taking his time to write a book like this.


Joe Mankowski
Buffalo, NY

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and constantly thought provoking approach to music, January 9, 2006

By 

Timothy J. Spencer (Federal Way, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Metaphors for the Musician (Spiral-bound)

This book makes you think. But it also fills your practice sessions with "Aha!" moments. While the format is simple, the author does put you through your paces and you will emerge a much better pianist with a deeper understanding of pop piano, blues, gospel, funk and country. The riffs and cliche sounds of each are showcased in a way that sets them apart and distinguishes your playing style. This is a rare book. You ought to have it whether you're still struggling with faking or already working the music circuit.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Your Search is over for best Jazz piano book., September 23, 2009

By 

William B. Reindl "Blakey Fan" (Kansas City Mo area) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Metaphors for the Musician (Spiral-bound)

Previously I had only owned The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine. This really completes the picture instead of just throwing scales/chords at you and theory. Sure there is theory, but he presents it in a practical manner. This is for the player that already has those chord/scale books and still cannot do what he/she wants with the music. His discussion of practicing slow will really convince you of it, and his method for applying slow practice is tremendous. In fact, as I think about it almost every subject from scale [...] to Harmony is presented in a way that really feels like he is talking to you, not like you are reading info in a book. His discussion of harmony/tonal centers is different from any I have ever read!

Buy this book even if you own other improv/theory books it will help you bring it all together! As with anything else, a book is not a magic amulet to make your playing better but this will really help you move forward if you have plateaued...