Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator's Handbook and Resource Guide [COMPILATION] (Paperback)

~ J. Richard Dunscomb (Author), Dr. Willie L. Hill Jr (Author) "Music has played such an important role in my life..." (more)
Key Phrases: Duke Ellington, Blue Note, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A comprehensive guide that opens the doors to the world of jazz education. Written by internationally recognized and successful jazz educators experienced at teaching jazz to elementary, middle school, high school and college students as well as to teachers and administrators.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Warner Brothers; Pap/DVD edition (February 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0757991254
• ISBN-13: 978-0757991257
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #549,410 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book is for band directors but ensemble members will gain insight., January 12, 2007

By	Brian Busch (Mankato, MN) - See all my reviews

Another book with a great concept: include a DVD which shows what's inside the book. Here Dr. Willie Hill is shown in a clinic type format demonstrating to high school jazz band participants how to play jazz standards. The DVD is a documentary format of a live classroom setting of real students being taught how to solo. Dr. Hill also instructs the 4-piece rhythm section, telling the musicians to listen to the drummer's accents. Both a high school ensemble and a college ensemble are represented. This book also ties in with a great video set that shows the role of the drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards in the rhythm section called "Drums In the Rhythm Section" (also Piano, Bass, Guitar) with top caliber players like Steve Houghton.

The book does a good job of presenting jazz in a methodical way. It starts with jazz history and influential players. It then moves on to the development of jazz instrumentation and jazz styles. As to not overwhelm the novice, a blues tunes, "Billie's Bounce", is used as a starting point. Helpful pointers like scales, modes, and arpeggios are explained and written out. Since classical musicians will only be familiar with standard grand staff notation and unfamiliar with simplified jazz charts, time is taken to explain the anatomy of a chart. The book's expensive but one you'll keep in the library for reference, especially if you plan on being a jazz band director. Also, as a supplemental addition, get "Approaching The Standards" by the same author to practice what you've learned here.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really informative, June 26, 2009

By	R. Benitez "ReyB" (San Marcos, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was required for a jazz pedagogy class that I chose to take during a mini semester and it was a great resource. It is a must have for anyone who is going to teach a jazz band or have a jazz program, whether you are a novice or expert educator.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Resource, March 19, 2006

By	Charles Briem "Band Director" (Harrison, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator's Handbook and Resource Guide
by J. Richard Dunscomb is an outstanding resource for new music teachers and experienced professionals as well. It contains detailed well thought out articles by leading jazz educators in their fields of expertise...clearly outlined and easily understood examples descriptions. A must have guide for learning or for remebering things you already knew but needed a fresh perspective.