A systematic and fun jazz method for intermediate reading pianists.

$9.95

Pay by check

$9.95

Pay by check

$9.95

Pay by check

• You want to get into jazz for the first time.
• You want to play music by ear.
• You want to learn how to improvise
• You just want to have fun playing jazz tunes!
• You want to learn skills that will help you become a jazz pianist!

Each book is organized in a clear and consistent format including several unique components:

• Warm Up pages focus on key concepts and technical aspects of each tune.
• Going Further pages build improvisation skills and encourage creative exploration.
• Optional duet parts enhance practice and performance.
• Included CD features performances of all tunes, demonstrating their stylistic nuances.

Order your autographed books today!

Not yet familiar with That's Jazz?
CLICK HERE to explore the entire series.

Video: Why Study Jazz?

That's Jazz Piano Method Three Pack

All three core method books
$27.00


That's Jazz Performance Three Pack

All three supplementary books
$21.50

That's Jazz Six Pack


Both sets, Over 240 pages!
$48.50

Reviews

"If you've ever seen Bradley as a guest on my weekly series, you know what a logical, well thought out instructor he is. These books very much mirror that same quality. I recommend them highly."
- Scott Houston, host of the PBS-TV program "The Piano Guy."

Bradley and Scott on the set
Photo Credit: Mills James Productions

American Music Teacher April/May 2008
This series is a welcome addition to the growing body of jazz-oriented method supplements. One of the most difficult aspects of jazz to teach is its unique rhythmic “feel.” A major strength of these books is their emphasis on jazz rhythms. Another strength of the series is the connection, especially in Books One and Two, to normal concepts and patterns found in every method book.

Each book in the series has eight jazz-oriented pieces with interesting and authentic syncopated jazz rhythms. Rhythmic patterns are introduced in a progressive and systematic manner, and each jazz-oriented piece is reinforced through a CD. Fast-tempo swing, Latin and rock rhythms are emphasized. The books are easy to read, with covers that might be particularly attractive to a teenager.

...When students are exposed primarily to classical piano literature, they generally do not develop the ability to play and sight read jazz-oriented rhythms. This series would be an excellent supplement to any traditional piano curriculum, and teenagers who are interested in jazz could learn a great deal from it. Going through each of these books would also be an enjoyable way for teachers and adults to become more skilled in the area of jazz. Anyone who plays these pieces will enjoy the authentic jazz sound of the melodies and harmonies as well as the complex rhythms. – Janeen Larsen, Black Hills State University

PianoAtPepper.com
Great on its own or as a supplement to any piano method, That's Jazz is perfect for the adolescent and adult student who wants to learn the main styles of jazz (swing, Latin and rock) and have loads of fun playing the piano. Written by acclaimed jazz pianist, composer and educator Bradley Sowash, this method will give your students a huge dose of inspiration. The three books in the series progress from the early intermediate to late intermediate levels. Each book offers awesome original jazz tunes by Bradley Sowash. All aspects of playing jazz are clearly explained in digestible doses. Students are given plenty of opportunities to try new concepts and to improvise. The enclosed CD includes a performance of each tune in the respective collection, including the duet part. The Performance Books may be used in conjunction with the core Book & CD or alone and includes many new tunes and instruction on improvisation. Highly recommended, especially for the teen student.

B.C Registered Music Teachers' Association Provincial Magazine Spring 2008
* * * * * (5 stars)
...The book is a collection of 8 tunes covering the main jazz styles of swing, Latin, and rock. A “Warm Up” page prepares the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to play that tune and then an optional “Going Further” page follows the tune to introduce he student to improvisation in its many forms. To encourage the student even further, there are optional duet parts and even a CD featuring performances by the composer. The book is well organized and the tunes increase by difficulty. - JR

Progressions (formerly Provincial Magazine) Fall 2008
I had the pleasure of reviewing the book one of That's Jazz. This book continues with its comprehensive explanations and tools. Although the songs can be studied in any order, if the student is serious about learning jazz, the book should be covered sequentially. Again, as in the first book, the Warm Up Pages walk you through step by step instructions and provide excellent tips to mater the challenging passages. There are appropriate exercises to accomplish this. The tunes have an accompanying CD with demonstration tracks. The score provides optional duet parts. Another great addition is the chord symbols to encourage the ability to read a chord chart. I'm impressed by this series of books! - JR

Piano World April 2008
Getting Into It is the first of three book/CD packages in music educator Bradley Sowash's That's Jazz series. The series is a top quality resource for beginning improvisers who are comfortable with eighth notes. (Sowash also performs and composes.)

The most important contribution that Sowash makes in Getting Into It - and he begins making it almost immediately - is stating that jazz is about self-expression through improvisation and then following up in each of the eight lessons with opportunities for beginning to express what you personally are feeling about this tune at this moment.

Newcomers are advised that, at first, process is more important than result. And, he says, "If you like it, it works!" In effect Sowash is presenting a way of making music which is based on personal resources and feelings, rather than on playing music, including transcriptions of someone else's creativity, exactly as written. Sowash compares improvising to a conversation in which you apply what you believe are appropriate resources to that particular context.

...Jazz building blocks are not neglected. Swing eighths, syncopated rhythms, and backbeats - emphasizing beats two and four - are all there. Rhythmic pulse is a recurring theme and you'll gain experience with it in the jazz lessons and via excursions into Latin rhythms, boogie woogie, and blues... - David Ferris

Clavier April 2008
This collection offers a systematic approach to playing in the jazz and popular styles. The approach uses written-out pieces and improvisations that students study through ear training and instructional reading. Getting Into It begins with explanations of jazz style, an “Anatomy of a Jazz Chart,” a warm-up [sic] that is embellished later, and a review of swing rhythm, Latin bass lines, boogie bass, and different approaches to improvisation. Digging Deeper has more complex pieces and concepts, such as improvising with pentatonic or Dorian scales, and sections titled “Piano as a Drum” and “Accumulation and Reduction.” In Let It Rip students play more intricate syncopations [sic] in more difficult pieces. An appendix includes “A Chord Glossary of 7th,” “Common Jazz Scales and Associated Chords,” and other more-advanced skills. The written-out optional duets and a CD included in the collection has demonstration tracks.

What Teachers Are Saying:
"I LOVE teaching from your materials, because you really know how to communicate style to young students, and that seems to be the hardest thing to gear young classically-trained musicians to do." - Angela P. (Kansas)

"I’ve had students come to me so bored with traditional lessons, and I pull out something fun from That’s Jazz and they start having fun again." - Jessica H

"You have laid out the course in such an easy step by step manner that it isn’t too scary to get out of the music!" - Ruth (Florida)

"I am using your books with 3 of my students - working out wonderfully!"  - Marti (Texas)

"I just had to let you know--I just got home from taking my keyboard to the blues jam and sitting in on two of the five sets. It went just fine. I had a few klunkers, but that's to be expected.  Anyway, I think I did okay and I had a great time. Now I feel like one of the guys!! This was a big step for me and I'm so glad I took it!"  - Kathy (Ohio)

Related Products

Especially for Teachers:

Educational jazz books tend to fall into two categories:
1. Written arrangements which sound great but leave out the essential element of improvisation.
2. A textbook approach that are too complext and detailed for students new to jazz. 

That’s Jazz combines the best of both:  Compelling and accessible tunes in a variety of jazz styles with small amounts or practical jazz theory designed for immediate use. 

My students love it.  Yours will too.   Order them autographed copies today.

Cheers,

Introduce jazz to your students as you learn more about it yourself! 

• Do you have students who like to change or “improve” written music to fit their taste?
• Do you have classical students who are interested in trying out other musical styles?
• Do you have trouble finding jazz resources oriented to 10 – 15 year olds?

Piano students thrive on experiencing a variety of musical styles, and jazz has proven to be the perfect avenue for motivating them, while opening them up to a vital musical tradition of artistic expression.

• That’s Jazz will enliven your students’ interest in music -  helping your best readers get “out” of the music, and helping those who tend to play by ear get motivated to read their music with ease.
• With That’s Jazz, even teachers with limited jazz training can feel confident leading their students through their first experiences in jazz.
• Whether used as a jazz piano method, supplemental lessons to an existing curriculum, or just a collection of sequential jazz tunes, That’s Jazz provides a solid foundation in jazz piano.
• Whatever your prior jazz experience, That’s Jazz will inspire the inner jazz teacher and musician in you!

Q - How do I know which book is right for my intermediate and advanced students?
A - All students interested in a greater understanding of improvisation and jazz styles should begin with Book 1. Though the tunes may be technically easy for more advanced students, skipping books will leave out important concepts. 

Q - Which of my students would benefit most by studying jazz?
A - Strictly classical students will benefit the most.  Jazz offers them chord fluency, applied theory, deeper interpretation of written music, expanded repertoire, better job prospects and more.  Students interested in rock, ethnic styles, or jazz tend to find their own way with or without teachers though formal study speeds up the process.

Q - How do people play by ear?
A - It’s not any harder to play by ear than it is to read music. You can do it and you can teach most of your students to do it. But it doesn’t happen overnight. There are no shortcuts. Like any other music skill, playing by ear and/or improvising requires instruction and practice on the road to mastery.

Questions?

Contact me directly with your jazz and improvisation teaching questions.

Home

Back to Publications

Back to Store Front

Your order is secure.
We work in partnership with CCNow, the authorized
online retailer for over 50,000 retail web sites
to insure your purchases are safe and easy.

Site sponsored by:

© July 23, 2010 Bradley Sowash Music, All Rights Reserved