Which Jazz Piano Book is Right for You?

Pianist, educator, author, and amateur advice columnist Jeremy Siskind asks, "Why jazz piano book is right for me?" and discusses the differences between his different jazz method books. If you're working to figure out where to start on your jazz journey, start here!

[joesauvage]

As someone who has all three of these books, I can only say that they are so thoughtfully written and great guide to whatever jazz piano journey you are on. Jeremy is a superb teacher and I also recommend his courses taught online out of Fullerton College. It’s an awesome and hands on course and it uses the first two books. I’m grateful for these books and for Jeremy’s passion for jazz education and this channel. Best wishes all!

[luciusblackmail]

Teaching and publishing own educational work is by no means ‚capitalistic‘, I always appreciate the enormous amount of work that is put in educational books. Thank you for doing that and keep up your great work.

[rvangaal]

The difficult part about learning jazz piano is to find teaching materials that fit you. I bought a ton load of books and have a subscription on an online jazz channel. I have the first two fundamental books and find them to have a nice and detailed pace on learning the basics. Especially the focus on rhythm I miss in other literature, as well as zooming in on details and not flying through and past assumed knowledge. So for me they're perfect and I focus on your books more than other material now. And it was informing to hear your take on the intended purpose of the books, so not capitalistic at all! It's only good you can live off the things you like to do best, that should be a goal for everyone.

[-fingers]

Capitalist pig? Jeremy, I first watched you teach on PWJ. These books with videos are great value! Thank you for what you do to make jazz accessible to those of us working full time, with kids, and have a hard time connecting to a structured, traditional teacher-student model on a fixed schedule.

[Snze]

Your books are great Jeremy, I'm slowly working my way through Jazz Piano Fundamentals Vol 1 and Blues A-Z and really enjoying both of them so far!

[simonezanella]

I have the fundamental books that Jeremy himself sent me through an email. I'm immensely grateful for that, because Jeremy is an excellent teacher and his lessons cover all the aspects of jazz piano. In fact, very few focus on SOLO JAZZ PIANO in such a detailed manner and, at the same time, don't forget to explain the techniques that can be useful when playing with other musicians. I do recommend Jeremy's books and Jeremy himself for the excellent teacher he is.

[tenacious]

I have the fundamental books, and they solve a lot of problems for those of us without a tutor. They pretty much solve all of the issues. What to practice and what order, etcetera. Far as I can tell, it's the next best thing to actually having Jeremy at the piano with you.

Thanks, Jeremy. Hope to see more new books in the future.

[-overdooo-]

You read my mind with this video! This was exactly my question.

[satingley]

Thanks for this. It turns out my purchase of Fundamentals 1 was the right choice. Late intermediate player but that is CLASSICAL piano. Intrigued by jazz chords and harmonies and rhythms. Also have access to your course on Tonebase. It will be steep and slow learning for me but want to give it a try.

[rickgoulburn]

This is helpful and confirms the path through this great material. I have been learning for 5 years and started Book 1 in January. In the middle of Unit 7 and it's been great. It is indeed a lot of material if one wants to really learn it. I have already bought book 2 and Solo and once I get through book 1, would like to explore perhaps some lessons to guide me through the next phase. The package is great - explanations, exercises, and videos - thank you for creating and continuing to teach and inspire

[sylviacantumusicalideas]

Capitalist Pigs. I own all of your books and they are excellent! If anyone is thinking of buying them, they will not disappoint! 😊

[sudsyandsoapy]

I really want to learn jazz, but I'm super out of practice on the piano (I played classically for like 7 years as a kid, never got really good, and haven't practiced consistently for ~9 years). I'm practicing again really consistently, but I was wondering when I should start working through Jazz Fundamentals Book 1? Is there a grade level that I need to be comfortable in to be able to work through it? I want to be a well-rounded player and not force myself into anything that I'm not ready for.

[BrendaBoykin-qzdj]

Capitalist Oinker. Thank you, Jeremy ⭐😎🌹

[dave-on-keys]

thanks for the tour! making a living does not make you a capitalist btw... and congrats, this has to be the first time I've watched such a long ad for products I already own :)

[DodiSena]

After completing Jazz Piano Fundamentals Book 2, is Jazz Parnass (Manfred Schmitz) recommended? Is Jazz Parnass right for whom?

[gabrielvalientepartida]

Gracias Jeremy por compartir tus conocimientos y, además, hacerlo de forma tan didáctica (lo dice alguien que lleva 35 años dedicados a la enseñanza, aunque de otra materia). Ya tengo "Fundamentos del Jazz Piano 1" (voy por la lección 7) y "Tocando solo jazz piano". Espero con enorme interés e impaciencia "Fundamentos del Jazz Piano 2 y 3" en español. Gracias otra vez por tu esfuerzo. Un abrazo.

[grantkondo]

I own and teach from all 4 books and the descriptions are spot on :D *oink*

[bishalghimirey]

Hello,
I am an intermediate standard classical pianist and just started learning jazz.
1. My question is can the book 3 be done in parallel to book 2?
2. Can I begin Solo jazz piano book after completion of book 1 or should wait until I complete the fundamentals series for better absorption of the material?
Thank you.

[josephadjei]

Hi Jeremy
Can you please make a video about reading sheet music
I just learnt about treble and bass cleff

[kykwan]

Mr. Siskind, I just bought your jazz piano fundamental book 1. As you know, the book comes with video clips that helps the reader to do the exercises. However, when I played those videos, there was no sound coming out. How do I fix the problem ? Thank you for your time.