Endorsements, Comments, Feedback on
The Jazzmaster Workout
Improvisation Method
"I've looked over Jim Grantham's JAZZMASTER WORKOUT practice
method and I find it very thorough and practical for learning the
techniques of not only jazz improvisation but basic musicianship and
harmonic theory. I highly recommend that it be published as it would
make a great text and workbook combination for teaching jazz in high
schools and colleges. The workbook and tapes in particular will help a
student with the actual 'how to' of practicing, attaining, and
mastering basic musical skills."
Dave Liebman, Jazz Artist and Educator, Saxophone
"The JAZZMASTER WORKOUT Improvisation Practice Method is
extremely thorough and very practical. The theory is to the point,
clearly presented, and usefully based on common practice. The 12 key
practice routine is especially valuable."
Jamie Aebersold, Jazz Educator, Saxophone
"I am very impressed by the JAZZMASTER WORKOUT. It is the perfect
text for a college jazz theory or improvisation class. There a dirth
of good jazz theory books out there, and this new offering is very
clear and comprehensive. The layout draws you in and I especially like
the comments in the margins."
Mel Graves, Jazz Artist and Educator, Bass
"Jim Grantham has put together a wonderful method which presents
jazz theory and its application in a clear and concise manner. The
method is thorough and very user-friendly. The information is
presented in a supportive and personal manner which often gives the
feeling that the author is right there with you. I highly recommend
the JAZZMASTER WORKOUT to anyone aspiring to learn the jazz
language."
Steve Erquiaga, Jazz Artist and Educator, Guitar
"The JAZZMASTER WORKOUT is the best book I've ever seen for
training serious, contemporary music students in improvisation. Very
often, students tend to sound alike and play predictable cliches
because they are locked into pre-memorized patterns. The exercises
(a.k.a. the TOOLS) recommended in this approach are very musical and
are especially effective in developing a personal, improvisational
style."
Ed Kelly, Jazz Artist and Educator, Piano
"I found Jim Grantham's JAZZMASTER WORKOUT the most complete
and enlightening tool for studying jazz theory and improvisational
concepts that I've seen. It reaches far beyond memorizing the trendy
cliches to substantial and extensive information on how to think
musically. He's lifted up the corners of the rugs and in an honest and
selfless manner answers all the questions!"
Jules Broussard, Jazz Saxophonist
"Jim Grantham's
JAZZMASTER WORKOUT is an extremely valuable tool for musicians who
want to improve their improvisation skills and creativity. It is a
very thorough source of information on Jazz theory and melodic
techniques. The JAZZMASTER WORKOUT is the most complete method of its
kind that I've ever seen."
Bruce Gertz, Jazz Artist
and Educator, Bass
"Jim Grantham's JAZZMASTER
WORKOUT is an innovative and effective approach to the art of jazz
improvisation that can be of value to musicians of all
levels. Beginning with basic theory, this text presents the harmonic
and vocabulary that has become so essential to jazz expression. Also
provided are interesting practice techniques and exercises that ensure
musical growth and development. Ideal for individual use, the WORKOUT
additionally could serve as a text/workbook for high-school and
college-level jazz programs. The JAZZMASTER WORKOUT will be an
invaluable addition to your practice routine as well as a useful
reference for years to come."
Larry Monroe, Chairman,
Professional Performance Division, Berklee College of Music
"Everyone [editors at CPP Belwin] feels that the book
is very complete, specifically the theory part, and that the concept
of the workout section which outlines practice material but doesn't
demand specific musical phrases, will broaden the scope of the player
rather than limit him like some of the lick approach books that
exist."
Sandy Feldstein, President - CPP
Belwin
"One of the most uncommonly efficient
and practical methodology presentations on the concepts and processes
of improvisation I have encountered--Jim Grantham's learner-friendly
format and blend of text, workbook, and audio tape provides an
invaluable aggragate instructional tool for jazz education."
Herb Wong, Jazz Producer and Educator
"I wholeheartedly endorse the JAZZMASTER WORKOUT practice method.
It is a complete and comprehensive study guide for anyone who wants to
improvise music."
Bruce Forman, Jazz Artist and Educator, Guitar
"Jim Grantham shows diligence
and perserverance in putting together a most concise and sequentially
logical method for the teaching and study of jazz improvisation. I am
impressed with his clarity and emphasis on outlining musical tools
which aid in the conceptual development of an individual seeking their
own signature and musical stories. This book works equally well aa a
college text and/or self-study method.
Larry Ridley, Jazz Artist and Educator, Bass
"This is a wonderful
way to learn the inner workings of jazz. It's almost zen-like in it's
approach: Although you'll think you aren't "getting it", you
are! When you start playing, some amazing things come up."
Jack Ronan, Keyboards
"Jim Grantham
has created a method that is a virtual PASSKEY to the understanding of
harmonic relationships, melody techniques, and practical
improvisation. Thanks to the METHOD, I now have the tools with which
to develop my own personal style."
Jerry Sullivan, Piano
"I am writing this letter to tell you
how pleased I am with the JAZZMASTER WORKOUT program, and impressed
with the 'system' for learning that you have developed. This 'system',
--allows musicians of all levels of expertise (including beginners) to
learn to improvise and play what they hear and feel, not just what
they know, and to understand the musical concepts behind what they
play.
I have taught on the Doctoral and Post-Doctoral level for twenty
years. I am struck by your organization of information; how easy it is
in practice to move from the Music Theory text to the Improvisation
Practice Method text, to the fully integrated tapes and back again.
Each unit continually reinforces the information in the others,
multiplying their effectiveness and the educational return for the
student.
I have never seen anything quite like it. Certainly the system is on
its own educational level, not to be compared to the many 'how to'
music books that clog the stores. You have created a unique, efficient
and productive system. As one educator to another, I congratulate
you!"
Michael Korman DPS, MS, FICD, Saxophone
"The Workout method works very well for me. It is concise and not
cluttered with incomprehensible exercises. It allows you to develop
your own practice routine within the context of the workout. It is
neither too general nor too regimented. The tapes are great to play
over and really get me started."
Thomas Randall, Guitar
Jim's method has given me a way of maximizing my limited practice
time. Everything in the method has a purpose and is related to playing
jazz. The method is well organized and easy to follow. It seems to
pull together many aspects of practicing jazz into one practice
method. You can see yourself progress as well!"
Mike Waters, Saxophone
"I think it's a fantastic system! - particularly the 'key of the
week'. It has really helped me to focus and not be overwhelmed and yet
there is an undercurrent of excitement in that I can see that -- I
will be able to honestly call myself a musician; speak the language;
create some beauty in the world with other folks through
music."
Kerry Parker, Violin
"I have been searching for a method of learning jazz harmony for
two years and have purchased about 40 or 50 dif-ferent jazz books and
lessons from three jazz piano teachers.
I finally found in Jim Grantham's "The JAZZMASTER COOKBOOK"
not only a very thorough method of learning jazz piano, but an
extremely thorough method of learning music as a composer. I'm 59
years old and very grateful for this method.
Phillip Hoffert, Piano
"Jim Grantham's approach to improvisation is comprehensive: the
text, workbook and audio tapes provides both student and teacher a
structured framework for playing and teaching jazz."
Bob Calonico, UC Berkeley Jazz Ensembles
"I am pleased to recommend the excellent jazz instruction course
by Jim Grantham. As a classically trained pianist, I find the series
of tapes and accompanying textbooks to be extremely valuable; it is
certainly the best method for learning jazz improvisation skills that
I have ever seen.
The JAZZMASTER WORKOUT Theory textbook is very clearly written and
presents a comprehensive approach, from beginning to advanced
concepts. Key points are emphasized in bold print along he side of
each page, adding to the easy readability of this book.
The JAZZMASTER WORKOUT Workbook gives students a way to reinforce the
material presented in the theory text through filling out lessons in
all keys. The cassette tapes are an especially useful tool for
learning to improvise while simultaneously applying concepts from the
textbook.
The method is quite enjoyable and offers valuable information for
musicians of all levels."
Diana S. Perry, Piano
In the JAZZMASTER WORKOUT, Jim Grantham has developed a comprehensive
program for learning to play improvised music. The Workout not only
provides a thorough explanation of jazz harmony and theory, but
provides the student with a structured practice routine which allows
him or her to take an organized approach to learning.
Herein lies the major strength of the Workout as a methodology for the
study of improvisation and what allows it to stand out above other
techniques or textbook treatments. Many beginning or even intermediate
improvisers experience frustration with exactly how to approach the
learning or improvement of their skills. Much of the instruction given
today is vague, incomplete, aloof, and intimidating.
There probably isn't a student who hasn't been given the daunting task
to "memorize this lick-- then play it in all 12 keys." The
Workout moves beyond this type of superficial instruction by providing
the student with a set of "tools" (practice routines and
exercises) which are applied in a systematic manner to common chord
changes and tunes. These tools, when played with a set of 12 cassette
practice tapes not only develop technical proficiency on the
instrument, but reinforce critical ear training concepts. The result
is a confident student with a definite place to start, a clear
direction of study, and the ability to create original improvised
melodies at a very early stage of study.
It's clear after studying with the JAZZMASTER WORKOUT that Jim
Grantham has a genuine interest in jazz education. Underlying his
presentation is an appreciation for specific problems and roadblocks
students often encounter learning improvisation and instrumental
technique. One gets a reassuring feeling that Jim has wrestled with
these same problems himself and shares with you successful,
straight-forward techniques for working through them.
Based on my personal experience and success, I highly recommend the
JAZZMASTER WORKOUT."
Nick Paliao, Saxophone
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