Jazz and Blues for Piano: A Beginner’s Guide

Jumping into the world of jazz and blues can be an exhilarating experience for beginners who play the piano. These genres offer a rich tapestry of rhythmic complexity and emotional depth that can engage and inspire. However, it's important to understand that the level of difficulty depends on your current proficiency. Let's explore some excellent choices for beginners looking to explore jazz and blues on piano.

Level Determination for Piano Beginners

First, it's crucial to determine your current level of expertise. Some basic skills to consider include:

Understanding what a swing beat is Being able to play scales in most major and minor keys at a moderate tempo (around 70-80 BPM)

Beginner-Friendly Resources

For early beginners, there are several structured resources that can help you gradually build your skills. One highly recommended series is Faber’s “Jazz and Blues series.” This collection is structured into four levels, progressing from "PreTime" to "PlayTime," then "ShowTime," and finally "BigTime." Each level builds on the last, offering a curriculum that is both comprehensive and enjoyable.

Faber’s Jazz and Blues Series

Starting with "PreTime," this level introduces the basics of playing and improvising in a jazz context. The series gets progressively more challenging, giving you a solid foundation to build upon. The "PlayTime," "ShowTime," and "BigTime" books provide more complex pieces and an introduction to the swing and stride styles that are hallmark of jazz piano.

Moving Onwards

Once you have a grasp of the basics, you may want to explore more specific repertoire. William Gillock’s “New Orleans Jazz Styles” series is an excellent choice for intermediate players. The series, which includes "More New Orleans Jazz Styles" and "Still More New Orleans Jazz Styles," offers a wide range of pieces, from simple to more challenging. Each book is complemented by simplified versions and duet arrangements, making them friendly for both solo and ensemble performances.

William Gillock’s Series

These books are perfect for intermediate players looking to refine their swing rhythm and expand their musical vocabulary. The pieces are arranged in a way that gradually increases in complexity, providing a well-rounded learning experience. The simplified versions and duet arrangements in the series make it easier to tackle more challenging pieces without feeling overwhelmed.

Classic Works from the 1950s and ‘60s

For a timeless taste of jazz piano, you might want to explore works by Stanford King. In the 1950s and '60s, King published a series of wonderful student pieces under titles like "Progressive Jazz for Juniors." Despite their dated covers, the compositions are highly regarded for their quality and sweetness. These pieces are a great way to appreciate the early jazz style and improve your skills at the same time.

Stanford King’s Compositions

While the compositions are from a bygone era, they offer a unique insight into the early days of jazz. The pieces are well-composed, and the tones are sweet and melodious, making them enjoyable to play. Even if you are a beginner, these compositions can provide a delightful challenge and a deep appreciation for the historical roots of jazz.

Conclusion

Whether you are a complete beginner or progressing to intermediate or advanced levels, jazz and blues offer a vast and versatile repertoire for piano. The resources mentioned in this guide—Faber’s series, William Gillock’s, and Stanford King’s compositions—provide a well-structured and engaging path to mastering these styles. So, pick up your piano, and start your jazz and blues journey today!