There are countless Jazz Theory courses, tutorials, articles available online, but for some, having a book is still a necessity to learn. This is an up-to-date list of recommended books.
1. Jazz Theory, Second Edition (Textbook and Workbook Package): Jazz Theory: From Basic to Advanced Study (Volume 1) (2017)
Jazz Theory: From Basic to Advanced Study, Second Edition, is a comprehensive textbook for those with no previous study in jazz, as well as those in advanced theory courses. Written with the goal to bridge theory and practice, it provides a strong theoretical foundation from music fundamentals to post-tonal theory, while integrating ear training, keyboard skills, and improvisation. It hosts “play-along” audio tracks on a Companion Website, including a workbook, ear-training exercises, and an audio compilation of the musical examples featured in the book. Jazz Theory is organized into three parts: Basics,…
2. The Berklee Book of Jazz Harmony (2013)
(Berklee Guide). Learn jazz harmony, as taught at Berklee College of Music. This text provides a strong foundation in harmonic principles, supporting further study in jazz composition, arranging, and improvisation. It covers basic chord types and their tensions, with practical demonstrations of how they are used in characteristic jazz contexts and an accompanying recording that lets you hear how they can be applied. The price of this book includes access to audio tracks online, for download or streaming, using the unique code inside the book. The audio features PLAYBACK+, a…
3. Jazzology: The Encyclopedia of Jazz Theory for All Musicians (2005)
(Jazz Instruction). A one-of-a-kind book encompassing a wide scope of jazz topics, for beginners and pros of any instrument. A three-pronged approach was envisioned with the creation of this comprehensive resource: as an encyclopedia for ready reference, as a thorough methodology for the student, and as a workbook for the classroom, complete with ample exercises and conceptual discussion. Includes the basics of intervals, jazz harmony, scales and modes, ii-V-I cadences. For harmony, it covers: harmonic analysis, piano voicings and voice leading; modulations and modal interchange, and reharmonization. For performance, it takes…
4. The Jazz Language: A Theory Text for Jazz Composition and Improvisation (1982)
This text presents all of the materials commonly used by the jazz musician in a logical order dictated both by complexity and need. The book is not intended to be either an arranging or improvisation text, but a pedagogical reference providing the information musicians need to pursue any activity they wish….
5. Jazz Theory Resources: Volume 1 (2001)
(Jazz Book). Jazz Theory Resources is a jazz theory text in two volumes. Volume I (00030458, $39.95) includes: review of basic theory, rhythm in jazz performance, basic tonal materials, triadic generalization, diatonic harmonic progressions and harmonic analysis, substitutions and turnarounds, common melodic outlines, and an overview of voicings. Volume II (00030459, $29.95) includes: modes and modal frameworks, quartal harmony, other scales and colors, extended tertian structures and triadic superimposition, pentatonic applications, coloring “outside” the lines…
6. Jazz Composition: Theory and Practice (2003)
(Berklee Press). When you think of jazz composers, who comes to mind? Jelly Roll Morton, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bob Brookmeyer. This book is about what they (and many others) do. Jazz composition has evolved into a disciplined art that often evidences great emotional depth and breadth of sophistication. Berklee College of Music legend Ted Pease demystifies the processes involved in writing jazz tunes and in composing episodic and extended jazz works. Jazz Composition: Theory and Practice is a by-product of Pease’s 25 years of teaching jazz composition. The accompanying audio files help…
7. Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory, Complete 1-3: Book & 3 CDs (2005)
Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory is designed for jazz enthusiasts and musicians who want to learn jazz concepts and terminology. To get the most out of this course, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of basic theory, such as the lessons in Books 1-3 of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory. The book contains lessons with both written and music reading exercises and ear-training and listening are addressed through the included CDs. Each unit is complete with a review section. Playing and/or singing along with each example is encouraged throughout the book. Master…
8. Creative jazz improvisation (1989)
For courses in Jazz Improvisation. This well-organized text integrates all of the techniques that jazz musicians practice into a comprehensive whole. It covers practice patterns and scales in all keys and tempos, transcribing solos of master improvisers, learning the jazz repertoire, and playing with other musicians. Applicable to any instrument-or a classroom of varied instruments-the material in this book will be beneficial to students and professionals at all levels of proficiency….
9. Jazz Theory and Practice (1996)
Jazz Theory and Practice is the most modern introduction to jazz theory ever published. Rich with examples from the repertoire, it gives performers, arrangers and composers an in-depth and practical knowledge of the theoretical foundations of jazz. A CD-ROM is also available, providing supplemental exercises for ear-training and sight-reading practice, as well as tutorials that correspond to topics and examples in the text….
10. Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory Complete Self Study Course: A Complete Self Study Course for All Musicians (2006)
Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory is designed for jazz enthusiasts and musicians who want to learn jazz concepts and terminology. To get the most out of this course, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of basic theory, such as the lessons in Books 1-3 of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory. The book contains lessons with both written and music reading exercises and ear-training and listening are addressed through the included CDs. Each unit is complete with a review section. Playing and/or singing along with each example is encouraged throughout the book. The Self-Study Course…
11. Patterns for Jazz — A Theory Text for Jazz Composition and Improvisation: Bass Clef Instruments (1986)
Patterns for Jazz stands as a monument among jazz educational materials. Condensed charts and pertinent explanations are conveniently inserted throughout the book to give greater clarity to the application of more than 400 patterns built on chords and scales—from simple (major) to complex (lydian augmented scales)….
12. Jazz Theory Handbook (2015)
Jazz Theory Handbook is a complete guide to all the essential topics of jazz theory, suitable for all treble instruments. Its approach is clear and concise, realistic and practical. This book will help you to understand how contemporary jazz players think, and to apply theory concepts in your own playing. Subjects are introduced progressively, with each new one based on those introduced before. Topics include chord building, harmonic movement, modes, II-V-I licks, polychords, blues, rhythm changes, how to learn tunes, practice techniques, playing outside, and more. All of the book’s musical…
13. Jazz: The First 100 Years (2011)
Explore the development of jazz music from its nineteenth-century roots in blues and ragtime, through swing and bebop, to fusion and contemporary jazz styles. JAZZ: THE FIRST 100 YEARS gives you a true feel for the vibrant, ever-changing sound of jazz. Key terms, topics for discussion, and the jazz basics introduction help you master difficult concepts….
14. Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory, Teacher’s Answer Key: Book & 3 CDs (2006)
Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory is designed for jazz enthusiasts and musicians who want to learn jazz concepts and terminology. To get the most out of this course, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of basic theory, such as the lessons in Books 1-3 of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory. The book contains lessons with both written and music reading exercises and ear-training and listening are addressed through the included CDs. Each unit is complete with a review section. Playing and/or singing along with each example is encouraged…
Best Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook You
We highly recommend you to buy all paper or e-books in a legal way, for example, on Amazon. But sometimes it might be a need to dig deeper beyond the shiny book cover. Before making a purchase, you can visit resources like Genesis and download some jazz theory books mentioned below at your own risk. Once again, we do not host any illegal or copyrighted files, but simply give our visitors a choice and hope they will make a wise decision.
Jazz theory : from basic to advanced study
Author(s): Terefenko, Dariusz
Publisher: Routledge, Year: 2014, Size: 24 Mb, Download: epub
ID: 1426383
Jazz Theory Explained
Author(s): Julian Bradley
Publisher: Jazz Hero Books, Year: 2014, Size: 39 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 2151882
Improvisation, Creativity, and Consciousness: Jazz as Integral Template for Music, Education, and Society
Author(s): Edward Sarath
Publisher: State University of New York Press, Year: 2013, Size: 4 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 1203574
Improvisation, Creativity, and Consciousness: Jazz As Integral Template for Music, Education, and Society
Author(s): Wilber, Ken; Sarath, Ed; Wilber, Ken
Publisher: State University of New York Press, Year: 2013, Size: 6 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 1425981
Database Design and Relational Theory: Normal Forms and All That Jazz
Author(s): C.J. Date
Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Year: 2012, Size: 3 Mb, Download: epub
ID: 864266
Database design and relational theory : normal forms and all that jazz
Author(s): Chris J Date
Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Year: 2012, Size: 5 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 911532
Please note that this booklist is not final. Some books are truly hot items according to Chicago Tribune, others are drafted by unknown writers. On top of that, you can always find additional tutorials and courses on Coursera, Udemy or edX, for example. Are there any other relevant links you could recommend? Leave a comment if you have any feedback on the list.