Which Jazz Piano Book is Right for You?

[@joesauvage1165]

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!

[@JeremySiskind]

You're the best, Joe! You're my one-man unpaid publicity team. I really appreciate it!

[@luciusblackmail8129]

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.

[@JeremySiskind]

Thanks very much, Lucius! I'm very grateful!

[@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.

[@Sn00ze]

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!

[@JeremySiskind]

Awesome! I'm so happy that you're enjoying the learning!

[@simonezanella5953]

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.

[@JeremySiskind]

Thanks so much for the nice note, Simone! I'm really glad you like the books!

[@tenacious2224]

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.

[@JeremySiskind]

I'm so happy to hear that! That was really my goal - to take the "guesswork" out of the hands of the student and the teacher. I'm glad it's resonating with you!

[@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 :)

[@JeremySiskind]

Wow, thanks for watching and sticking with me. Hopefully you learned something new, or at least enjoyed the journey?

[@rickgoulburn4498]

Totally agree

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

If you make a living by selling something you own or made, that does make you a capitalist. It's amusing that instead of concluding that there is nothing wrong with being a capitalist, you feel impelled to deny the facts.

[@JeremySiskind]

@@sheilamacdougal4874 sure! By literal definition, anybody who selling anything on is engaging in capitalism. I’m talking about here is a way of creating content and art that is only calibrated to elevate a “Brand” that is meant to funnel people into some sort of a scheme for monetizing them at higher and higher levels. Yes, I do want people to buy my books so that I can earn a living, but I also want some people to just enjoy learning from these videos so that they can enjoy their time at the piano and I also just want to make art to make art and give it to people as a gift too. Some of these videos are also really just for me to work out some ideas and get feedback.

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

@@JeremySiskind I think what you're doing is wonderful, and I know I speak for others when I say not only that I'm grateful but that I consider myself very fortunate to be alive and playing jazz at a time when you are making these amazing videos available. I was answering the guy who felt the need to deny that what you do is capitalist on grounds that you're "making a living", which doesn't correspond to any economist' definition of capitalism. I have no problem recognising that many capitalists do wonderful things that make our lives better. Nothing "uncool" about it. But yes, I take your separate point that what you do goes far beyond the profit motive (unlike, say, your typical capitalist). If anything, these fantastic videos undermine some of your book sales because they give cheapskates like me so much to work on completely free. And yes, there is artistry in all of it.

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Capitalist Oinker. Thank you, Jeremy ⭐😎🌹

[@JeremySiskind]

That's me! 🐷 🐷 🐷 🐷 🐷

[@-overdooo-]

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

[@JeremySiskind]

I hope I answered it. Feel free to let me know if you have any followups.

[@88-fingers79]

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.

[@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.

[@JeremySiskind]

Awesome! I’m glad you found the right book for you!

[@rickgoulburn4498]

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

[@JeremySiskind]

I’m honored! Thanks for checking out the material and taking it seriously. Enjoy!!!

[@sylviacantumusicalideas2468]

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

[@gabrielvalientepartida3876]

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.

[@JeremySiskind]

Hola Gabriel! Gracias por la nota y por usar mis libros. Estamos trabajando en los próximos libros y algunos videos de KZbin en español. Gracias por tu paciencia y entusiasma!

[@DodiSena]

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

[@JeremySiskind]

No idea! I’ve never heard of it!

[@jacklynam5653]

All jazz piano book is right fpr me

[@JeremySiskind]

That's the attitude! 😃 Just make sure you do the practicing work. 😜

[@mfurman]

Thank you very much Jeremy. I listened very carefully to your advice and I already knew that you recommend learning to play in a group (or with backing tracks) before playing jazz solo. Does it also equally apply to someone who would never even think of playing with others and has experience of playing Bach Preludes, Eric Satie and some sonatinas? In other words, will that person be able to learn from Jazz Piano Solo and just reference book one and three? Capitalist pig (if I heard correctly) Thank you, Michael

[@JeremySiskind]

You don't have to play those pieces, but you have to acquire the same skills that you would get from playing those pieces (two-handed coordination, tonal control, pedal control, the ability to read music fluently, etc.). Honestly, I'm not sure how I would lead a student there without using classical repertoire...which isn't to say there aren't ways, I just wouldn't personally know what to recommend.

[@mfurman]

@@JeremySiskind Thank you again for your great insights, Jeremy. I do play the pieces, I mentioned.

[@grantkondo]

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

[@JeremySiskind]

You're the best, Grant! 🐽🐽🐽🐽

[@humblemai2211]

😅😅😅thanks a lot

[@JeremySiskind]

Thanks for being such a great supporter of this channel, Mai!

[@josephadjei8962]

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

[@JeremySiskind]

Hi Joseph, Thanks for your interest! My channel's probably not the right place for you with that subject. I'd search for a different KZbin channel to help you with note reading (you might also want to try the free Duolingo music app. It's kind of fun!)

[@josephadjei8962]

@@JeremySiskind thanks

[@PianoJules]

I’m in the UK and bought Jazz Fundamentals books 1, 2 and 3 in one volume from Amazon a month ago. It’s going to keep me occupied for years, I’m hoping it will wean me off sheet music. At the moment the only things I can play without a score are scales and arpeggios. Thank you for the videos, especially the ones linked to Abby Whiteside and Sophia Rosoff.

[@JeremySiskind]

That’s so nice! And any fan of Sophia/Abby is a friend of mine. Good luck with your practicing (and I hope that package of the 3 books together isn’t too unwieldy!)

[@PianoJules]

@@JeremySiskind I bought a copy of Abby’s book the one including “mastering the Chopin études” from eBay. I’m reading it very slowly but finding it very difficult to interpret. I am very thankful for your explanation of “outlining”. The three books in one is quite cumbersome but I could only get books 1 and 3 as paper copies at the time. I prefer a physical book to pdf versions.

[@robinbalean958]

I don't think you are a capitalist pig! Your books are great value. I bought the 4 book package a few weeks back and it will take me years to work through it all. My background is sort of the opposite of what it should be - I am already very familiar with playing jazz and improvising as a trumpeter, but I am pretty new to piano. I know a great deal of music theory, but struggle with having to play with two hands, especially when they have to do different things rhythmically. My treble clef reading is OK for single notes, my bass reading is bad. I can find basic voicings of any chord from chord symbols reasonably quickly, though changing between them is often tricky. My fingering and overall technique is clumsy. I'm sure all this will get better after a while, but maybe if you are looking for a topic for your next book or video, maybe you could do one about transitioning to piano from other instruments!

[@JeremySiskind]

I’m so glad you find them valuable, Robin! Enjoy your learning journey and I hope you find a lot of pleasure in your progress!

[@humblemai2211]

😅😅more book from you please

[@JeremySiskind]

I'll get working. I've got some things in mind. 😉

[@kykwan49]

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.

[@JeremySiskind]

Hi there. Thanks for buying the book! I’m sorry that’s happening to you, but that’s never anything that I’ve heard of before, so I’m afraid the problems probably on your end rather than mine. Make sure your volume is turned up and that each individual is not muted.

[@kykwan49]

It just started working ! :- ). Thank uou.

[@kingyerghin7025]

Hi Jeremy, I’ve been working through this book for about 4 hours a day (Summer vacation!). At this rate I’ll probably finish the book in much less than 6 months but am still doing about 20 hours per unit. Is this okay or do I need that amount of time for the material to sink in fully ?

[@PianoWeekends.-.68]

🐷 ❤ 🐖 ❤ It’s actually quite helpful to hear about the content from the author’s perspective. I also highly recommend the Fullerton College online courses. There’s nothing like it in anywhere in the world. What you need is a thoughtful structure and community of classmates as well as a deeply caring teacher like Jeremy.

[@JeremySiskind]

That’s so nice!!! Thank you for this - it’s lovely to hear!

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

So are they the same price on your website as Amazon?

[@JeremySiskind]

I do believe so!

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

@@JeremySiskind Ok, I'll check. My apologies for buying two of them on Amazon.

[@nickrees4706]

Very helpful. Oink, oink!🐷

[@JeremySiskind]

I'm very glad, Nick! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelwilliamson248]

I own 2 of your books but find it sad you have to “hawk your wares” this way.

[@hussstuart]

Helping with the algorithm for the capitalist pigs, but hey we've all got together survive

[@JeremySiskind]

Haha, thank you! Let's sell some books! 💰 🐷

[@paulr494]

Oink Oink

[@JeremySiskind]

🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖