Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble is an excellent method to introduce jazz playing to students with a year or two of playing experience. This method introduces young players to the basics of jazz style and improvisation, as well as basic jazz theory and historical highlights from this genre. Each book includes access to online full performance recordings and accompaniment tracks, allowing students to hear and play along with great examples of jazz playing.

Highlights of Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble:

•    Basics of swing-style are taught in a step-by-step approach using well-known songs

•    Improvisation is made easy by beginning this art with simple 2-measure phrases

•    Scales and basic theory are introduced in an easy to understand format

•    Online access is available for all exercises and performance pieces

•    Seven full jazz ensemble pieces are included, along with sample solos

•    Provides historical information about jazz and important jazz musicians

Performance pieces:

•    Ballin' The Jack

•    Boppin' Around great

•    Ja-Da

•    Jingle Bells

•    London Bridge

•    Riffin' Around

•    St. Louis Blues

•    Salsa Caliente

•    A-Tisket A-Tasket

•    When The Saints Go Marching In