Jazz Piano from Scratch: A How-To Guide for Students and Teachers

Jazz Piano from Scratch by Charles Beale is a structured beginner piano method designed for students, self-learners, and teachers who want a clear, step-by-step introduction to jazz piano. This instructional sheet music book presents essential concepts through approachable, engaging lessons, helping new players build confidence while developing a solid foundation in jazz style and technique.

Created specifically for complete beginners, the method breaks down jazz fundamentals into manageable steps supported by clear musical examples. It combines practical playing skills with core theory, making it suitable for both guided lessons and independent learning while keeping the experience musically rewarding from the start.

The book includes a wide range of carefully developed materials to reinforce understanding and build practical skills. Inside, players will find standard notation with chord symbols, guided exercises, scales, short studies, and aural activities that strengthen both technique and listening ability. The included online audio enhances the experience with demonstrations, play-along elements, and trio accompaniments that help bring each concept to life in a real musical context.

As skills develop, the method naturally connects theory to performance, helping players understand how jazz works while encouraging personal expression at the keyboard. The combination of structured lessons and recognizable repertoire keeps motivation high, allowing learners to experience authentic jazz styles early in their progress.

Song List
All Blues * Bags' Groove * Barrelhouse Blues * C-Jam Blues * Chameleon * The Girl From Ipanema * I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free * I'm Beginning to See the Light * In a Silent Way * Killer Joe * Mambo Country * One Note Samba * The Peanut Vendor * Prove You Groove * Song For My Father * Take The A Train

This is real recognition that jazz has equal musical value to the whole of the Western classical tradition, says Richard Michael (jazz musician and music teacher). Unlike others who pay ample lip-service to this fact, the Associated Board is putting its money where its mouth is. * The Scotsman * . . . brilliant, lucid and thorough going. * Piano * Jazz Piano From Scratch is a much needed and very intelligently organized book for the beginning student or jazz piano teacher. I think it will inspire students to practice and continue study since the exercises are quite a lot of fun! * Randy Brecker *