Bratt, Renata

IAJE String Caucus

Zeitlin, Paula

English

Wellesley College

Wellesley College
Wellesley College Digital Scholarship and Archive
Faculty Research and Scholarship
2001
Jazz for String Players: A bibliography
Paula Zeitlin
pzeitlin@wellesley.edu
Renata Bratt
IAJE String Caucus
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Recommended Citation
Zeitlin, Paula, & Renata Bratt. Jazz for string players: a bibliography. 2001
Jazz for String Players 
A bibliography by Renata Bratt and Paula Zeitlin for the IAJE String Caucus 
 
Contents 
Jazz History ..................................................................................................................................... 1 
Jazz Strings Instruction Books ........................................................................................................ 1 
Other Useful Methods and Jazz Studies, non-string specific.......................................................... 3 
Until you find a band: play-along recordings ................................................................................... 4 
Standard Equipment: Fakebooks .................................................................................................... 5 
Arrangements for Jazz String Ensembles by Publisher .................................................................. 5 
  
 
Here is the format used for an individual 
entry: 
title 
author(s) 
publisher 
comment 
Jazz History 
Mark Chung's Jazz Strings website contains 
a fine bibliography, discography, and a 
wealth of historical information. You can 
find it at: 
http://shoko.calarts.edu/~chung/jazzviolin.html 
 
In addition to biographies of individual 
musicians and to general books on jazz 
styles and periods, there are three very 
useful tape or CD sets: 
 
The Talking Violin (audiotape series) 
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman and Dr. Billy 
Taylor 
Improvised Music Collective, P.O. Box 495-
A, NYC, NY 10024 
This set of five tapes covers Blues Fiddle, 
Early Jazz Violin, String Bands, New Age 
Strings, and Violin of the Eighties. 
 
The Instrumental History of Jazz 
by Dr. Willie L. Hill, Jr. 
N2K Encoded Jazz, N2KE-10004, 1997 
This enhanced two-CD set is an excellent 
compilation of examples from different jazz 
periods. It will play on all stereos and most 
Macintosh and Windows computers. 
The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz 
Smithsonian 2100 
currently distributed by Rounder Records, 
Cambridge 
Jazz Strings Instruction Books 
A New and Innovative System for Learning 
to Improvise for Strings 
by David N. Baker 
Jamey Aebersold Jazz Inc., 1211 Aebersold 
Drive, New Albany, IN 47150 
1-800-456-1388 
A method for all strings by a master jazz 
educator. 
 
Stringed Instruments Improvisation, Vol. l 
(Violin and Viola) and Vol. II Cello and 
Bass) 
by David N. Baker 
Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing, 1976 
All levels. 
 
Salsa Violin: How to Play Salsa, Charanga 
and Latin Jazz Violin 
by Sam Bardfeld 
Gerard& Sarzin 
Features the history of the violin's role in 
Afro-Cuban music, discussion of technique 
and clavé, transcription and analysis of 16 
solos by major artists, with a CD of the solos 
and play-along tracks. 
Jazz for String Players, a bibliography page 2 
Jazz Improvisation Made Easy 
by John Blake and Jody Harmon 
1993 
Box 186, 301 Littleton Rd., Westford, MA 
Intermediate levels. For violin, viola and 
cello. Book and CD with four sections, each 
with a jazz composition, scale patterns, call 
and response, improvised solo by John 
Blake, solo transcription, and play-along 
track. Each section uses a different major 
scale, so that students can improvise 
immediately. Both swing and Latin styles 
are included. 
 
Fiddling Chord Book 
by Craig Duncan 
Mel Bay Publishing 
Helpful guide to chord voicings for the 
violinist. 
 
Jazz Violin 
by Matt Glaser and Stephane Grappelli 
New York: Oak Publications, 1981 
History, discography, and transcribed solos 
of six great violinists. Intermediate and 
advanced. 
 
Jazz Chord Studies for Violin 
by Matt Glaser and Joe Viola 
Boston: Berklee College of Music, 1984 
Intermediate-advanced studies and etudes. 
 
Creative Ability Development (for violin, 
viola, cello, or piano) 
by Alice Kay Kanack 
Summy-Birchard Inc./Warner Brothers 
Publications 
Entry-level/beginning improvisation method 
using jazz, blues, Latin, and classical styles, 
with accompanying CD. 
 
Improvisation for Children 
by Alice Kay Kanack 
Warner Brothers 
Book and CD method for pre-schoolers, 
contains 27 different songs and games to 
help children expand their creative musical 
abilities. 
Reading Key Jazz Rhythms 
by Fred Lipsius with Evan Price, violin 
Advance Music, 1997 
Distributed by Sher Music Co., P.O. Box 
445, Petaluma, CA 94953 
A book and two CD set of jazz etudes based 
on blues and jazz standards, each 
emphasizing an important jazz rhythm. 
Includes play-along tracks. Other versions 
are available for other instruments. Use 
trombone version for bass clef readers. 
 
Blues Fiddle 
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman 
New York: Oak Publications 
History of blues fiddle and tunes "in the 
style of". Beginner-intermediate. Good 
discography. 
 
Improvising Violin (revised ed.) 
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman 
Huiksi Music, Box495, NYC, NY 10024 
Also available as instructional audio series 
through Homespun Tapes: 1-800-33-
TAPES. 
A survey of improvised violin styles. 
 
Tonic to Chromatic, Tonal Structural 
Patterns of Stringed Instruments Tuned in 
4ths and 5ths. Vol. IV--Violoncello 
by Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson 
Johnsong Music, P.O. Box 3646, Napa, CA, 
www.johnsong.com 
Basic jazz theory and a lexicon of intervals, 
chords, and scale forms as they fit on the 
cello fingerboard. 
 
The Jazz Fiddle Wizard 
by Martin Norgaard 
Mel Bay Publishers 
A step-by-step jazz violin instruction book 
and CD. For intermediate/advanced 
violinists. This method teaches 
improvisational patterns by using tunes and 
chords from standard jazz repertoire. 
Jazz for String Players, a bibliography page 3 
Jazz Philharmonic 
by Randy Sabien and Bob Phillips 
Alfred Publishers 
For string orchestra students who are 
learning their instruments and/or at the same 
time learning basic jazz concepts. Each of 
the books presents original tunes with 
interchangeable parts, backgrounds, bass 
lines, and solos. Any combination of string 
instruments will work using this format. 
Beginning improvisation is handled with 
preparatory rhythms, scales, call-and-
response, with musical listening examples 
on the accompanying CD (purchased 
separately). 
 
Jazz Cello, Viola, or Violin, a book and CD 
by Chris White with Amy Merrill 
Cello Works, 501 Linn St., Ithaca, NY 
14850 
Toll free (877) 665-5815 (phone/fax with 
credit card) or 
www.newdirectionscello.com (go to 
"Store") 
Three jazz tunes (blues, jazz standard, and 
Latin) are featured in this method for strings. 
Includes good advice on improvisational 
techniques (note choices, accompaniment 
patterns, etc) and jazz string history. 
Other Useful Methods and Jazz 
Studies, non-string specific 
There are hundreds of jazz methods books, 
etude books, and transcriptions, but a few 
we have found very useful and clear are: 
 
The Charlie Parker Omnibook, bass or 
treble clef 
by Jamey Aebersold and Ken Slone 
The great alto saxophone player's 
transcribed solos. Excellent for the advanced 
string player as jazz etudes and source of 
ideas. 
 
Improvisational Patterns: the Blues 
by David Baker 
New York, Colin Publishers, 1980 
An important jazz educator (and cellist), 
Baker has many more books, distributed 
through Aebersold. 
How to Play Bebop, for all instruments, 
vol.1-3 
by David Baker 
Alfred Publishing Co. Inc., 16380 Roscoe 
Blvd. POB 10003, Van Nuys, CA 91410 
A set of books for intermediate through 
advanced improvisers wishing to learn basic 
"bebop licks". 
 
Inside Improvisation Series: Vol. I Melodic 
Structures, Vol. 2 Pentatonics, Vol. 3 Jazz 
Live 
by Jerry Bergonzi 
Advance Music. 
Each comes with CD. 
 
How to Improvise 
by Hal Crook 
Advance Music, 199l 
Includes 2 CDs. A very clearly organized 
methods book, covering almost all 
improvisational topics. 
 
Approaching the Standards, Jazz 
Improvisation Series Vol. 1-3. Treble Clef or 
Bass Clef book and CD 
by Dr. Willie L. Hill, Jr. 
Warner Bros. Publications 
A very friendly format for any instrument, 
these three books each feature eight classic 
jazz tunes with accompaniment, 
discography, and composer information. 
Nice jazz language examples for each piece 
as well as very clear chord charts are 
included. Recommended for good junior 
high players and above. 
 
Teaching Jazz, A Course of Study 
by the International Association of Jazz 
Educators 
MENC, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, 
VA 20191-4348 
A basic book for all teachers interested in 
teaching improvisation. Particularly useful is 
the chapter on jazz in general music, with 
many ideas for incorporating 
improvisational concepts when teaching 
young children. 
Jazz for String Players, a bibliography page 4 
Ten Easy Jazz Duets (for C instruments or 
Bass Clef) 
by John LaPorta with Greg Nielsen 
Miami: Warner Bros. Publications, 1996 
Beginner-intermediate, with CD. Good for 
learning to read jazz rhythms. 
 
The Jazz Theory Book 
by Mark Levine 
Sher Music Co., PO Box 445, Petaluma, CA 
A 552 page book written in a 
straightforward and easy to understand style, 
with many musical examples. It starts with 
the basics and moves on. For teachers, 
advanced high school and college students. 
 
A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony 
and Melody 
by David Liebman 
Advance Music,1991 
An ear-opening approach for experienced 
improvisers, and a classic. Includes CD of 
examples and practice tracks. 
 
Comprehensive Technique for Jazz 
Musicians 
by Bert Ligon 
Houston Publishing Inc. distributed by Hal 
Leonard 
Very useful for musicians with basic 
understanding of jazz tunes and materials. 
 
Muy Caliente 
by Rebeca Mauleon 
Sher Music, 1999 
Afro-Cuban play-along CD and book with 
great rhythm section. Stereo separation for 
cello/bass. See also Mauleon's Salsa 
Guidebook and 101 Montunos (with CDs) 
for thorough exploration of this style, also 
published by Sher Music. 
 
14 Blues and Funk Etudes, (for C 
instruments), with two CDs 
by Bob Mintzer 
Warner Bros. Publications. (Aebersold dist.) 
Etudes and jam tracks, intermediate & fun! 
 
Until you find a band: play-along 
recordings 
Again, these are only a few of many play-
along materials available. (alas, viola 
players have to read treble or bass) 
 
A New Approach to Jazz Improvisation 
by Jamey Aebersold 
Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc., P.O. Box 1244, 
New Albany, IN, 47150 
1-800-456-1388 
More than 90 volumes of a book plus CD or 
tape. These are the most popular play-along 
books, with a complete rhythm section 
playing several choruses of each tune, 
giving you a chance to take long solos. The 
books cover blues, jazz standards, Latin 
jazz, contemporary jazz, and jazz by specific 
composers. The best ones for beginning and 
intermediate players are: 
 
Vol. 2 Nothin' But Blues 
blues in several keys, tempos 
Vol. 24 Major and Minor 
for scale pattern work using different 
jazz rhythms 
Vol. 42 Blues in All Keys 
self- explanatory 
Vol. 54 Maiden Voyage 
jazz standards and modal tunes 
Vol. 70 Killer Joe 
standards 
 
Books of transcribed bass lines are available 
for all volumes. 
 
New Real Book Play-Alongs 
Sher Music Co, Petaluma, CA 
Intermediate. This is a series of three 
CDs/tapes, each with ten songs, from the 
New Real Book Volume I (a popular "fake 
book" for jazz improvisers). They are: Jazz 
Classics, Jazz Standards, and Pop-Fusion. 
Also, play-along CD for tunes from The 
Latin Real Book. 
Jazz for String Players, a bibliography page 5 
Rock and Roll Backup 
Tape/CD 
Homespun Tapes 
1-800-33-TAPES 
It's not exactly jazz but it's a lot of fun. 15 
different rhythm grooves, several blues 
tunes. Homespun also carries videos by Matt 
Glaser, Darol Anger and Julie Lyonn-
Lieberman, and backup tracks for David 
Grisman's Dawg Grass/Jazz. 
Standard Equipment: Fakebooks 
If you're serious about playing jazz with all 
kinds of musicians, it's good to own a 
fakebook (melody and chord symbols only) 
that is used by lots of people. The oldest one 
is the Real Book (not legal nor always easy 
to get) but also useful are the New Real 
Book Vol. 1, 2 and 3, the Standards Real 
Book and The Latin Real Book, all 
published by Sher. 
Arrangements for Jazz String 
Ensembles by Publisher 
All include at least one section for 
improvisation. 
 
Alfred Publications 
Jazz Philharmonic 
by Randy Sabien and Bob Phillips 
Twelve original jazz compositions scored 
for any combination of stringed instruments. 
Available for Violin, Viola, Cello and 
Teachers Manual, including full score. 
Excellent for beginning strings, and 
beginning improvisers at any level. 
 
August Watters Music Publishing 
P.O. Box 180242, Boston, MA  
Publisher of arrangements of jazz standards 
for jazz string quartet. Write for complete 
listing. Intermediate-advanced. 
Compositions by Bert Ligon 
University of South Carolina, School of 
Music, Columbia, South Carolina 29208 
Original compositions arranged for jazz 
string quartet or string orchestra with a 
rhythm section, many based on standard jazz 
chord changes. Intermediate-advanced. 
Complete listing available with sample pdf 
files for viewing at: 
http://www.music.sc.edu/departments/jazz/J
azzStringsMusic.HTML 
 
E&R Music Engravers 
17 Iris Way, 
Haverhill, MA 01830-1595 
(978)373-2918 
eandr@eudoramail.com or 
www.angelfire.com/ma/eandr 
Publisher of originals and arrangements for 
jazz string quartet and jazz string ensembles 
by Miriam Rabson, as recorded by the 
Really Eclectic String Quartet (RESQ). 
Selections range from jazz standards to 
klezmer/jazz fusion. Write for complete 
listing. Intermediate-advanced. 
 
Fiddlistics Music 
POB 19297 
Oakland, CA 94619 
Publishers of originals and arrangements by 
Darol Anger, David Balakrishnan, Mark 
Summer, Tracy Silverman, and Danny 
Seidenberg, as recorded by the Turtle Island 
String Quartet and others. Includes pieces 
for solo cello, jazz string quartet, and jazz 
string orchestra. Useful performance notes, 
suggested solos and suggested bass lines are 
available as well. Styles include rock, R&B, 
fiddle/jazz fusion, jazz standards, and more. 
Intermediate-advanced. Some of these are 
now carried by Sher Publications. 
 
Huiksi Music 
P.O. Box 495 
New York, NY 10024 
Publishers of originals and arrangements by 
Julie Lyonn Lieberman, including suite for 
strings and rhythm section. 
 
Jazz for String Players, a bibliography page 6 
Note: there are other arrangements for jazz 
band and combos with string sections which 
do not include string improvisation. Many of 
these have been out of print for many years, 
but are gradually coming back into 
circulation. 
 
There are also new arrangements for 
improvising strings which are available over 
the internet. You can use the information 
presented here as the starting point for a 
search. Here's how: use your favorite search 
engine (google.com is a particularly good 
one) and enter the name of one of the 
authors or the title of one of the 
publications; you should then see a list of 
related items. 


Jazz for String Players: A bibliography

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Jazz for String Players: A bibliography

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