Books & Videos

JOY OF IMPROV, VOL 1 +2
Joy of Improv, by Dave Frank with John Amaral, is Hal Leonard’s top selling jazz instruction book series. It is currently being used as course material at universities and music schools worldwide, and is designed for players of all instruments as a way to develop the necessary foundation needed for a lifetime of blues and jazz improvisation.

Unlike many of the jazz instruction books on the market, JOI is a comprehensive curriculum for the aspiring improviser. Each book contains 26 lessons of graduated difficulty, and every lesson includes a technical exercise, loads of hip jazz voicings, a “solo pattern” for transposition, and an original blues tune and jazz line (based on a standard) written by Dave.

Each book includes an CD enhanced for PC and Mac containing valuable verbal teaching by Dave, and recordings of all the exercise and tunes.

Included as well is a unique discography of great jazz solos and 52 inspiring quotes from the jazz and blues greats.

“Not only will the JOY OF IMPROV approach work, but as the man says, it will be joyful!” - Lee Konitz

“If you’re a musician who really wants to stretch your creativity, JOY OF IMPROV is an excellent place to start” – Dr. Billy Taylor

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BREAKTHROUGH TO IMPROV DVD : THE SECRETS OF IMPROVISATION. 15 steps to musical freedom for all musicians.

BREAKTHROUGH TO IMPROV is a revolutionary one-hour video master class presented by DAVE FRANK, Berklee professor and author of the popular Hal Leonard book series JOY OF IMPROV.

BREAKTHROUGH is designed to give players of all instruments the experience of BREAKING THROUGH to the creative approach to improvising music.

The video presents a unique series of 15 steps towards musical freedom - each step includes a teaching section, playing demonstrations, and a “practice point”. BREAKTHROUGH is designed to be watched with instrument at hand – viewers learn a series of improv concepts that lead quickly to an ability to jam on a blues form. In addition, an accompaniment section is provided at the end of the video so students can “play along with Dave”.

Topics presented include:
Breaking free from the written page
The universal principles of improvisation
Feeling in Fours, the secret of improvising in the flow of rhythm
The improviser’s attitude
Developing “killer chops”

BREAKTHROUGH has been developed by Dave Frank on the basis of 30 years experience teaching aspiring improvisers on all instruments, and is guaranteed to get the viewer JAMMIN! Musicians with previous improv experience will find that BREAKTHROUGH contains unique concepts and techniques that will expand their improv ability. BREAKTHROUGH is also highly recommended for music teachers and professionals looking for a way to begin teaching improvisation to their students.

Dave Frank has just the kind of warm personality you’d want to find if you were just learning how to improvise. He takes you through the basics of a simple blues progression, giving you plenty of opportunities to play along, and plenty of ideas on how to explore your new skills. - KEYBOARD MAGAZINE

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