If you are looking for a PDF version, remember that many sites offering "free" copies are often unofficial. Supporting the author by purchasing a physical copy or a legal e-book (like via Sher Music Co.) is always the best way to keep these resources available for the next generation of players! AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Some educators note that Levine focuses heavily on chord/scale theory, which can sometimes lead students to play scalar lines rather than lyrical, motif-driven solos. It is best paired with a deep study of jazz phrasing and rhythm. Final Thoughts
Published in 1989 by Sher Music Co., The Jazz Piano Book is widely considered the gold standard for intermediate to advanced jazz pianists. Unlike method books that teach you songs , Levine’s book teaches you a language .
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to helping pianists move away from clunky, root-position chords. Levine introduces: mark levine the jazz piano bookpdf
| Chapter | Title / Topic | Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Ch. 1 | | A refresher on the essential building blocks of music. | | Ch. 2 | The Major Modes and II-V-I | Introducing modes and the most essential progression in jazz. | | Ch. 3 | Three-Note Voicings | Getting started with simple, effective chords for the left hand. | | Ch. 4 | Sus and Phrygian Chords | Techniques for creating modern, modal sounds. | | Ch. 5 | Adding Notes to Three-Note Voicings | Building richer, more complex harmonies from a basic foundation. | | Ch. 6 | Tritone Substitution | Exploring the classic jazz harmonic device for creating motion. | | Ch. 7 | Left-Hand Voicings | Focused study on chord voicings for the left hand, a core skill. | | Ch. 8 | Altering Notes in Left-Hand Voicings | Adding tension and color with chord alterations. | | Ch. 9 | Scale Theory | Deep dive into major, melodic minor, diminished, and whole-tone scale harmony. | | Ch. 10 | Putting Scales To Work | Practical application of scales in improvisation. | | Ch. 11 | Practicing Scales | Effective strategies for scale practice. | | Ch. 12 | So What Chords | Analyzing the iconic modal voicings from Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue." | | Ch. 13 | Fourth Chords | Building chords using intervals of fourths for a modern sound. | | Ch. 14 | Upper Structures | An advanced concept for playing altered dominant chords. | | Ch. 15 | Pentatonic Scales | Applying the ubiquitous five-note scale to jazz improvisation. | | Ch. 16 | Voicings, Voicings, Voicings | A workshop for a myriad of two-handed chord voicings. | | Ch. 17 | Stride and Bud Powell Voicings | Historical and essential left-hand techniques for comping. | | Ch. 18 | Four-Note Scales | Exploring scales built in fourths for soloing. | | Ch. 19 | Block Chords | The signature sound of lush, harmonized melodies (the "George Shearing" style). | | Ch. 20 | Salsa and Latin Jazz | Tapping into Levine's deep expertise in Afro-Cuban piano styles. | | Ch. 21 | 'Comping | Essential skills for accompanying a soloist. | | Ch. 22 | Loose Ends | Assorted, essential topics that don't fit elsewhere. | | Ch. 23 | Practice, Practice, Practice | A philosophy for effective and inspiring practice routines. |
Most piano methods focus on simple scales and repetitive drills. Levine takes a different approach by teaching you how to like a jazz musician. He uses transcriptions from legends like Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, and Bud Powell to illustrate complex concepts. Key Pillars of the Book Intervals and Triads: The building blocks of harmony.
Simply put, if you want to sound like a professional, The Jazz Piano Book is non-negotiable. If you are looking for a PDF version,
Compatibility with Bluetooth page-turning foot pedals for uninterrupted practice. The Reality of Digital Versions
Many students search online for digital formats of this textbook using phrases like "mark levine the jazz piano book pdf." While digital formats can offer excellent portability for practicing on a tablet or iPad right at the music stand, purchasing an authorized copy is highly recommended.
By mastering these relationships, improvisers instantly unlock the correct note choices for any given harmonic landscape. 3. The Power of Fourth Intervals (Quartal Voicings) Learn more Some educators note that Levine focuses
Whether you are a classical pianist looking to break free from sheet music, a producer wanting to inject sophisticated jazz harmonies into your tracks, or a hobbyist jazz player looking to elevate your comping, Mark Levine's The Jazz Piano Book is an unparalleled roadmap. It bridges the gap between creative intuition and harmonic theory, remaining an indispensable masterpiece for generations of musicians.
If you are serious about moving past basic triads, understanding the internal mechanics of modal jazz, and developing a sophisticated, professional harmonic palette on the piano, The Jazz Piano Book remains an absolute prerequisite for your musical journey.
Levine also wrote "The Jazz Theory Book," a companion volume. While there is some overlap, the Jazz Piano Book "is a little more detailed in voicings and comping, while the 'theory' book is a plethora of melodic information," as noted in a Piano World forum. The Theory Book focuses solely on harmony, reharmonization, and melody, but doesn't cover physical piano technique. Many musicians find value in owning both.
The book is under active copyright, published by Sher Music Co., and is not in the public domain. Downloading a full copy without payment is a direct violation of copyright law.
Keep a streaming service playlist ready. When Levine references a specific Herbie Hancock comping pattern on a Wayne Shorter album, stop reading and listen to that exact track.