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10 best Jazz solos to learn (volume 1 - beginners)

Imagine the prospect of spending the next 3-4 months immersing yourself in the enjoyable daily practice of some of the greatest Jazz solos of all time.

Do you think this diet of learning would improve and deepen your understanding of

your jazz playing and improvisation?

Can you think of a better syllabus of fun material to play and study?

Throughout the 10 best jazz solos to learn course Jazzduets lovingly and passionately guides you on a transformative journey of learning, unlocking the secrets of these timeless musical masterpieces.

 Each solo is a masterpiece offering a unique window into the styles and techniques of some of the greatest jazz legends. From Miles Davis and Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong and Lester Young to Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond + many more, this collection spans eras and instruments, giving you a profound introduction to the jazz tradition.

Detailed list of solos here and the reasons they’re worth studying

Why This Course?

  • Each solo is a masterclass, played by the pioneers of jazz.
  • The carefully curated collection offers a variety of styles, instruments, and time periods, showcasing the diversity  and richness of jazz.
  • Solos are bite-sized and achievable, specifically chosen to set you up for learning success, no matter your instrument.
  • You will discover the"secrets" of what made these solos so special

Course Features

  • Beautifully designed and organised for optimal learning.
  • For All Instruments: Whether you play saxophone, trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Clarinet, piano, guitar or Bass, this course is designed to suit your instrument.
  • For Beginners: Ideal for newcomers to jazz who already have basic playing and music-reading skills.
  • Flexible schedule - learn at your own pace
  • Works on all devices : phones, tablets and computers etc

"Using an enjoyable and straightforward teaching style, this course introduces the novice improvisor to some of the most accessible and great solos of Jazz music"

 

What’s Included?

  • 10+ solos notated and synced in the amazing SoundSlice app (living music) for an interactive learning experience.
  • PDF transcriptions in multiple keys (Concert, Bb, Eb, Bass clef).
  • Meticulous and passionate Bar-by-bar analysis, provided in both written and video formats.
  • Distillation exercises—innovative workouts designed to help you best digest and incorporate the  jazz language of these great solos into your playing.
  • MP3 and MIDI play alongs of each solo, available in multiple keys.

 

Why Study These Solos?

Playing and understanding these solos will build a solid foundation for your jazz improvisation. Learning the language of the greats is a rite of passage for any aspiring jazz musician. Skipping this crucial stage is like building a skyscraper without a foundation—it won’t stand the test of time.

By the end of this course, you'll have acquired a deeper understanding of jazz articulation, rhythm, and motif development. You will also appreciate the hierarchy of jazz—how rhythm and style outweigh mere technical speed and flashy notes.

Course Breakdown

  • Module 1: The Solos - LIVE - listen to the solos here
    Immerse yourself in listening and playing these iconic solos - taking advantage of the amazing sound slice living music app. Deep learning begins with aural immersion. 
  • Module 2: In-Depth AnalysisLIVE - watch preview here
    A comprehensive, bar-by-bar breakdown of each solo, with meticulous onscreen video tutorials to help you understand the context and nuances of each note and phrase. Ultimately to consider why the musical language of these greats has become such an important part of the Jazz continuum
  • Module 3: Distillation ExercisesDelivered December 2024.This module is the perhaps the most crucial part of the course.

➡️ Let me explain why.⬅️

  1. The essence of every solo is distilled into a series of inspiring and creative exercises. These practical workouts are specifically crafted to assist you in mastering the particular language of each musical genius, allowing you to integrate it seamlessly into your own playing.
  2. Moreover, this module is where we combine and refine the work done in the previous two modules. You'll have access to play-alongs and demonstrations, making this a hands-on and practical experience

 

  • Module 4:  Takeaways + Learning in Different Keys
    We will consider the core commonalities in the 10 solos. What they have in common. As well you will practice with MIDI play alongs and learn to perform each solo in different keys to solidify your improvisational skills.

 

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What Problems Does This Course Solve?

Many newcomers to jazz face two main challenges:

  1. What to study?  2.How to study?

While all Jazz teachers agree that studying the solos of the greats is essential, there’s no consensus on which solos are the best starting point or the most effective way to approach them.

 This course addresses both issues by selecting solos that are inspiring, achievable, and diverse in their styles, providing a clear pathway for your learning journey.

Your Trusted Guide

Think of this course as a guided tour through the corridors of jazz history. With a seasoned mentor by your side, you will explore key details, nuances, and insights that would take years to uncover on your own. Each solo has historical significance, and as you progress, your appreciation for the music will deepen.

My Own Story

Over 40 years ago, I was a young and anxious saxophonist, eager to master modern complicated virtuosic jazz.  I  neglected through ignorance (and arrogance) to study the foundational recordings of the Jazz greats.

Now, at 58, I realise just how much I missed by not learning from the jazz greats at an earlier period in my development.

The 10 best solos course is my attempt to help you avoid the same mistake and wasted time.

Whether your aspirations in Jazz are modern or rooted in tradition, these solos will provide an essential groundwork for your musical journey - something solid on which to build and rely on year after year.


Musical appreciation

Jazz captivates millions with its sound, yet its true essence remains elusive to many listeners. This course is designed to unravel the intricate layers of 10 legendary jazz solos, bringing you closer to the heart of the music.

We will meticulously dissect the building blocks of each solo—exploring pitch, rhythm, and timbre to reveal their inner workings. As we peel back the layers, we’ll also place these masterpieces in their historical and cultural context, deepening your understanding of the artists who shaped them.

By the time we’ve finished, you’ll not only appreciate these solos with newfound clarity but also cultivate a deeper love for jazz as an art form.

At a Glance:

  •  🎥   State of the Art  Multimedia Musical Scores
  •  📚   Step by Step crystal clear Curriculum 
  •  🙂   Online at your own pace -  study at a Rhythm that is comfortable
  •  🖥  Watch on all devices - works on Tablet, phone +any computer
  •     Lifetime access -  Pay once and reference forever.
  •  ⬇️   Downloadable files - Download the files you want on your own device

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long is the course?

A. The minimum time to process and absorb all the information is estimated to be 4 months.  However considering the amount of material, perhaps a more realistic time frame is longer. But there is no hurry, the files are yours forever! Everyone is individual and should go at a pace that feels comfortable.

Q. How were the solos chosen?

A. The criteria was to pick the the most playable, bitsize, awesome solos that would inspire and motivate and provide the student with best chance of success The list of players is a who´s who of Jazz greats and  features a variety of styles + instruments and eras of jazz.


 Q. What is the sound slice software mentioned?

A.Soundslice  is a cutting edge software for learning music via interactive music notation. It  synchronises the audio to the score and allows you to slow down, loop, transpose and much more! It works on all devices! (You can always print all the music out as well if your prefer to)


Q. There is so much information, how will I keep organised and avoid feeling over whelmed?

A. Nick has distilled a huge amount of information down in to 4 beautifully  organised Modules with a coherent and clear learning path. Each module contains a list of classes to complete with a specific order that aids comprehension. 

 

Q. What level do I need to be able to use the course?

A. The course is aimed at musicians who already play and read but do not have much experience with Jazz improvisation.

 The soundslice software allows you to slow down the audio examples so that really makes the material practice friendly.

Q. Is the course instrument specific?

A. No, the course is suitable for most instruments. Concert, Bb, , Eb, Bass clef

Q. Can I join the course at any time?

A. Yes, absolutely! For the initial period each module will be delivered monthly. You can join the course any time after that and proceed at your own pace.

Q. why were these solos chosen?

  1. Playability:Each solo, while being iconic and definitive, is also approachable for Jazz students. None contain virtuosic passages or overly challenging demands, ensuring they remain accessible without diminishing their brilliance or importance
  2. Variety: This meticulously curated selection spans different instruments, styles, personalities, and eras of jazz, offering a diverse and enriching study experience for beginners.
  3. Length: Each solo is "bite-sized," meaning they are concise enough not to overwhelm students. Many great jazz solos are lengthy, which can be daunting for beginners. This collection is designed to avoid that.
  4. Classics: Every solo in this collection is a classic, widely regarded as iconic and foundational within jazz history.

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Here is a checklist so you can decide if the10 best Jazz solos to learncourse is suitable for you:

Firstly, lets start with the negative. The10 best solos course is NOT the right fit for you if:

🚫You don´t like analysing solos and discovering musical gems

🚫You want to learn Jazz improvisation without sustained study and application

🚫You are not interested in learning Authentic Jazz language (straight from the greats)

🚫You believe the solos in this collection are too easy and therefore have nothing to offer.

On the other side,  The10 best solos to learn course will be great for you if :

You want to dive deep in to the language of the greats and discover their “secrets”

You are dead serious about getting your Jazz improvisation together

You want to learn how to analyse and practice Jazz solos the right way!

You want a trusted study path to follow that will 100% guarantee results

You want to make new circuits in your brain- forging new synaptic connections.

 

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