A practical approach to harmony of jazz and related forms of music for piano

Harmony of jazz and related forms of music – music that originated from the fusion of
European and African musical cultures on the American continent – is a very complex
subject.

Significant for these forms of music is the culture of improvisation and interpretation. A
melodic theme, created by the composer with a limited harmonic structure and annotated
with only a few chord symbols, has to be re-created into a complete musical product by the
performing musician or arranger (in this book both joined in the pianist), based on his own
interpretation, and – very important – without affecting the specific character of style nor
straining the ideas of the composer. This requires knowledge and insight, and a huge dose
of creativity and musicality as well.

This method is designed to make a complex but very interesting subject accessible in a
very practical way. It is aimed at those who, on account of study, profession or pure interest,
want to improve their knowledge and skills of harmony and chords in jazz and related
forms of music.

The author has opted for a methodical, constructive, and from the perspective of performance
very practical approach. Only when needed for a better understanding, some theoretical
support is included. The many examples in the book are a source of information. The
exercises guarantee a solid training, but will also invite the performer to make fascinating
and inspiring discoveries, thus challenging his creativity and further development.

Robert E. van der Linden is a composer, arranger, pianist and teacher. Crossing the dividing
lines between classical and non-classical music is an important element in his work as a
composer. Through his pioneering work in the 1970s, he instigated the development of musical
departments of jazz, pop and world music at the conservatoires in The Netherlands.
He was a professor of piano and composition at the Rotterdam conservatoire for more than
twenty years, and wrote several educational books for piano (www.robvdlindenmusic.com).