The Jazz Language

A Theory Text for Jazz Composition and Improvisation

By Dan Haerle

I too studied with Dan at the UNT. I was a classical music theory major but took all of Dan's courses that were open to me. This text has 14 chapters and a few appendices that are each just 2-4 pages long. But those few pages get straight...

to the point. He'll explain the a topic 3 or 4 times so that if the first explanation doesn't reach you, then you can bet the 2nd or 3rd will.Each chapter ends with study questions, then written, keyboard and ear-training exercises.The text starts simply enough with intervals. Yet quickly moves to triadic,7th and 13th chords, then modes of the major, harmonic minor and melodic minor scales, two chapters on chord substitution and function (standard and advanced), three and five note chord voicings, then altered, pentatonic and wrong note chord scales.This book has the perfect blend of economy and information. As a teacher Dan is potent yet down to Earth and this book reflects that. This book will stay with you forever. I've owned 3 copies!

Dan Haerle's college jazz textbook is a must have for the serious student of jazz composition and improvisation. I have personally studied with Dan at North Texas using this method book and have not seen any other text that would compare.