Metaphors for the Musician

by Randy Halberstadt

(Consumer/Jazz). This book is a gold mine of insights into almost every aspect of jazz musicianship, including scale/chord theory, practice strategies, composing techniques, performance psychology and how to create the states of mind that produce the best improvisations. Designed for any level of player, on any instrument, the book provides numerous exercises throughout to help the reader turn these concepts into musical reality. Endorsed by Jessica Williams, Jerry Bergonzi and others.

Genres: Music

329 pages, Spiral-bound

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a quarter-century of experience teaching jazz piano, Randy Halberstadt approaches the subject of learning music (music in general, not merely jazz piano) sagely and philosophically. While the book's kernels of wisdom can be of benefit to any music student, there does remain a focus that makes Metaphors primarily a useful adjunct to the study of jazz piano.
Halberstadt's personal remembrances, framed to showcase lessons learned, invite the reader to benefit from his experience. Through colorful, imaginary examples, Halberstadt seeks to jumpstart the brain into degrees of freedom required for a successful jazz state of mind. Along the way of fun and prose come well thought-out examples. Embedded in these sophisticated studies is the knowledge of years that makes practice more productive. Halberstadt's method moves away from rote rehearsing simple building blocks into shorter steps of logical progression that add variety to the learning process. To bring it all together, the volume includes sheet music for several tunes, among them "Embraceable You", "How Long Has This Been Going On?" and "My Foolish Heart." From fast fingerings to proper professionalism, Metaphors is a cornucopia of talent catalysts.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

An astounding book full of numerous clear exercises for hearing and playing jazz better, combined with beautiful, metaphysical, inspirational writing.

[Al Macy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely the best book I've every read for improving your jazz playing. It's good for any instrument, but especially jazz piano.

I've recommended it to every beginning jazz player I know, and some have purchased it and loved it.