4 comments about Mel Bay Presents Jazz Saxophone Licks, Phrases and Patterns.

1. The exercise in this book are commonly heard phrases that can be played over standard chord sequences. As practice material they are great and the explanations are simple and enlightening. This is a good book for developing dexterity and a feel for the keys and scales. Improvising is much more than repeated practiced licks but working through this book will give a player some chops to fall back on as well as a wider understaning of what is possible.



2. All of Arnie Berle's books present the info in a clear, concise and logical way. I recommend you get your hands on as many of them as you can, while you can, especially if you're learning on your own. Any aspiring jazz musician can't have too many pattern books, and this one is a gem. 'Improvisation For The Contemporary Musician' and 'Encyclopedia of Scales, Modes and Melodic Patterns' also by Arnie are also highly recommended.



3. This is a great book to get ideas for Jazz licks. Excellent, not just for the saxophone, but other instruments in the same register can benefit from the instruction in this book. For me, coming from a classical music background, I'm using it with my violin to learn Jazz Violin and improvisation skills. This is quite a challenge, to say the least! These licks are very easy to learn, and not ridiculously difficult, which is what beginners to Jazz music really need.
   
   I really like the book and always have it on my music stand.



4. The books arrived earlier than expected (just in time for Christmas) and we're a big hit. Thanx!!!

5 comments about Sound the Trumpet: How to Blow Your Own Horn.

1. This book is the most thorough treatment of the various aspects of trumpet playing that I have seen. Very informative and helpful. Even my current teacher, who has played with the Metropolitan Opera (NYC), was impressed.



2. All you want to know about the trumpet. Not a method book, but a great reference book. It gives much information that method books leave out. Recommend for all trumpet players.



3. This book is not only enjoyable and info-packed it will remain in my music library as a great reference book. I have been buying a lot of trumpet books lately and, thanks to Amazon reviews, have been very fortunate in my selections. This one,though, is a standout.
   One of the threads through a number of the books I have read is that,as in this book, the writers realy project a love for the instument.



4. no question about it, this book is everything it's cracked up to be! i highly recommend the book for any player, young or old, beginner or in my case,a 35 yr comeback player.



5. I have played the trumpet, as an enthusiastic, largely self-taught amateur, for many years and own a whole variety of trumpet tutor books; most are incredibly daunting, immediately too demanding and are, all-in -all, not much fun!
   
   This book is quite different - it has a very attractive, friendly approach, is extremely well presented (although I do wish it had been spirally bound), deals with all the basics and more and has plenty of tips and simple, attractive 'how to do,' 'how to approach' ideas. The book is thorough and covers all the basic techniques of playing and the usual pitfalls and problems, but in an attractive, friendly way. There are also, within its pages, pentatonic chord charts, listening suggestions, further sources of study and music, suggested practice routines and charts etc. and even instructions on how to correctly clean and maintain the instrument!
   
   This book will be useful to both the beginner and the more experienced player, is excellent value, and I give it my highest recommendation, but do so wish that it had been in print 30 years ago!!

5 comments about Technical Studies for the Cornet.

1. This book is THE standard book for developing technical facility on the horn. The key to playing any instrument well is learning your way around the instrument, and this book is the best way to get there. Every serious trumpet player I have every met, including myself, has used this book and continues to use it. You will literally never outgrow this book. Go all the way through it, and then start over at the beginning at a faster tempo, and then do it again, and so on. If you use this book faithfully you will be astonished at how quickly your playing will improve. This book is one of the fundamental building blocks of playing the trumpet, no matter what style you play.



2. Not much fun, but must master if you want to achieve technical profiency.



3. A must have for cornet/trumpet players. Make sure the studies are ingrained and technical passage problems should become a thing of the past.
   Would also recommend buying direct from Amazon, great service guys!



4. great excercises for dexterity. it's no wonder this book is recommended.
   this book will make you a better trumpeter/cornetist.



5. This product is one of the few cleaners I've ever purchased that actually does what it says it's supposed to. It's powerful, yet completely safe! I would recommend it to any and everyone for all types of purposes!

2 comments about Amsco Trumpet Fingering Chart (Amsco Fingering Charts).

1. This is an excellen quick reference to having trumpet fingerings when you immediately need them.



2. The chart is excellant, helpful and descriptive, it shows what to do with your instrument to use for the note that you require such as all three fingers down for a Bb Trumpet to get a b note, can use for cornet and others also, all on one chart - great concept. Can be placed on the wall so that your child can use it to understand how to play first time instrument. I bought this product for my son who is 11 and he can understand what he needs, he is a first time learner and will learn more as he understands the notes. So this item will continue with him as he learns more.
   I must say that the packaging from Amazon is the best, all books come with air wrap and in a box to fit so that the books etc.., are not damaged in anyway. The service is impecible and the communication is the best ever. I am completely satisfied with all their products I have purchased. Amsco Trumpet Fingering Chart (Amsco Fingering Charts)

4 comments about 101 Saxophone Tips: Stuff All the Pros Know and Use.

1. I gave it three stars because i found very usefull only half of the book. But for the price I'd say it's a good deal.



2. This book was both very useful and very enjoyable. I was a serious sax player for 20 years, quit playing almost completely for 30 years, and started to play seriously again after I retired (or quit my day job, whichever sounds better).
   
   There are tips about what to carry in your case, how to buy and maintain your horn, what your should practice, and more. This book contains stuff I knew, more stuff I had forgotten, and more that is new since I began playing again. There is a CD that shows examples and playalongs.
   
   This book is ideal for beginners and serious saxophonists. I recommend it heartily.



3. Interesting tips....
   
   Check out Larry Teal's book. Great for beginners and intermediate players.



4. This book is a bargain if you only use a few good tips that are shared. I've been playing alto for five years and got answers to questions I just couldn't get before. I studied under two real pro's but a lot of these tips were never discussed. The writer, Eric Morones, is a VERY accomplished saxophonist. I realized this when I bought his other book, 25 Great Sax Solos. He does all the sax work on that accompanying CD and he's PHENOMENAL. Knowing I was getting tips from this extremely talented musician made this 'Tips book' VERY valuable. Of course, not every tip is going to be an "ah-ha" experience, but buy the book if you're serious about being the best saxophonist you can be. Just five or six good tips is worth a lot more than the price of this book.
   
   I've gone back into this book a few times since I wrote the original review a few months ago. This book is GREAT! I have started using LOTS of great tips in this book. It's like having a seasoned Pro mentoring you in your practice. Following the guidance and advice in this book will make you a MUCH better saxophonist.

5 comments about Absolute Beginners: Alto Saxophone (Absolute Beginners).

1. This is just what I needed. It answers all my questions and I recommend this to anyone who wants to play an alto sax, but don't know where to begin. A must have.



2. I have this book only 2 weeks and wonder how perfectly and mature it's structure! It seems small book, you hardly find something in deep.. But... it has amazingly well sequence of learning, relevant tips. CD software is not working in Windows XP, but I extracted audio tracks and play them separately. Audio tracks helps a lot to follow the progress of learning. Respect for authors of this book!



3. good book for beginners easy to learn from before taking classes



4. I bought this with several other highly recommended books including "Art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal (also great!). I found this beginners book essential once I actually start to play the sax. It is very clear and practical. It has the best photos of finger positions for specific notes... much better than other books.
   
   You will be glad (like me) to have it right there when you first start to blow notes from your sax...
   
   That's the highest recommendation I can give!



5. This book is really a step by step guide... the CD is very helpful for listening how the notes must sound.The photos inside are very helpful... Estos libros son una super ayuda para los que nos gusta avanzar sin maestro...las imagenes para la posición de los dedos es de mucha ayuda...el cd te dice como debe sonar cada nota... muy recomendado...

5 comments about The Clarke Tin Whistle: Deluxe Edition (Book & CD).

1. If you want to learn how to play the tinwhistle, then this is the book. Starts you out with the very basics and works you up to the more advanced. Bill Ochs is by far one of the best whistle players out there. Make sure you buy the book with the cd; hearing how the tunes are played will help you to learn a lot better then the book alone. This is the best instruction book I have every seen. Clear, concise and never overwelming. You will not only love to play the whistle, but love learning to play.



2. This is a good book for beginners to start with. comes with a CD rom. I'll be able to follow through. Hope I'll be able to master it soon.



3. I am just teaching myself how to read music and play the Tin Whistle. This is my second book purchased. I am finding this very user friendly. Even a novice like myself can learn , by listening and reading, then playing along. If I could, I would give this package 10 stars.



4. This book is fantastic for beginning whistle players. The basics of music are explained well and are easily understood. Also comes with a CD so that you can play along AND helps you play by ear.



5. I really enjoyed all of the tunes in this book. It helped that I could read music to begin. The process of reading music is explained briefly and not until after you've already played a few songs, but the CD would definitely help anyone who was learning to read the notes on the staff for the first time. I don't think this would be a stumbling block or a reason not to get it- just something to be aware of. One thing I really liked was that there are short histories and backgrounds on the style of music.

5 comments about 101 Bass Tips: Stuff All the Pros Know and Use.

1. I thought this would have tips on playing techniques, tricks in sight reading, or adice from pros. It contains only a handful of useful tips. For the most part it covers string boiling, making straps, setting string, and other maintenance related topics not actual playing.



2. Interesting arcane and off-beat tips, probably already known by the master bassist but helpful reinforcement; or good to know stuff for the beginner starting out on the career. CD attached with some useful examples.



3. this book should be read by not just bass because it's tips roll over to all guitar players. I am taking up bass and have been playing 6sting electric and just loved the book.



4. The 101 tips that modern bass master Gary Willis lays out in this excellent book will help bassists of all levels improve their craft in a variety of ways. Take me for example. I had been obsessing over the lack of mids in my tone, tweaking my preamp and considering introducing an expensive EQ pedal into my effects chain. Then I read Tip 49, and backed off the volume on the neck pickup of my Jazz(tm) bass. Wow! There was the articulation and punch I'd been looking for. I had also been feeling guilty for watching my alma mater's football games on Saturdays ("there goes another three hours that I could have been practicing!"). Then I read Tip 96, and bought a length of 2x4, some rope, and two screw eyelets. Presto - I had the perfect "bass" to focus on the mechanics of right hand slapping with my thumb, isolated with no need to worry about what my left hand was doing, all while watching football. Features a CD-ROM of audio tracks that you play over for some of the Tips.
   
   [...]



5. This is one for the library. Totally recommend getting the Tascam MPB-T1 Mobile Bass Trainer - MP3with a leather case from ValetStand com. Just down load the cd to the Tascam trainer and you can practice anywhere.

5 comments about Instant Harmonica: Quick and Easy Instruction for the Beginner (Instant).

1. My father, who is 70, was delighted to get this book. He's had a harmonica for years, and has actually started playing again. He says he should be able to use this book easily.
   
   Tonja Taylor, author of LEGACY: Crafting Your Child's Future With Words



2. Book was very good for the beginner who is interested in learning how to play a harmonica.



3. This book was a gift, along with a harmonica, for my 13-year-old son. He's using the book and I'm hearing songs, so it must be working.



4. I purchased this book for my boyfriend as a birthday gift and he really likes it and finds it very useful and fun. It's a great book for a beginner.



5. My husband got a harmonica for his birthday but had no idea how to play. He can't read music and quickly got discouraged. This book taught him to play songs and now he plays his harmonica all the time. Yay!

5 comments about Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge, Songs, Stories, Lessons, Riffs, Techniques and Audio Index for a New Generation of Harp Players (Includes ... book and 74 minute stereo CD Jamming Buddy).

1. This isn't the best book to learn from. If you are mentally challeneged then it is fine. Choose a better Harmonica book like Paul butterfield's or adam Gassow's.



2. I use a harmonica on a couple songs while playing guitar - basic, easy riffs following original recordings. I wanted to expand my knowledge of the instrument, but I'm not planning on becoming a harp soloist. This book gave me the information I was looking for along with useful music theory. The background stories help present the information in an enjoyable way. The included CD does a fantastic job of reinforcing the book while giving the opportunity of improving your chops while jamming along.



3. Turn on this CD and lay back and jam along.
   A great way to reduce stress
   and learn to play the blues harmonica.



4. Even if you don't play (or want to) this book helps understand where those wonderful notes come from.



5. I was so glad when this came in. I sit down and read the whole book which I didnt like the caveman crap. There are very few licks or blues instruction. I listened to the cd and didnt find it much better. I bought a little book called 3 minutes to blues, rock and folk harmonica by David Harp. I would recomend you to buy this one. I wish I had my money back on Rock n' Blues harmonica. It is terrible.
   Bobby Standlee