Index

Introduction

This curriculum is developed around learning tunes available in The Real Book, Sixth Edition, which is the de facto standard repertoire of the jam/combo jazz musician. Obviously, no jazz musician should limit themselves to one group of tunes, but those starting out should direct their focus here. Most importantly, in conjunction with this online resource, learning these tunes can help the student learn musical concepts that translate to all genres of music and songwriting.

It is recommended that the student learn the tunes in the order presented in this site as concepts build on one another. Each section contains five tunes (or ten tunes in the case of the "straight ahead" and "pop" categories) that represent a different style of jazz, with a grand total of just under 50 tunes. Categories with a "1" are easier and should be studied before categories with a "2."

Alphabetical List of Tunes Covered

Tune

Categories

Concepts Covered

A Night in Tunisia

Mixolydian mode, Blues

All of Me

Harmonic analysis

All the Things You Are

Autumn in New York

Autumn Leaves

II-V-I progression

Bessie's Blues

Black Coffee

Blue Bossa

II-V-I progression;

Aeolian mode

Blue Monk

Blues, Chromaticism

Blues for Alice

Call Me Irresponsible

Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man

D Natural Blues

Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Harmonic analysis

Dorian mode, Melodic minor modes

Blues, Dominant seven chords; Mixolydian mode

Girl From Ipanema

Bossa nova

Gloria's Step

Have You Met Miss Jones?

I Could Write A Book

Harmonic analysis

I Remember Clifford

In A Sentimental Mood

Dorian mode, Blues, Chromaticism

Inner Urge

Interplay

Mr. PC

Minor blues, Minor seven chords

My Funny Valentine

Night in Tunisia

Night Train

Blues

Nostalgia in Times Square

II-V progression

Ring Dem Bells

Harmonic analysis

Solar

II-V-I progression

Someday My Prince Will Come

Straight, No Chaser

Take the "A" Train

Harmonic analysis

Waltz for Debby

When You Wish Upon A Star

Further Information

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