Any good beginning jazz methods

[Chris Rice]

For young students? I spend quite a bit of time helping junior high-early high school students prepare to play with their school jazz bands. I work with them on chords, reading, charts, rhythms, ear training, theory, application, etc, but am looking for an interesting book that is age-appropriate to supplement what I give them.

[gennation]

I have a 6 part series on the basis to advance concepts of the ii-V-I, for Jazz that's not much better place to start. I covers the Circle of 5th's reference for practicing and using the progression. Has some scale and arp practices, as well as getting into the altered chords.

It's called "playing over changes": http://gennation.jconserv.net/viewtopic.php?t=35

I think you could put it to good use if your starting people out with Jazz.

[rockinrob]

I don't know- I don't think there is an easy way really, I mean something for younger people vs older folks. I do think Levine's "The Jazz Theory Book" is really good, but I would definitely use it as an aid only- picking, choosing and altering the lessons from there. So yeah, I think that'd be a good supplement.

[Chris Rice]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into them. I'm currently using bits of Mickey Baker's book, some stuff from a Joe Pass Blues book, and quite a bit from the Real Book.

[jimfog]

Chris,

I've been using this series of three books by Doug Munro, published by Belwin:

http://www.amazon.com/21st-Century-Method-Jazz-Guitar/dp/0769289312

Nice, clear, concise and good balance of "meat 'n potatoes" and fun examples.

- Jim

PS....you can't go wrong with "Joe Pass Guitar Style" and Mickey Baker, however.......I also think Jimmy Bruno's stuff is a good jumping off point.