Jazz Technique Takes Off! Violin

Jazz Technique Takes Off follows a successful technique series by leading string teacher Mary Cohen. It comprises 15 studies, ten of which are orginal Cohen, the remaining five by Porter, Gershwin and Joplin (The Entertainer). Styles include rumba, rag, blues, jazz, waltz and tango; three of the more famous pices are in duet form, with the tune shared between the players. Most have meticulous dynamics, though occasonally the student is encouraged to experiment, and Cohen has written excellent practical, historical or musical tips for each piece.Music Teacher, September 2010Witty, rhythmical and fun, Jazz Technique Takes Off! takes the intermediate string player on a journey of love, adds a fusion of invigorating jazzy dances and sweeps you up in a rhythmical fantasy. The variety of jazzy techniques included rumba rhythms, mixed time signatures, slides, syncopation, harmonics and chromaticism that all melt into a melodic hotpot to keep young violinists engaged. Vivid descriptions and suggested performance and practice ideas accompany each piece in both German and English. Three enticing duets arranged by Cohen (I’ve got Rhythm, The Entertainer, and Summertime) allows students to double their fun by playing with a friend. The focus on a specific jazz style in each piece gives students the opportunity to gain skills and valuable insights into the world of jazz music. This will have you dancing as you play!Stringendo, April 2010This is another excellent publication by Mary Cohen in the same high quality format as ‘Technique takes off!’. The 15 intermediate jazz studies each concentrate on a specific jazz style, with brief background information and helpful practice and performance tips. Mary uses several jazz classic (I got Rhythm, Who wants to be a Millionaire, Summertime) as well as own compositions to explore varying jazz rhythms and styles......this is a good way of familiarising oneself with the style and jazz rhythms whilst improving technique.European String Teachers Association, Autumn 2009

• Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love); Carnival Parade Rumba; I Got Rhythm (Duet); Tattered Blue Jeans Rag; Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?; Tuesday, Bluesday; That Dance… That Dance…; A Cappuccino At The Ice Rink; The Entertainer (Duet); Tango At Midnight; On The Run!; Summertime (Duet); Charleston, Let’s Charleston!; Tip Top Tap Dancer; Doin’ My Head In!