Books on Jazz Improvisation, Musicianship, and The Music

Available in Coil-bound, Softcover, Audio, and eBook Formats

Featured book: Trombone Improvisation Savvy

Trombone Improvisation savvy Trombone Improvisation Savvy

You’ve practiced the scales. But when it’s time to improvise, nothing flows.

You’ve bought the scale books. Done the patterns. Worked through the exercises.

But when it’s time to actually improvise, it doesn’t come because you’ve been learning about jazz instead of learning to hear it.

Trombone Improvisation Savvy is different. It trains your ear, not your memory. And that changes what happens when you pick up the horn.

PLUS, choose your cover from five fun options.

"Michael has created what has to be one of the most comprehensive tools for learning to improvise specifically for trombone!

This is a thoughtful, thorough, and dynamic approach to learning trombone improvisation."
NIck Finzer
New York trombonist and educator

Explore More Great Books for Jazz Improvisation and Musicianship

Every book here is built around the same idea: your ear is a better teacher than any scale chart.

Whether you play trombone, saxophone, piano, or guitar — these are the resources that change what happens when you actually pick up your instrument.

Most titles available in digital, soft-cover, or coil-bound formats.

Tap or mouse over each image to learn more.

Alto Trombone Savvy
From $34.95
Stop fighting the instrument. Start playing it.
  • You reach for a position that worked on tenor — and something else comes out. Alto Trombone Savvy rebuilds that connection for the alto.
  • Audio play-alongs train your ear to find the alto positions naturally, not just from memory.
  • Bass and alto clef editions.
Jazz Ear Savvy
From $24.95
Your ear already knows what to play. This book teaches your hands to follow.
  • You hear the phrase. Now play it — Jazz Ear Savvy closes the gap between hearing and playing.
  • 100 custom audio tracks so your ear does the learning, not just your eyes.
  • Editions for C, Bb, Eb, and Bass Clef.
Do More of What Matters Most
From $9.99
Tired of feeling scattered? Learn how to feel calm while getting more done.
  • Why focus is less about willpower and more about how you see time, value, and "done."
  • Learn small, concrete practices to re-enter focus after interruptions.
  • Written by a creator who actually enjoys long stretches of deep work, and explains how you can, too.
Rhythm Savvy
From $24.95
The groove is already inside you. This book helps you find it.
  • You can count the beat — but does it live in your body? Rhythm Savvy builds the internal pulse that makes jazz feel natural.
  • Over 100 audio examples so you hear the rhythm before you play it.
  • Editions for C and Bass Clef.
Teaching and Learning Jazz
From $29.95
Jazz isn't a collection of patterns. It's a story. This book shows you how to tell yours.
  • Co-authored with Richie Beirach with insights drawn from a lifetime at the highest levels of jazz.
  • Bridges the gap between tradition and real-world musicianship for teachers and students alike.
  • Available in softcover, PDF, audiobook, and Kindle.
A Framework for Jazz Mastery
From $24.95
The roadmap exists. You just need to follow it.
  • Richie Beirach's complete framework for jazz mastery with the eight areas every serious jazz musician needs to develop.
  • Stops the guesswork. Tells you exactly what to work on and why.
  • Available in softcover, PDF, audiobook, and Kindle.
Lineage of Modern Jazz Piano
From $19.95
10 pianists. 120 years of jazz. One master's view.
  • Richie Beirach tells you exactly who shaped modern jazz piano, and why each one changed everything that came after.
  • Not a textbook. A master's firsthand account from a lifetime spent inside the music.
  • Available in softcover, PDF, audiobook, and Kindle.
Great Art and Commercial Success
From $14.95
The greatest recordings weren't made to sell. That's exactly why they did.
  • Why did Kind of Blue, A Love Supreme, and The Köln Concert sell millions, while equally great albums didn't? Richie Beirach has the answer.
  • The lessons inside apply to any musician who wants their playing to matter.
Art of Skill
From $29.95
The music is already inside you. This book shows you how to set it free.
  • Dave Liebman's framework for mastery. How the greatest jazz musicians actually develop their skills.
  • Transforms practice from routine repetition into purposeful growth.
  • Available in softcover, PDF, audiobook, and Kindle.
Self-Discipline Superpower
From $9.95
You already know what you need to do. This book helps you actually do it.
  • Self-discipline isn't about deprivation — it builds through small, regular actions, not painful self-denial.
  • Practical for musicians, professionals, and anyone who wants to stop getting in their own way.
  • Digital and print editions available.

Audio Books

Get your free copy of the eBook by Richie Beirach, Great Art and Commercial Success (shown above) with the purchase of any audiobook.

The Lineage of Modern Jazz Piano - Audiobook
$9.95
The Lineage of Modern Jazz Piano
  • Richie's view on the 10 pianists who shaped modern jazz.
The Art of Skill - Audiobook
$12.95
The Art of Skill
  • Dave Liebman on mastery. Listen anywhere.
A Framework for Jazz Mastery - Audiobook
$12.95
A Framework for Jazz Mastery
  • Richie's roadmap for jazz mastery.
A Framework for Jazz Mastery - Audiobook
$9.95
Do More of what Matters Most
  • Discover the possibilities when living with intention focus.
Teaching and Learning Jazz - Audiobook
$12.95
Teaching and Learning Jazz
  • Richie on jazz education & performing, unfiltered.

eBooks

The Brain-Friendly Method for Musical Excellence
Digital only: $19.95
"How you use your brain is ten times more important than how you use your fingers." — Dr. Rodney Brim
  • Written with psychologist Dr. Rodney Brim on the neuroscience of how musicians actually improve.
The Magic within The Snow Leopard
FREE
Read Richie Beirach's critique of the movie Whiplash
  • This FREE dual ebook consists of Richie Beirach reflecting on his ECM recording session for Elm and on his analysis of Herbie Hancock and what makes him such a great musician.
How to Negotiate - Free eBook
FREE
You don't get what you deserve. You get what you're willing to ask for.
  • Essential for musicians: stop leaving money and opportunities on the table.
  • What to say when they say "No", and why that's often where the real negotiation starts.
  • Includes a chapter written specifically for musicians.
The Creative Genius of Billy Strayhorn
FREE
Read Richie's thoughts on Billy Strayhorn
Billy Strayhorn was an important influence on Richie's writing. Learn about Billy's life and some of his lesser-known music in this short insightful piece.
Download
Dave Brubeck the Composer
FREE
What did Richie think of Brubeck the composer?
Not as many people recognize the true compositional talent of Dave Brubeck. Richie uses what he believes are Brubeck's best three compositions and describes why they and Brubeck as a composer deserve greater attention.
Download the eBook
Remembering Bill Evans
FREE
Read Richie's analysis of his hero, Bill Evans
A detailed analysis of Bill Evans from Richie's personal reflections and his musical insights.From the book by Richie titled, "The Lineage of Modern Jazz Piano"
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