(Willis). The Jazzabilities series introduces the student to the sounds of jazz through short exercises and performance pieces. The emphasis is on developing rhythmic control through jazzy melodic and harmonic bits- in essence, building a jazz vocabulary. Many beginning jazz method or repertoire books are designed for the more experienced student. Jazzabilities Book 1 is written for the later elementary level student. It uses rhythmic durations and hand positions consistent with most level 2 method books. Swing eighths and bluesy accidentals are used throughout. There are no triplets in Book 1. The key to any successful performance is rhythmic control. Jazzabilities helps develop this control by isolating and mastering short rhythmic patterns before playing them. There are clear and simple instructions for the student and teacher in the book's introduction. Basic improvisation is also introduced.
