I'm 67 and over the years have frustrated myself bouncing from one
piano teacher to the next.  I would love to improvise around the
melody (and chords) to make it sound good. Know any good books.  Also,
looking for a good piano teacher on Long Island, preferably, Suffolk
County, Smithtown/Huntington area. Again, thanx for any input into
this question...yeoldescribe

Dear yeoldescribe,
(I am only a slightly younger "scribe.") In answer to your question, I
have found what I believe to be a good source of instructional
booklets in jazz improvisation:
http://www.jazz-books.com/index.html
These books seem to be quite systematic and comprehensive, and the
credentials of their author are excellent (pianist with Buddy Rich,
etc.). In addition, the site offer online help as you work with their
books.
I have also sent them an email to see if they might be able to
recommend a good teacher in your area. Of course I will relay to you
any response, right away.
I hope this helps. Happy improvising!

---

Clarification of Answer by scribe-ga on 27 Aug 2002 04:33 PDT

Yeoldescribe,
I am sorry to say that I have had no results from the recording
engineer in NYC who was looking into piano teachers in your area who
might be especially good at jazz- improvisation instruction. A
suggestion though from me: How about contacting local music teachers
(best bet might be to call the Music Department in your Community
College) and ask them for their recommendations? Sorry that I could
not come up with a name for you.

Thanx, scribe, for tips on the jazz books.  I've ordered both, with
Buddy Rich & piano player...The teacher I have is competent.  However,
always looking for new instructors and ideas on playing, besides
reading music books...yeoldescribe