I recently got an early look at pianist Timothy Gondola’s new Jazz Training Workbook.
At 300 pages and 34 lessons, this is a massive resource covering everything from basic harmony to more advanced improvisation approaches. While it is written for jazz piano, the core concepts are valuable for guitarists and horn players as well.
The workbook is structured into seven logical sections:
- Train Your Mind (Mindset and approach)
- Train Your Rhythm (Rhythmic awareness and left-hand comping)
- Train Your Right Hand (Melodic versatility and soloing)
- Train Your Ear (Aural development)
- Train Your Chords (Voicings and harmony)
- Train Your Playing (Real-world band settings, and song considerations)
- How To Practice (Systematic routines)
Why it Works
Timothy starts with the mental approach, which is vital. Jazz can be overwhelming, and establishing a solid framework from page one helps ground the learning process.
The content is deeply practical. Instead of purely academic theory, Timothy draws examples from legendary players, providing a wealth of audio and video links for each related topic. This ensures that you’re hearing how they function in a real-world context, as opposed to just examples written out of context.
The Verdict
Part 7 stands out to me. It answers the “what” and “how long” of practicing, providing the structure many students lack. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to fill gaps in your knowledge, this is a systematic, high-value resource.
- Pros: Comprehensive material, exceptionally organized, and clearly a labor of love.
- Cons: The sheer volume of content can be intimidating, though the layout keeps it digestible.
- TLDR: A great investment for anyone serious about learning jazz piano.
Note: I received complimentary access to this workbook in exchange for feedback on the earlier version. This review on my site was not solicited, I just wanted to write a review in addition to the earlier feedback that I gave to Tim. These thoughts are entirely my own.
Get your copy here: gondolamusic.com/jazz-training-workbook
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