"Jim Rousey is an extraordinarily talented musician and he is an equally affable teacher/human being. His ability as an arranger is outstanding. He can play a song for you today and repeat it another time with a totally different set of chord progressions. His creativity seems limitless.

As a humble student of Jim's, I have used his chord progressions in both church music and in playing ballads / jazz. I had the pleasure of sitting in with some musicians at a fund raiser in which I was involved. When I finished playing JIM's arrangement of a ballad the leader's comment was "What delicious chords!" That probably summarizes it best.

Anyone who has the opportunity to gain knowledge either directly from Jim through lessons or through his books of theory should "seize the moment" as he is an especially gifted musician."

Rosemary - Piano Student

"Jim,
I was fortunate enough to have a workshop with you a number of years ago
when I worked for Lessons Plus - Brook Mays in Houston. I came out to San
Francisco with several other teachers and learned so much during our two
days there! I continue to share your info with my students here in Maine. I
have given them your link to hopefully order books from you.."

"Thanks, Jim
I happened onto your site by accident, but was impressed by the samples you
had there. I have been playing since I was 5 (I am 54), read music well and
also play by ear using left-hand chords. I am quite decent with blues, rock
and pop (and classical when I want to play it) but immediately saw things in
your samples that were new to me. I want to be able to put the icing on the
cake, and your material looked like it might be the path to do it. I'm
looking forward to try it, and thanks for this pamphlet."

Del Hawley, California,

Jim Rousey has taught me that jazz improvisation is NOT a mysterious gift bestowed on a select few. It can be taught, logically and imaginatively. Having played classical as a high-level amateur, I was dependent on printed music for every note and nuance. Jim has taught me the harmonic relationships in musical phrases, and how to reharmonize the simplest songs to take them to another level. At first, I had to figure out everything, slowly, in my head. Three years on, my fingers are beginning to take the lead, finding good voicings and sophisticated harmonies. Not only has Jim taught me how to improvise; he has taught me how to listen to music more thoughtfully, to understand the harmonic underpinnings behind Bach or Monk.

At the first lesson, Jim brought his book on chord changes and the architecture of jazz improvisation: the circle of fifths, II- V-I progressions, tritones and tritone substitutions. In this one slender volume, he’s packed a lot of harmonic theory. Clear writing and graphics take you, a step at a time, through the basics. Each lesson, Jim presents new songs, voicing exercises, riffs and licks. In between lessons, he sends more material via email. Often the music
is from the great American songbook. Or Christmas carols, Chuck Berry, Danny Boy and Dr. John. With each new song, you build up repertory, and expand the musical tool kit with which to play your own version of any song. It will be different every time, which keeps the music alive and personal. Jim Rousey is an inspiring teacher, and his method works.

"Hi Jim:
Thank you for the mixoliks! They are terrific!
I'd like to chat more about it when I'm in SF next time.
Aloha."

Otto.

"Jim's pamphlets are great - easy to get started with and full of great info as you progress through the booklet. Each booklet includes some tunes that use the featured skill, so there's no question about how to work it into your piano playing. All at a great price, too!"

K. Doerge, SF

"You gave me the skills I always wanted to have and didn't know how with my
classical music background. Thanks a million!"

Barbara Packales

"Hi Jim,

Thank you very much, the exercises are great. I will forward your site to my musical friends.

Best greatings - Leon

"Dear Jim,

That's great - these materials look very good and I am happy to receive the Blues Book as an attachment - thanks for the other pamphlet".

Many Thanks

Jon Jelfs