Essential Elements Latin Jazz Method – A Comprehensive Introduction to Afro-Latin Styles

Bring the authentic sounds of Latin jazz into your classroom with Essential Elements Latin Jazz Method, a complete instructional resource designed to help developing ensembles confidently perform the most influential Afro-Latin styles. Written by internationally respected educators and performers Michael Philip Mossman and Michele Fernandez, this comprehensive method provides a practical, engaging approach to teaching both the musical traditions and performance techniques that define Latin jazz.
Designed for Grade 3 ensembles, the flexible instrumentation accommodates four horns plus rhythm section, making it ideal for everything from a small combo to a full jazz ensemble. Students build confidence through a progressive, step-by-step curriculum that introduces essential rhythm section concepts, stylistic exercises, and authentic performance practices.
The method includes eight full-length performance charts, teaching exercises for every style, sample written solos, and professionally-recorded online demo audio recordings for every exercise, chart, and solo (no MIDI!). Each exercise features a full-band version in addition to a “rhythm section only” track. Students will explore a wide variety of foundational Afro-Latin styles, including Cha-Cha-Cha, Bolero, Bossa Nova, Samba, Son Montuno, Mambo, Afro-Cuban 6/8, and Rumba, developing the skills needed to perform each style with confidence and authenticity.
Whether you’re introducing Latin jazz for the first time or expanding an established jazz program, Essential Elements Latin Jazz Method provides everything educators need to build stylistic understanding and inspire confident performances.
Key Features:
* A comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of Latin jazz and Afro-Latin performance styles
* Written by acclaimed Latin jazz educators and performers Michael Philip Mossman and Michele Fernandez
* Flexible scoring for four horns and rhythm section, adaptable for ensembles of many sizes
* Eight complete performance charts with style-specific teaching exercises and sample written solos
* Step-by-step rhythm section instruction that makes complex grooves approachable
* Online demo audio and “rhythm section only” tracks for every exercise, chart, and sample solo, accessible using a QR code
* Covers Cha-Cha-Cha, Bolero, Bossa Nova, Samba, Son Montuno, Mambo, Afro-Cuban 6/8, and Rumba
* Ideal for Grade 3 ensembles, balancing accessibility with musical depth