The skill of playing unprepared in a lively, accurate, creative and musical way is at the heart of jazz performance. The quick study, requiring the recreation of a previously unseen or unheard short head followed by an improvised response, helps you to practise this crucial skill. It will give you the confidence to learn repertoire more effectively and prepare for the very real demands of busking through all those unrehearsed situations which are a regular feature of the jazz musician's life. This book contains a set of graded practice tests covering a wide range of jazz styles. An invaluable introduction explains the concept behind the quick study, useful ways to extend and develop activities related to it, and details of the exam.