Using PDFs and/or sheet music is a fantastic way to learn. You just have to be sure to learn to “hear” the material in a deep way, even deeper than simply transcribing the ideas. You need to learn to sing the ideas clearly and well enough in tune so that each note can be distinguished. This is more or less the method Lennie Tristano had his students use to internalize solos. Sing the solo first and play the solo on you instrument second. This can be done with a pdf or through transcribing. Once you have the material down you can play along with the recording multiple times throughout several years to internalize the feel, sound, phrasing and nuance that comes through listening deeply.
~ Enjoy!
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