Learn the piano

Level: Elementary

Book One is perfect for the beginning student. The key to this book and the JazzKids program as a whole is the integration of important musical concepts with really fun pieces. Book One is divided into six units with four sub-units: Rhythm, Ear Training, The Song, Improvisation.

Rhythm

Rhythm, especially in jazz and improvised music, plays a major role. The "wrong" notes played with good rhythm still sound interesting. Book One focuses on teaching students how to vocalize rhythms. By vocalizing rhythms, students begin to internalize the beat and feel of a rhythm, making it easier to perform the next time. In addition, students will learn how to "groove" their rhythms by vocalizing them. View Unit 1 Rhythm Sample in a new window.

Ear Training

All budding musicians should learn how to use their ears. Book One helps students improve their ear training skills through simple matcching exercises. Students pick out the rhythm or melody that they heard on the CD. Teachers, you can use these exercises to introduce solfege to your students. Or, use them for sight-reading exercises. View Unit 1 Ear Training Sample in a new window.

The Song

Learning music is no fun if you don't enjoy the songs! Students love the JazzKids pieces because they have a fun and "familiar" sound. The songs are carefully graded to coincide with the same level found in popular reading methods like Alfred. View Unit 1 Song Sample in a new window.

Improvisation

"But, I can't improvise!" Students and teachers have both said that, but were amazed at how they were soon proven wrong. You can improvise if taught using the proper method. Many improvisation programs move too fast, too soon and use chord symbols with 9ths and 13ths in the first chapter! Not JazzKids.

JazzKids is designed for the absolute beginning improvisation student. We say improvisation because JazzKids is not just jazz. You'll learn how to improvise over different styles of music. You'll learn licks, scales and yes, you'll learn what a lick is too!

View Unit 1 Improvisation Sample in a new window.


You also get a downloadable CD...

The CD contains all of the examples from the book. However, it is different because it has Willie teaching on the CD. Most CDs count off the exercise and away you go. JazzKids CDs help teach the student at home.

Jam-With-The-Band tracks are also included, so students can practice with the band at home. Tempos are kept slow-medium giving students a sucessful experience right away.

Listen to Book One, Track 1 in a new window.
Listen to Book One, Track 2 in a new window. (MP3 file)
Listen to Book One, Track 3 in a new window. (MP3 file)
Listen to Book One, Track 4 in a new window. (MP3 file)
Listen to Book One, Track 5 in a new window. (MP3 file)

Syllabus

Each book contains a syllabus of what students should know by the time they complete that level. This is a good guide for the teacher to know where to place the student in JazzKids.

• RHYTHM




• Perform rhythms straight and swung


• Quarter notes/rests, vocalize and play


• Eight notes/rest, vocalize and play


• Understand upbeats/downbeats




• EAR TRAINING




• Identify simple rhythms and melodies


• Sing different Do-Re-Mi patterns from five-finger Major


• ADV: sing DO-RE-MI-FA-SOL patterns




• ACCOMPANIMENT




• Focus on steady playing with accompaniment (CD, MIDI or Teacher)


• Simple bass lines in Major and minor (on DVD)


• ADV: create new bass lines from Major and minor five-finger patterns




• THEORY




• Major, minor and Blues five-finger patterns in C, F and G


• Major and minor triads in C, F and G


• ADV: above in D and A


• ADV: Major and minor triads in D and A




• IMPROVISATION




• Learn several different Major, minor and Blues licks


• ADV: create own original licks in Major, minor or Blues


• ADV: play simple DO-MI(ME)-FA-SOL accompaniment with licks

What others have said...

"I wanted to let you know that we are having SO much fun in our lessons this week! I was in Dallas at the Suzuki Institute (the red headed teacher who observed so many of your classes). I am enjoying practicing what I learned from watching you teach - both the jazz and how you work with the students. You are such an AMAZING teacher. I hope LOTS of teachers have the opportunity to observe your teaching. Schools would be such a different place if teachers could use even an ounce of your teaching style.

Wanted to thank you for opening up a whole new world that is absolutely fun and exciting for me. I'm sharing that enthusiasm with my students, using your books and ideas that I learned through observation. They are LOVING it."

-Pam Werner

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Hi Willie,

"Thank you for saving one of my kids from losing interest in piano! I introduced him to your First Adventures, and have started working with him on some simple improv and he's really enjoying it. I really liked your style of teaching and have taken that with me."

- Patrice Diana (Patrice Diana Piano Studio)

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I recently hired a bass player and a drummer to play with my students in a recital. We used a lot of your tunes. They did grrrrrrrreat! One of the local Jazz Educators/Professionals said whatever I was doing to get those results to keep doing it! Thanks for your materials.

- Corrie

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Your books are pedagogically so useful because they actually provide students the tools to create their own music. Several of my students (ages 6 - 7) have been improvising licks to their mom's accompaniment, and are now even playing their own LH accompaniment!

- Regina Roper (Roper Piano Studio)

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