Learn the piano

Level: Intermediate

Book Four continues to introduces new styles of music while teaching students how to create their own accompaniment patterns for use in countless other songs.

Rhythm

Book Four introduces new rhythm styles so that students learn when to swing and when not to! Syncopated rhythms are further reinforced throughout Book Four.

Ear Training

Book Four ear training is a combination of rhythmic and melodic dictation. These exercises will get students really listening to music. They can be done during the lesson or at home using the CD. View Ear Training / Rhythm Sample One in a new window.

The Song

Book Four incorporates both written-out and "lead sheet" style songs. Book Four actually teaches students how to read a lead sheet / lead line and create an accompaniment. View Lead Line Sample in a new window.

Theory & Arrangement

Book Four has a section in each unit devoted to theory and arranging. This section takes the mystery out of creating left-hand accompaniments and full blown arrangements. View Theory Sample in a new window.

The way the books flows is:

1. Learn the melody in lead sheet form
2. Learn theory on how to create an arrangement
3. See that theory in action and written out for you to try

Improvisation

Do you have students in Jazz Band or bringing in jazz pieces to learn? Book Four is the perfect place for the intermediate student to get their "feet wet" with the Jazz, Klezmer, Pop and Blues styles in Book Four. Like other JazzKids levels, the improvisation section always gives you examples. In other words, you are not left hanging if you have never improvised before.


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 Two, Track 5 in a new window. (MP3 file)
Listen to Book Two, Track 11 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. ADV is advance learning if the student has time.

• RHYTHM




• 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8 meters


• Syncopated up/down beat rhythms


• Switch between straight/swung rhythms


• Determine straight/swung by style marking


• Switch rhythm between the hands




• EAR TRAINING




• Identify chord quality, Major/minor


• Write the rhythm heard


• Identify Major 2nds, 3rds, perfect 4ths, 5ths, Major/minor 7ths by ear


• Learn the melody of two of the songs by ear




• ACCOMPANIMENT




• 12-bar blues walking bass line


• Triads, R5, R7, R3 chords


• Create an accompaniment for folk song melodies


• Write chord patterns for improvisation using known chords




• THEORY




• Review Major/minor triads in all 12 keys


• Major & Natural/Harmonic minor scales in C through C HT 1 octave


• Dorian, Phyrgian, Lydian




• IMPROVISATION




• Learn 12-bar blues in 2 keys (C+G or F)


• Improvise over bass line, chordal and oom-pah accompaniments


• Write a 12-bar blues song

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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