Alfred's Basic Jazz/Rock Course: Lesson Book, Level 4 Cover Image

Alfred's Basic Jazz/Rock Course: Lesson Book, Level 4: Piano Book

$7.99 USD

Alfred's Basic Jazz/Rock Course: Lesson Book, Level 4: Piano Book

Name: Alfred's Basic Jazz/Rock Course: Lesson Book, Level 4: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-6209
Price: 7.99 USD
Availability: InStock

A Complete Approach to Playing on Both Acoustic and Electronic Keyboards

By Bert Konowitz

Level: 4

Item: 00-6209

$7.99

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Adults can be taught the basics of jazz and rock music easily using this dynamic supplement to Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course. And, teachers don't have to be jazz or rock experts to teach it! Perfect for individual or group instruction and playable on both acoustic and electronic keyboard.

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Series: Alfred's Basic Piano Library

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 32

ISBN10: 0-7390-2968-1

ISBN13: 978-0-7390-2968-8

UPC: 038081010809

SKU: 00-6209

More about this title

About the Author: Bert Konowitz

Bert Konowitz brings decades of hands-on teaching experience across every level of music education, from public school classrooms to university instruction. As a Professor of Music at Teachers College, Columbia University, he directs the improvisation ensemble Spirit and has shaped jazz pedagogy through extensive publications, commissions, and curriculum development. His work earned recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts and ASCAP, and he was honored as Distinguished Alumnus of Teachers College.

Konowitz's approach to jazz and rock education stems from a conviction that traditional and improvisational music deserve equal pedagogical rigor. His publications for Alfred Music, including the Jazz/Rock series, translate that philosophy into accessible materials for teachers who may lack formal jazz training. His compositions and teaching resources have been translated into Chinese and German, and he continues to lead workshops and performances internationally on improvisation and ensemble playing.

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Why we love this

This book teaches jazz and rock vocabulary and technique without requiring you to be a jazz specialist yourself. Konowitz strips away the mystique while preserving the genuine musicianship; adult students encounter real jazz and rock language, not oversimplified facsimiles. The writing respects both the learner's intelligence and the teacher's time.

What to expect

Jazz comping invites you into conversation rather than dictation; rock grooves anchor your playing to a living pulse. These 32 pages feel contemporary and energetic while staying rooted in genuine harmonic and rhythmic principles. You'll discover that your classical technique translates in surprising ways.

Who it's for

Adult pianists returning to lessons or building on foundational skills want to explore repertoire that excites them. This book serves teachers seeking a direct path into jazz and rock idioms without extensive preparation, and it works equally well for individual study and group classes.

How to get the most out of it

Isolate the rhythm section groove first. Play the bass and comping patterns without the melody until they feel natural and conversational, not mechanical.
Record yourself playing the accompaniment parts, then layer the melody over the playback to hear how your phrasing sits against the underlying pulse.
Experiment with dynamics and space in jazz comping. Let some chords breathe; use silence as part of your voice.
Switch between acoustic and electronic keyboard to hear how touch and sound color shape the feel of each piece, especially in the rock selections.

How to use it

Introduce Level 4 jazz and rock studies midway through your adult piano sequence, when foundational reading and hand independence are secure. This supplement works alongside the main Alfred's Basic course without interrupting its arc. Many adult programs use these pieces in informal recitals or casual performance settings to celebrate expanding musical taste.