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Cool Joe: Piano Sheet

$3.50 USD
$3.50 USD
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Cool Joe Cover Image
Cool Joe: Piano Sheet

Cool Joe: Piano Sheet

By June C. Montgomery

Level: Intermediate

Item: 00-21403
$3.50
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Description
The spirited jazz sounds of this piece (dedicated to one of June Montgomery's sons) will make it a favorite among intermediate students. The left hand stays in close position throughout except for an occasional octave jump. It contains the steady rhythmic background needed to contrast with the right-hand eighth notes that are swung. Written in 4/4 meter and C major, there are some chromatics in each hand throughout. However, the entire piece is easily attainable for this level. The fun style and "cool" sounds make it appealing to both the performer and the audience.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
ISBN10: 0-7390-3293-3
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-3293-0
UPC: 038081219714
SKU: 00-21403

More about this title

About the Composer: June C. Montgomery

June C. Montgomery

June C. Montgomery earned her degree from Florida State University and has spent more than two decades teaching private piano students while also serving as an elementary school music educator. Her work in the classroom earned her recognition as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America and membership in Delta Kappa Gamma, reflecting her commitment to music education at the foundational level.

Beyond the studio and classroom, Montgomery has established herself as a prolific composer and author for Alfred Publishing Company. Her catalog includes the FUNdamental Musicianship Skills series, the Piano Camp series, and Theory Through the Year for Alfred's Basic Piano Library, as well as collaborative works with Maurice Hinson and Martha Mier. She has led clinics at district and state conventions across Florida, presented at the Glover International Workshop in Virginia, and contributed to Music Teachers National Association conventions. Montgomery remains active as a church pianist, children's choir director, and carillonneur at the Stephen Foster Memorial.

Why we love this

Montgomery writes jazz solos that sound genuinely musical rather than merely instructional. The rhythmic interplay between steady left-hand figures and swung right-hand eighths gives intermediate pianists a real taste of jazz interpretation without overwhelming technical demands, making this piece rewarding both in the practice room and on stage.

What to expect

Cool Joe captures the relaxed sophistication of modern jazz: easygoing yet purposeful, with a steady pulse that feels effortless and a melodic line that swings with style. The chromatic touches add color and intrigue, making the piece feel more grown-up than typical intermediate fare while staying grounded in a key and meter that feel immediately accessible.

Who it's for

Intermediate piano students ready to explore jazz styles beyond classical repertoire. This piece works well for students who enjoy contemporary sounds and want to develop their understanding of rhythm, swing, and improvisation without navigating complex harmonic changes or wide hand positions.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the left-hand groove first as an independent rhythmic anchor; once that becomes automatic, the right hand can focus on the swing feel of the eighth notes without rushing or dragging.
  • Practice the chromatic passages in both hands separately to build accuracy, then layer them together slowly to ensure they lock together cleanly.
  • Let the occasional octave jumps in the left hand breathe slightly; these moments give the piece shape and keep the steady background from becoming monotonous.

How to use it

Program this as a solo performance piece for a jazz or contemporary showcase, or use it to open a recital with an upbeat, crowd-pleasing moment. Its four-page length and approachable style also make it ideal for a spring or end-of-year student recital where you want to celebrate student progress in a fun, non-classical context.

Skills your students will build

  • Swing rhythm and jazz interpretation (swung eighth notes vs. straight eighths)
  • Left-hand independence with steady rhythmic accompaniment
  • Reading and executing chromatic passages in both hands
  • Hand position management with occasional octave jumps
  • Balancing melody and accompaniment in a jazz idiom

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