Especially in Jazzy Style, Book 2: Piano Book

Alexander writes jazz arrangements that intermediate students actually want to play. The eight pieces in Book 2 balance approachable technical demands with genuine jazz flavor, so your students experience the genre's real sound and personality rather than simplified imitations. This collection works beautifully as a stepping stone between classical technique and jazz literacy.

A confident walk through eight distinct jazz moods. You'll move from the cool sophistication of the title track to the blues-soaked energy of Ragtime Boogie Blues, discovering that jazz language feels natural and exciting when the writing matches your technical level.

Intermediate pianists ready to explore jazz styles with solid classical foundations. This book opens the door for students who want to understand swing rhythms, jazz harmonies, and contemporary sounds without overwhelming technique.

• Internalize the swing feel by listening to the recorded accompaniments before diving into the notation; Alexander's grooves lock in quickly once your ears know where the pocket sits.
• Pay special attention to the harmonic movement in pieces like Jazz Nocturne in B-flat Major, where understanding the chord progression helps you shape phrases rather than just hitting notes.
• Experiment with touch and articulation in the rhythm section figures; the difference between crisp and loose fingerwork transforms the swagger of pieces like Stompin' the Blues Away.
• Use the varied tempos and moods across the collection to practice dynamic control; moving from the lyrical Summer Moon to the infectious Ragtime Boogie Blues builds expressive range.

Program individual pieces across a recital or studio performance day to showcase your students' expanding stylistic range. The collection also works as a semester-long exploration of jazz elements; assign one piece every few weeks and build a coherent narrative around jazz history and technique as the year progresses.

• Swing rhythm and jazz articulation
• Jazz chord progressions and harmonic understanding
• Syncopated rhythmic patterns in single and double time
• Blues forms and walking bass patterns
• Stylistic interpretation across lyrical and uptempo contexts
• Left-hand comping and accompaniment techniques