Green Jazzin' About: Fun Pieces for Piano/Keyboard: Piano Book

Wedgwood's writing here captures authentic jazz vocabulary (syncopation, blues changes, funk rhythms) without overwhelming the beginner. The environmental theme gives students context and meaning beyond the mechanics of the page, and the stylistic variety across ten pieces keeps energy high through a full rehearsal or practice session.

Playful and energizing, with a modern groove that feels nothing like a traditional exercise book. One moment you're sliding into a blues feel; the next you're rocking out or floating through a waltz with environmental consciousness. The pieces capture the joy of improvisation and rhythmic freedom without requiring it.

Early elementary pianists ready to move beyond traditional beginner repertoire and hungry for contemporary styles. This collection works equally well for young students exploring jazz vocabulary for the first time and for absolute beginners who need high-interest material to sustain their practice motivation.

• Anchor the syncopated rhythms by tapping the backbeat steady with your left foot as you play; this helps feel where the syncopation sits against the pulse.
• Experiment with articulation and tone to match each piece's character: crisp and clipped for the boogie pieces, warm and legato for the ballad-style moments.
• Don't rush the tempo in search of accuracy; a well-grounded slow blues or rock groove played cleanly will sound far better than a scrambled fast one.
• Let the riffs and ostinatos breathe with light dynamics; these pieces live in the space between notes as much as in the notes themselves.

Program selections from this book in a spring or end-of-year concert to show families what contemporary jazz study looks and sounds like at the elementary level. Use individual pieces as rewards and motivation builders between more technical work, or assign them as supplementary listening and performance material alongside a method book to deepen understanding of syncopation and style.

• Syncopation and offset rhythms against a steady pulse
• Blues and jazz harmonic progressions (12-bar blues, jazz chords)
• Swing feel and jazz articulation
• Left-hand independence in rhythm and accompaniment patterns
• Pedal technique and tone control for stylistic effect
• Reading and interpreting style markings (swing, funk, blues feel)