Instrumental Solos by Special Arrangement: Piano Acc. (Instrumental) Book & CD

Strommen understands that not every pianist wants to improvise in order to play jazz standards with style. These arrangements deliver authentic jazz sound through carefully voiced, notated parts that still demand real musicianship. The fact that all 11 books in the series are compatible means you can assemble an entire jazz combo from matched sets, making this a genuine gateway into jazz repertoire for classically trained ensembles.

These are jazz standards that breathe and swing without ever leaving the page. The arrangements preserve the sophisticated harmonies and melodic character of the originals while supporting the pianist with clear, stylistically informed accompaniment that feels conversational and musical.

Pianists at the intermediate level (Grades 2 1/2 to 3) who love the sound of jazz but haven't studied improvisation. This collection works equally well for solo recital programs, chamber jazz combinations with wind or string instruments, or as enrichment material within a broader studio practice.

• Listen to the recorded accompaniment multiple times before rehearsal to internalize the harmonic language and jazz inflections. The piano's comping style will inform how you shape your phrasing.
• Pay close attention to the 'variation' sections where Strommen accommodates the piano's range and sonority. These transitions often require subtle tempo flexibility to sit well with the accompaniment.
• Treat the chord symbols and style markings as guides to articulation and dynamic shape, not merely harmonic labels. Jazz interpretation lives in the details of how you voice each phrase.

Feature one of these pieces as a jazz interlude in a classical-focused recital or studio showcase to demonstrate versatility and introduce students to the jazz repertoire canon. Since all 11 books coordinate, you can also program multiple soloists from your studio in a themed jazz set, building from simpler to more rhythmically complex standards.

• Reading and interpreting jazz articulations and style markings
• Playing with swing feel and jazz phrasing conventions
• Balancing melody with accompaniment texture and understanding chord function through listening
• Coordinating with recorded accompaniment to maintain flexibility within a strict harmonic framework
• Building familiarity with American songbook standards and their stylistic conventions