Jazz & Blues, Op. 37, Book 1: Early Intermediate Piano Book

Schultz writes jazz that actually sounds like jazz. These pieces don't dilute the idiom for early intermediate players; instead, they introduce authentic swing feels, bebop sensibilities, and blues vocabulary through carefully crafted lines that sit naturally under the hands. Your students will play real music, not watered-down approximations.

Colorful, conversational, and unpretentious. These pieces swing and groove with the casual confidence of someone sitting at the piano in a comfortable jazz club. There's sophistication in the harmony and melodic writing, but the overall character stays accessible and fun.

Early intermediate pianists ready to explore jazz without oversimplification. This collection works for students seeking a structured entry into jazz styles and for teachers wanting authentic repertoire that bridges classical technique and contemporary idiom.

• Study the blues changes in the first few pieces before tackling the faster bebop-influenced solos. Getting comfortable with the harmonic movement in "Blues Over Easy" will make pieces like "Fast Lane" feel much more secure.
• Pay attention to Schultz's articulation markings and dynamic shaping. These details are what distinguish his jazz writing; they're not just suggestions but essential to capturing the swing feel.
• Work through chord symbols alongside the written melody. Understanding what harmony sits beneath your line helps with phrasing and gives you confidence in improvisation later.

Slot individual pieces into student recitals throughout the year to give your jazz-curious students ownership of a solo. The variety of styles within the collection means you can program "Blues Over Easy" in a spring concert and "Fast Lane" in a fall festival without repetition of sound or approach.

• Reading and executing swing rhythms and syncopation
• Understanding blues and bebop harmonic progressions
• Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing from notation
• Developing left-hand independence in jazz comping patterns
• Building confidence with jazz repertoire at the early intermediate level