Jazz Standards for Students, Book 2: Piano Book

Aaronson's arrangements respect the harmonic language and groove of these standards while keeping the technical demands reasonable for early-intermediate pianists. The deliberate choices about what to omit (sixteenth-note runs, complex rhythmic subdivisions) and what to include (chromatic passages, varied meters) show careful pedagogy. Students get authentic jazz repertoire without the frustration that comes from wrestling with virtuosic writing.

These arrangements capture the warmth and sophistication of the standards themselves while remaining accessible. You'll feel the swing, hear the changes in your hands, and discover why these melodies have endured for decades. There's a real sense of accomplishment when a piece clicks and the jazz vocabulary starts to feel natural.

Early-intermediate pianists ready to explore jazz beyond simple lead sheets and ready to work with swing rhythms and jazz harmonies. This collection works for students in private lessons, group piano classes, or jazz ensembles who want repertoire that sounds professional without requiring advanced technique.

• Lock in the swing feel early. These pieces live or die by the pocket, so spend rehearsal time on the rhythmic placement rather than racing through the notes.
• Listen to a classic recording of each standard before you begin learning it. Your ear will absorb the phrasing, dynamics, and articulation that sheet music alone cannot convey.
• Pay close attention to chord symbols and left-hand voicings. The walking bass lines and reharmonized changes are where much of the jazz character lives in these arrangements.
• Explore the chromatic passages with intention. Mark them in your score and practice them slowly to build finger confidence and intonation awareness.

Feature individual selections in student recitals or jazz showcases throughout the year. The progression from simpler to more challenging pieces makes it easy to choose appropriate selections for different performance events. Pairing two or three contrasting standards can create a mini jazz set that demonstrates range and versatility.

• Reading and performing swing rhythms in a jazz context
• Playing jazz chord symbols and left-hand voicings
• Reading 6/8 meter in addition to 4/4 and 3/4
• Navigating chromatic scale passages with accuracy
• Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing
• Understanding chord progressions and jazz reharmonization