Jazzy Cat: Piano

Name: Jazzy Cat: Piano
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-PS-0017739
Price: 3.50 USD
Availability: InStock

By Melody Bober

Level: Elementary

Item: 00-PS-0017739

Digital Download

$3.50

Most have heard someone referred to as a "cool cat." Now, students can hear where the phrase comes from with Jazzy Cat! This playful piece is in 4/4 meter and C major, but don't be fooled, this solo moves forward with a spritely vigor! The use of blue notes---notes written to sound like they fall between the cracks of the keyboard---paints a very jazzy picture. Students will also find that giving staccato notes attention will bring out the sly cat's playful nature. A Federation Festivals 2016-2020 selection.

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Series: Signature Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 4

SKU: 00-PS-0017739

More about this title

About the Composer: Melody Bober

Melody Bober is a composer whose piano works consistently balance accessibility with genuine musicality. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a Master's degree in Piano Performance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, studying jazz, piano performance, and music pedagogy with accomplished mentors including Joel Shapiro and Tony Caramia.

Bober brings two decades of public school teaching experience and university-level instruction to her compositional work, informed by her active role as a church pianist and director. Her pieces regularly appear at music festivals and teacher conventions, where she leads clinics and demonstrates her approach to writing music that challenges and engages young pianists. She maintains a private piano studio in Minnesota.

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Why we love this

Bober writes jazz idiomatically without overcomplicating it for young players. The playful character and strategic use of blue notes bring authentic jazz color to an elementary-level piece, making it genuinely fun to perform rather than just serviceable repertoire. It's the kind of work that makes students actually care about articulation and phrasing because the musical payoff is immediate.

What to expect

Jazzy Cat moves with a playful spring, full of personality and swagger. The blue notes peek through like a mischievous grin, and the staccato passages bounce with the nimble movements of a cat prowling and pouncing. It feels contemporary and sly, never precious or overly serious.

Who it's for

Elementary-level pianists ready to explore jazz vocabulary and want a piece that's genuinely fun to perform. The accessible C major tonality and 4/4 meter make it approachable, while the jazz elements add sophistication that rewards careful listening and expressive playing.

How to get the most out of it

Listen closely to how staccato articulation creates the character of this piece; crisp, detached notes in the accompaniment will make the cat's slyness come through
Approach the blue notes with intention, allowing them to fall slightly flat or "bent" to capture authentic jazz flavor without overdoing the effect
Keep the tempo sprightly and consistent throughout; the 4/4 meter is steady, but the energy should feel light and dancing rather than plodding
Balance the melody against the jazzy accompaniment so both layers are audible; neither should overshadow the other

How to use it

Use this as a solo recital piece that appeals to students eager to explore styles beyond classical repertoire. It pairs well on a festival or concert program with other contemporary or jazz-influenced works, or stands alone as a spirited opener that sets a relaxed, modern tone for a student recital.