Portraits 1: Keyboard/Piano Book & CD

This book solves a real problem that every keyboard teacher faces: finding accessible arrangements of jazz, blues, and rock that don't sound watered down. Baerman pairs each piece with artist biography and listening suggestions, turning repertoire into cultural education. The included CD offers flexibility whether you want to perform with accompaniment or use it for demonstration.

These pieces capture the energy and personality of their source artists without overwhelming young hands. You'll encounter swagger, soul, and rhythmic sophistication alongside accessible keyboard writing that sits comfortably under your fingers. The combination of listening, learning, and playing makes this feel less like traditional study and more like a tour through living musical styles.

Pianists and keyboard players age 12 and up who want to move beyond method books into real jazz, blues, and rock repertoire. This works equally well for classical pianists exploring new genres and contemporary players who benefit from structured study and teacher guidance.

• Study the artist biography and listen to the suggested recordings before rehearsing the piece. Knowing the source material shapes how you interpret stylistic details like swing feel or blues articulation.
• Use the preparatory exercises to internalize the specific musical vocabulary each piece demands. A blues lick or jazz comping pattern will sit more naturally in your hands before you encounter it in context.
• Experiment with both solo and full-band accompaniment tracks. The solo version helps you focus on your own voicing; the band version teaches you to lock into an ensemble feel.
• Pay attention to dynamic variation and articulation markings. Student-level writing in these styles often lives or dies on subtle touch choices that make the difference between competent and convincing.

Insert individual pieces into student recitals to showcase range and versatility beyond classical contexts. Alternatively, build a full concert or studio recital around the Portraits concept, letting each student choose an artist to research and perform, then sharing their discovery with the audience.

• Swing and triplet-feel rhythms in jazz contexts
• Blues scale application and blues improvisation fundamentals
• Rock and popular music comping patterns
• Listening and transcription skills tied to specific artists
• Stylistic articulation and touch appropriate to each genre
• Reading and interpreting notation in non-classical idioms