WB Popular Piano Library: Jazz Hits, Level 5: Piano Book

These arrangements nail the balance between sounding genuinely jazzy and remaining playable for late intermediate students. Minsky and Roed use voice leading and harmonic substitutions that feel natural rather than imposed, so students hear why each chord choice matters rather than just playing it. The collection draws from genuinely great standards with staying power, not trendy filler.

Sophisticated yet conversational. These arrangements respect the timeless elegance of their source material while dressing it in jazz colors that feel earned, not imposed. There's a sense of intimate musical storytelling, as if you're accompanying singers or conversing with other musicians rather than performing a solo.

Late intermediate pianists ready to expand into jazz idiom with real harmonic depth. Students studying jazz standards in private lessons or group piano will find accessible entry points into jazz arranging and reharmonization. Performers preparing for recitals or competitions who want to include classic jazz material with contemporary polish.

• Shape the chord substitutions intentionally. Hear each harmonic color as a deliberate choice and let that guide your touch and phrasing rather than treating them as theoretical exercises.
• Work the riffs separately from the harmonic framework first. Once the rhythmic feel of the riff locks in your hands, layer in the chord changes underneath.
• Pay attention to the rhythm section feel implied by the arrangements. Many of these standards work best when you lock into a specific jazz style (swing, Latin, ballad rubato) rather than playing them straight.
• Let the standards' melodic lines breathe. Even with sophisticated harmonies underneath, the tune needs to sing; avoid burying the melody under overly dense voicings.

Feature individual selections in a jazz-focused recital or as bridges between classical and popular repertoire in a mixed concert. Pair selections with vocal standards in a jazz standards showcase, or use them to build a coherent set that traces the evolution of American songwriting. The collection works well as winter or spring programming when lighter, swinging material complements the season.

• Reading jazz chord symbols and substitutions
• Voice leading across extended harmonies (7ths, 9ths, alterations)
• Playing walking bass patterns and riffs in left hand while maintaining independence with melody
• Rhythmic comping and the feel of swing eighth notes
• Interpreting standards with stylistic authenticity