Jazzagility! is a unique series by Lindsey Berwin, designed to develop piano students’ technique using fun material. The pieces are in a variety of jazz-based styles, notably Latin, swing and rock, and, in the first three levels, are enhanced by teacher accompaniments in duet form.

The series consists of two volumes, Book 1 levels 1-3, and Book 2 levels 4 and 5.

The first book begins with short easy pieces which focus on hand position, wrist relaxation and tone production. The material then systematically introduces such elements as use of forearm weight, independence of fingers, lateral thumb movement, support of the fourth and fifth fingers and direct pedalling.

Book 2 builds upon the foundations formed in the previous levels, and students now move around the keys, encountering octave leaps, arpeggio preparation and crossing hands. In addition, they will acquire other important technical skills such as balancing melody and accompaniment, voicing chords, and legato pedalling.

Jazzagility! is ideally intended to be used as a complete series, but if a student prefers to begin straightaway with volume two, he or she is sure to still derive much benefit and pleasure from doing so.