Jerald Simon has been busy at work composing again! Actually, I don’t think he ever stops. 
His popular Cool Songs for Cool Kids book is now joined by a second volume in the series (soon to be followed by a third, I hear…).
Cool Songs for Cool Kids Volume 2 contains a variety of different styles, from blues to lyrical to rock. At the top of each piece is an indication of what style category it fits into, helping students become familiar with the various styles. Another great teaching tool is the inclusion of a paragraph after each title specifying what skills are incorporated into the piece.
Most of the pieces are very patterned and easy to learn. They seem considerably easier than the first volume and would be well-suited to an early intermediate student. I appreciate the variety in this volume as well. Also incredibly helpful is that Jerald has recorded each of the pieces and you (or a student) can listen to them on his website. They are obviously designed with the student in mind and seek to capitalize on the kinds of fun and repetitive sounds that kids do, indeed, seem to love playing. I wouldn’t use most of them as main fare with my students, but they sure make a nice “dessert” piece that students will look forward to playing.
Now for the great news…Jerald has generously agreed to giveaway not 1, but 10 copies of Cool Songs for Cool Kids! 5 copies of Volume 1 and 5 copies of Volume 2. If you’re interested, just leave a comment below. The drawing will close at noon (CST) on Thursday, April 14. The winner will be chosen using a random number generator.
Thanks for the generous giveaway!
Yeah! Thanks Jerald, this book sounds so fun!
Gerald,
I love what you are doing. I’m interested in trying out some of your books with my kids and graduate students! Way to go!!
I have some cool kids who would love to learn these cool songs.
Thanks so much Jerald. Great stuff. I can’t wait to try them out with my tweens especially.
I have just discovered the music of Jerald Simon, and would love to have this book for the cool students I teach.
This book sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks! I hope I win!!
Exciting! Thanks so much!
This sounds like a great book for some of my students. Thanks Beccy
Would love to win this book for my students.
Great music. Especially nice to listen to it online instead of losing a CD! Angela
Hi: Good contest. This CD will help. I know the children will like this. Thank you.
How fun is this! It’s great to be able to listen or have your students listen online.
These pieces look fun for students and useful for teachers!
We would love to have some of Jerald’s music in our home for our kids.
Just listened to Jerald’s music on his website. These songs sound great for students and fun for teachers too!