Aletha Jacobs, ( MM Jazz Studies University of South Carolina ’97) the author/composer of these books, has taught at Columbia College since last century (where she also earned her BA). She teaches piano, music theory, Concert Choir, and the CC Jazz Ensemble. Her love for teaching jazz and improvisation to all ages inspired her to compose the tunes in her books, Rockin’ Around the Keys, and Chillin’ Around the Keys. She has also taught the vocal jazz group, Carolina Alive at USC, for the last 12 years. As a professional musician for well over 40 years, she has performed in every kind of venue, from playing in rock/pop/jazz bands to performing with pops orchestras, broadway shows, solo piano, and even dueling pianos.