| Date | Event | Type | Membership Level | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/20/2023 12:00 pm (Monday) | Sibelius Class | Class | Academy | Paul |
| 03/21/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 03/21/2023 2:30 pm (Tuesday) | Transcription Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 03/23/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 03/24/2023 1:00 pm (Friday) | Jazz Piano Class | Class | Premier | Nina |
| 03/25/2023 9:00 am (Saturday) | Jazz History with Paul | Class | Academy | Paul |
| 03/28/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 03/28/2023 2:30 pm (Tuesday) | Transcription Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 03/30/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 03/31/2023 11:30 am (Friday) | Improv Class with John | Class | Premier | John |
| 03/31/2023 1:00 pm (Friday) | Pop/Rock Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 04/01/2023 9:00 am (Saturday) | Jazz History with Paul | Class | Academy | Paul |
| 04/04/2023 12:30 pm (Tuesday) | Coaching with Willie | Coaching | Song | Willie |
| 04/04/2023 2:30 pm (Tuesday) | Transcription Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 04/06/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 04/06/2023 2:00 pm (Thursday) | Rhythm Training | Coaching | Premier | Mike |
| 04/08/2023 9:00 am (Saturday) | Jazz History with Paul | Class | Academy | Paul |
| 04/11/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 04/11/2023 2:30 pm (Tuesday) | Transcription Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 04/13/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 04/14/2023 11:30 am (Friday) | Improv Class with John | Class | Premier | John |
| 04/15/2023 9:00 am (Saturday) | Jazz History with Paul | Class | Academy | Paul |
| 04/18/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 04/18/2023 2:30 pm (Tuesday) | Transcription Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 04/20/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 04/20/2023 2:00 pm (Thursday) | Vocal Training | Class | Premier | Anna |
| 04/25/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 04/25/2023 2:30 pm (Tuesday) | Transcription Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 04/27/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 05/02/2023 12:30 pm (Tuesday) | Coaching with Willie | Coaching | Song | Willie |
| 05/04/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 05/04/2023 2:00 pm (Thursday) | Rhythm Training | Coaching | Premier | Mike |
| 05/06/2023 9:00 am (Saturday) | Jazz History with Paul | Class | Academy | Paul |
| 05/09/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 05/11/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 05/12/2023 1:00 pm (Friday) | Pop/Rock Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 05/16/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 05/18/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 05/18/2023 2:00 pm (Thursday) | Vocal Training | Class | Premier | Anna |
| 05/23/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 05/25/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 05/26/2023 1:00 pm (Friday) | Pop/Rock Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 05/30/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 06/01/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 06/01/2023 2:00 pm (Thursday) | Rhythm Training | Coaching | Premier | Mike |
| 06/06/2023 12:30 pm (Tuesday) | Coaching with Willie | Coaching | Song | Willie |
| 06/08/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 06/09/2023 1:00 pm (Friday) | Pop/Rock Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 06/13/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 06/15/2023 12:30 pm (Thursday) | Premier Coaching | Coaching | Premier | Paul |
| 06/15/2023 2:00 pm (Thursday) | Vocal Training | Class | Premier | Anna |
| 06/20/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| 06/23/2023 1:00 pm (Friday) | Pop/Rock Class | Class | Premier | Paul |
| 06/27/2023 1:00 pm (Tuesday) | Academy Coaching | Coaching | Academy | Paul |
| Title | Description | Duration (HH:MM:SS) |
|---|---|---|
| "A Mid-Summer Session" | A Mid-Summer Session: Learn a Bluesy, Gospel-flavor song while also learning new techniques, licks and “walk ups”. I will explain how to play “A Mid-Summer Session” note for note on the piano. Also I’m going to go through all of the techniques and chords I am using for this arrangement. By learning how to play“A Mid-Summer Session” you will learn to get these techniques under your fingertips. After learning the arrangement, you will also get to see how I came up with the chords I’m using in this song. | 00:49:27 |
| "Ain't Misbehavin" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, I will show you note-for-note Fats Waller’s performance of Ain’t Misbehavin. This lesson will be broken into 2 parts. Part 1 (this lesson) will focus on the song introduction and the first 2 A sections. In “Ain’t Misbehavin” – Vol. 2 we will finish the song. This lesson is real fun if you like this stride piano sound then this lesson is definitely for you because you can take these techniques and apply them to other songs in your repertoire. | 00:54:59 |
| "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" | “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”: In this lesson, you will learn the keyboard part that was played on the classic recording “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. This is not a solo piano arrangement of the song but rather a transcription of what was actually played in the studio by the keyboard player on the recording. You will learn this song in parts, breaking the music into 4-8 measure sections making it easy to learn and easy to memorize. So purchase this famous track, put your headphones on, and get ready to play along as a member of the band as you add this great tune to your repertoire! | 00:43:06 |
| "Alfie" - Burt Bacarach | Learn Burt Bacarach’s beautiful song Alfie. In this lesson, I will break down the piano arrangement note-for-note. We will only be learning the song in the lesson, no improvisation. There will also be little explanation of how the arrangement was created. The goal is to just learn the song note for note. The skill level needed in order to play Alfie would be intermediate to professional level. It’s pretty intense with a lot of notes in it. | 00:43:10 |
| "All Blues" - Miles Davis (Arrangement) | Learn step-by-step a full arrangement of "All Blues." You will also learn some improvisation tips for the song. | 00:58:27 |
| "All of Me" Arrangement - Vol. 1A | In this lesson, you will learn how to play an arrangement of the jazz standard All of Me. We will cover note-for-note each measure of the arrangement. We will also be covering stride left-hand styles along with some jazz piano theory which will allow you to apply these techniques to other jazz piano standards. | 00:45:42 |
| "All of Me" Arrangement - Vol. 1B | In the 2nd part of this arrangement, you will continue learning how to play an arrangement of the jazz standard All of Me. We will cover note-for-note each measure of the arrangement. We will also be covering stride left-hand styles along with some jazz piano theory which will allow you to apply these techniques to other jazz piano standards. | 00:26:07 |
| "As Time Goes By" | In this lesson I’ll show you how to create a full arrangement of As Time Goes By using my step-by-step standards system. We will start with easy chord shells then I’ll teach you a more advanced arrangement and show you how to do quick chromatic fills to create a more personal style for your arrangements. You should do the My Romance lesson before starting this lesson. Finally, I’ll give you some “pro tips” to make your lead sheet playing sound more professional. | 01:06:30 |
| "Auld Lang Syne" Special Reharmonization - Vol. 1 | In this lesson we are going to work through an arrangement for Auld Lang Syne in 8 steps (The 8th step is Special Reharm pt 2). In each step we will add a new technique that we can use for reharmonization of this song and countless others. If you are interested in reharmonization, want to create your own arrangements or need more help with concepts like Dominant motion, related ii's, tri-tone substitution then this lesson is for you! Even beginners can benefit from this lesson...just remember to go slow and re-watch the chapters! | 01:06:22 |
| "Blackbird" | I will teach you my arrangement of the Lennon-McCartney song "Blackbird." I will explain the harmony and arrangement to you while also showing you how to create a flowing, arpeggiated style. We will also discuss ways to create your own signature style on this and other songs. In this lesson, I recorded an improvisation with a click track to make it easier to transcribe. | 01:12:33 |
| "Blessed Assurance" | In this lesson you'll learn how to analyze this traditional hymn and play it with basic triads, perfect for beginners. I also created a more contemporary arrangement with some cool reharmonization techniques and big chords. | 01:19:53 |
| "Blue Bossa" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, you will learn to tackle the standard “Blue Bossa” and arrange various phrases of the song with some pro techniques. In the end, you’ll have a fully scored (and explained) arrangement of this tune. Concepts discussed include: chromatic approach, inserting a ii-V-I, using dominant sus4 resolutions, tritone substitutions, quartal voicings, modulation, drop-2 voicings, and reharmonization. | 00:44:34 |
| "Body and Soul" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, we will be tackling the jazz standard Body & Soul. Learn how to play this in a professional way. This lesson will focus on the first 8 measures of the song. Learn the correct method for going through this or any other jazz standard and turn it into a professional piece. | 01:22:43 |
| "Break On Through To The Other Side" - The Doors | "Break On Through (To the Other Side)" is a song by the Doors from their debut album, The Doors. It was the first single released by the band. In this lesson we will break down each section of the song, including Ray Manzarek's solo. | 00:56:44 |
| "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Simon And Garfunkel (Vol. 1) | Learn Paul Simon’s classic song Bridge Over Troubled Water. In this part 1 lesson you’ll learn the first 2 pages of the arrangement, step-by-step along with all reharmonizations. We will also devote a chapter to the analysis of the song. | 00:53:54 |
| "Cantaloupe Island" | This is a classic funky tune with a great piano groove. In this lesson, I'll teach you the groove, how to alter it and also how to add some improvisation. We will also discuss inside/outside soloing techniques. | 01:24:39 |
| "Chestnuts Roasting" | Learn my arrangement of the holiday favorite, "Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire". I will also cover some "runs" and "fills." | 01:25:36 |
| "Danny Boy" - Londonderry Air | I cover a lot of really neat reharmonization techniques in this lesson, including dominant motion, related ii-V’s, dominant motion and much more. Best of all, you get to learn a beautiful ballad arrangement of the song. | 02:26:47 |
| "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" | This lesson features a popular Duke Ellington tune. You will learn an advanced arrangement of this tune and breakdown the various jazz devices that go into creating a pro arrangement. Topics covered in this lesson include mapping the form, bebop scale harmony and theory, and the planning technique. | 01:01:48 |
| "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" Vol. 2 | In Part 2 of this lesson, you will learn the jazz devices that are used to build this advanced arrangement. Once finished, you will have a full solo piano arrangement of this tune, complete with intro and ending. Topics covered in this lesson include filling space, inserting a ii-V progression, stride technique, creating an intro, and creating an ending. | 01:00:19 |
| "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey | Learn the iconic piano part to this classic rock song. We have another lesson on this song in the site, just do a search. | 00:25:47 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - Jazz Reharm Part 1 | In this lesson, you will get an inside look into creating a reharmonized, solo piano jazz arrangement of the pop tune “Every Breath You Take”. If you're interested in just learning the song, we have a lesson on just the song. Topics include how to reharmonize chords, jazz theory, reading a lead sheet, and how to create comping and soloing ideas over a static (2 chords only) harmony. | 00:31:39 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - The Police (Vol. 1) | In this lesson, you will learn how to play a reharmonized version of the Sting & The Police classic Every Breath You Take. Note, this is not the original version and contains some jazz style reharmonizations. | 00:52:48 |
| "Feelin' Alright" | In this Joe Cocker version of “Feelin’ Alright,” I will show you how to play the grooves of the song and alter those grooves to create your own sound. We will also cover some of the original keyboardist, Artie Butler’s, licks for improvisation. If you like a funky piano sound, this is a great lesson for you. | 01:13:25 |
| "Fly Me To The Moon" | I will teach you how to play this song in a solo/cocktail piano style using an easy shells and melody approach. After we cover the basic arrangement I'll show you how to create fills and flourishes. We will also cover how to create an ending. This is a great introduction to Real Book / Fakebook playing. | 01:02:22 |
| "Fur Elise" - Vol. 1 | One of the most famous piano melodies of all-time by one of music’s greatest composers – you will definitely want to have this piece in your repertoire! In this lesson you will learn the signature theme from this piece using a very specific and efficient practice method which focuses on three areas to ensure that the piece is learned properly: reading the correct notes, rhythms, and fingerings. Students will also master some challenging technical aspects of the piece, such as reading and playing pedal markings and executing some unfamiliar fingerings. | 00:52:17 |
| "Fur Elise" - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 00:28:53 |
| "Georgia On My Mind" | Georgia on My Mind was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics). I’ll teach you how to re-harmonize and play my arrangement. Soloing tips will also be available. | 04:33:30 |
| "Have I Told You Lately" - Van Morrison | In this beautiful ballad, I'll take you step-by-step through my arrangement. I will also give you arrangement tips along the way. We will cover a bit of improvisation at the end. However, this lesson is mostly about learning the song. | 00:50:19 |
| "House Of The Rising Sun" - The Animals | In this arrangement we will learn how to go from a groove to adding the melody. By learning a few key rhythmic patterns, you can apply the melody on top and create a cool sounding arrangement. We will also cover 16th-note broken chords that give the song a lot of momentum and excitement. I will give you some improvisation tips and show you how to create your own arrangement by re-arranging the form. | 01:04:19 |
| "How High The Moon" | Learn how to fill out those one-chord-per-measure sections. We will create an arrangement and you will learn how to add chords and reharm to make a richer arrangement. | 00:59:15 |
| "Hush" - Vol. 1 | In this first volume of Deep Purple's version of the Joe South song, "Hush," we will be covering the groove and form of the song. We will spend a lot of time breaking down different ways of using the organ to create a groove over the chords. Volume 2 will work on improvisation. | 00:59:08 |
| "I Feel Good" | In this lesson we will cover the bassline and horn lines for I Feel Good by James Brown. However, we are going to spend a lot of time on improvisation as well. I will show you how to integrate eighth and sixteenth note patterns into your improvisation. | 01:08:06 |
| "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" - Marvin Gaye | Play only the opening keyboard riff and this Motown classic is instantly recognizable. Another Marvin Gaye hit, this lesson will teach you the actual keyboard parts from the recording, allowing you to put yourself in the studio, at the keyboard, playing along as a member of the band. This is not an arrangement of the song, but a transcription of specifically what was played by the keyboardist on the record. Using his method of breaking the music into easy-to-understand pieces, you will learn how to string together the small component parts that create this Motown masterpiece. | 00:51:35 |
| "I Loves You Porgy" - Gershwin (Part 2) | In this lesson we will create a full arrangement of "I Loves You Porgy" by beginning with a chord shell exercise before learning the full arrangement. | 00:45:29 |
| "I Want You Back" | In this lesson, I break down the Jackson 5 song "I Want You Back". I will show you all of the sections and even how to improvise in different styles over the form of the song. We will analyze the sections of the song allowing you to use snippets to create your own grooves. | 01:23:53 |
| "In A Sentimental Mood" | Learn Duke's beautiful ballad In A Sentimental Mood. We start with the analysis of the song which makes it easier to memorize and transpose the song to other keys. Next we cover the step-by-step process for creating an easy "quick" arrangement. After that we talk about how to re-harmonize the song to create an interesting arrangement. Finally, you will learn the arrangement note-for-note. | 01:24:16 |
| "In My Life" - Vol. 1 | In part 1 of this lesson you will learn how to play The Beatles – In My Life. Not only will you learn the basic melody and harmony but you will learn their relationship to each other. You will be able to take the basic information and put in the rest of the notes to fill out the voicing. He will show you how to sprinkle in some jazz influence and 2-5-1 progressions. | 00:46:57 |
| "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" | In this song lesson, we will use our step-by-step standards technique (similar to My Romance) to create an arrangement. In three steps (plus analysis) we will go from melody to complete arrangement along with some advanced tips to help you apply these techniques to other standards. | 00:54:27 |
| "Isn't She Lovely" - Stevie Wonder | Learn how to play the chords for this popular Stevie Wonder song. We will also discuss different improvisation ideas for you to crate a solo over the song. The melody of this song is not in the arrangement so it is a perfect song to sing over! | 01:00:23 |
| "It Had To Be You" | In this lesson I’ll show you how to play this classic song using an extremely easy technique. Perfect for students of all levels. It Had To Be You – Learn my simple method to arrange Jazz standards quickly. Learn how to simply the chord patterns to make it easier to create your own arrangement. | 00:53:03 |
| "Jolly Ol' Saint Nick" | One of my first lessons from 2008! | 00:24:49 |
| "Jordu" - Duke Jordan (Arrangement) | In this lesson you'll learn Duke Jordan's "Jordu," a faster-tempo song that incorporates shells and stride-like playing. | 00:36:19 |
| "La Cumparsita" | Learn the arrangement of this classic tango song. You’ll also learn different tango accompaniment patterns and arranging techniques. We will cover improvisation over the tango groove and learn some exercises to get your hands playing together. | 00:59:23 |
| "Light My Fire" - Vol. 1 | In this 2-part lesson we are going to cover Ray Manzarek's epic solo on the Door's song: Light My Fire. There are many great tips to gain from this solo and it is a great example of how to build a solo using few notes and rhythmic elements. Using the A dorian scale, this lesson will also give you pointers on how to improvise using your dorian mode. | 00:56:35 |
| "Look of Love" | Learn to play The Look of Love by Burt Bacharach note for note. Willie will also spend time teaching you how to create an arrangement. At the end of the lesson you will get tips on how to create your own accompaniment. | 01:06:10 |
| "Man in the Mirror" - Michael Jackson | In this lesson, you will learn how to play Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror. | 01:12:24 |
| "Manha De Carnaval" | Manha De Carnaval from Black Orpheus is one of Luiz Bonfa’s most famous songs. In this lesson we will be breaking down the improvisation of the song first and add an arrangement at a later date. I will cover a few techniques that you can use in both group and solo settings. I will also play it a bit faster (like you will often find on gigs). This lesson is for the intermediate to advanced student. | 01:14:51 |
| "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" | In this song by Joe Zawinul, we are going to learn the song step-by-step while also learning some improvisation and groove techniques in the latter half of the lesson. | 01:00:20 |
| "Miniature Rondo" - Vol. 1 | In this fun, up-tempo classical piece, you will learn a practice process that focuses on three areas of primary concern: learning the correct notes, learning the correct rhythms, and using the proper fingering. This practice process is meant to train you to work through such pieces in a very efficient, organized, and methodical manner and can be applied to any piece of music you are studying. We will place significant importance on learning hands separately before playing hands together, and work through the music in small pieces that are later merged to create larger phrases. In a separate chapter, you will learn all of the various “musicality details” that breathe life into the music. | 00:51:50 |
| "Miniature Rondo" - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 01:05:00 |
| "Minuet" Bach - Vol. 1 | From the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach This famous melody is a beautiful piece to add to your piano repertoire. You will learn this piece in a step-by-step manner, using a practice process to focus on three primary areas of concern: learning the correct notes, the correct rhythms, and the correct fingering. In a very efficient and methodical procedure, you will learn how to break the music into small sections and then combine those small sections to create larger phrases, working this way to completion. | 00:58:57 |
| "Minuet" Bach - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 01:03:21 |
| "Minuet" Mozart - Vol. 1 | Classical music introduces students to some of the greatest composers of all-time, such as Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. In addition to providing some of the most memorable melodies and piano repertoire, classical music is tremendously helpful and essential to developing proper technique and hand independence. In this lesson, you will learn a beautiful Minuet by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and uses a very specific practice process. This process focuses on three areas of importance: reading the correct notes, playing the correct rhythms (and practicing with a metronome), and the importance of using the correct fingering. | 00:55:58 |
| "Minuet" Mozart - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 00:39:12 |
| "Minute By Minute" - Doobie Brothers | Minute by Minute is the eighth studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released on December 1, 1978 with Michael McDonald at the keys and vocals. Learn this song step-by-step and master this 12-8 rhythm! | 01:13:44 |
| "Misty - Erroll Garner | Learn the Erroll Garner classic, “Misty”. This three-step (Standards in 3) series will teach you how to re-harmonize the lead sheet, how to play the arrangement and put in fills and runs. | 02:00:56 |
| "Moon River" | In this lesson, you'll learn how to play Henry Mancini’s Moon River arrangement step by step while also learning how to create a flowing left-hand ballad style. | 00:43:54 |
| "Moondance" - Song - Van Morrison | In this part 1, we will cover the form, chords and bassline of the song. We will cover a bit of improvisation, but the bulk of improvisation will be covered in part 2. This is being classified as a "beginner" level lesson. You should know some basic triads and know your way around the keyboard before doing this lesson. | 00:53:37 |
| "Moonlight In Vermont" - Arrangement (Part 1) | Learn how to create an arrangement of this beautiful song in 3/4 time. In this lesson we will cover the first half of the song. | 00:37:19 |
| "My Funny Valentine" | Learn the standard "My Funny Valentine." I explain all of the chords along with re-harmonization and scales for soloing. | 00:45:00 |
| "Night and Day" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, I am going to show you three "options" for each line of the song. We will go through line-by-line Cole Porter's Night And Day and you will learn different techniques that you can stack, mix and move around to create your own arrangement. Part one will show you the first two A sections. Part two will cover the bridge and endings. | 01:01:57 |
| "O Come All Ye' Faithful" | Learn this Christmas song from start to finish. I cover picking out the melody, applying basic chords to the melody and then working out advanced harmonies. You’ll also learn my complete arrangement. | 01:58:25 |
| "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" | This fun jazz standard is a great introduction to the world of jazz piano. Using simple block chords, you’ll learn how to play this arrangement in 4-steps. Geared for beginners, but valuable for all levels of player, you’ll also learn a simple stride pattern that you can apply to countless other jazz standards. | 01:02:47 |
| "Over The Rainbow" | I love this song. In this lesson, you'll learn my re-harmonization for this classic piece. You'll also learn some tips that I have gotten from players like Keith Jarrett. This is an advanced lesson. THERE IS NO SHEET MUSIC FOR THIS LESSON. | 01:46:08 |
| "Paranoid Android" - Radiohead | Learn Radiohead's "Paranoid Android" along with advanced techniques to make this song your own. We will cover all sections of the song along with alternate bass lines and right hand fills. We will also discuss how to learn a song by ear and what to listen for. If you like that rock piano sound, you'll like this lesson a lot. The last section of the song is very pretty and is open to a lot of improvisation, making it fun to jam on this song. | 01:33:04 |
| "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" | In this beautiful piece, I will split the lesson into an easy beginner section that shows a beginning student how to put together a nice contemporary arrangement. In the second half we discuss advanced techniques to create a richer arrangement. | 01:02:24 |
| "Riders On The Storm" | In this Dorian-based song, I'll show you how to play the song solo or with a group. You'll learn the melody as well as improvisation. We will break down some of Ray Manzarek's licks and talk about bringing in some advanced techniques like tritone-substitutions into the arrangement. | 01:18:05 |
| "Ring of Fire" - Ray Charles | In this lesson you will learn the Ray Charles version of Ring of Fire. We will go over the right hand voicings and the left hand bassline. We will also go over the scales used for improvising over this tune with some jazz techniques. | 01:13:11 |
| "Salsa Bop" | A fun original latin song that will teach you more about latin music and montunos. | 00:59:50 |
| "September" - Earth Wind & Fire | In this lesson, we will show you how to play the piano-based funk groove that makes up Earth Wind & Fire’s classic funk-party hit “September.” You will learn the chords and specific voicings, as well as the left-hand bassline, that make up this groove, and we will show you how to practice establishing the groove using your metronome and the 2 provided jam tracks. | 01:02:09 |
| "She's Got a Way" - Billy Joel (Vol. 1) | In part 1 of this lesson, you’ll learn how to play Billy Joel’s “She’s Got a Way.” You will be shown how to construct the chords and vary them along with harmonizing ideas for the melody. | 00:38:41 |
| "Smoke On The Water" - Deep Purple | Learn how to play each part of this classic rock song. This is a great jam song to play with other musicians as well! | 00:43:05 |
| "So Far Away" - Carole King | In this lesson you'll learn this classic Carole King song step-by-step. “So Far Away” is a song written by Carole King, which appeared on her 1971 album Tapestry. The recording features James Taylor on acoustic guitar. | 00:56:23 |
| "Someone Like You" - Adele | In this lesson you will learn how to play Adele's song Someone Like You. The song will be broken down into 4 parts and is taught slowly, so it is well suited for new students. The second-half of the lesson will show you advanced methods for manipulating the song with more of an improvisational feel. | 01:10:56 |
| "Somos Novios" | Somos Novios is a beautiful ballad by Mexican composer Armando Manzanero. We will break down the chords, learn the analysis and talk about how to move this into new keys. We will also spend time on improvisation and learn the montunos in the song. | 01:10:17 |
| "Stardust" | A beautiful song by Hoagy Charmichael in which I teach you the arrangement while also reviewing arranging techniques that "spice up" the song. We will be covering drop 2, drop 3 and drop 4 voicings. These voicings help to spread out your chords. | 01:33:27 |
| "Stella By Starlight" | In this lesson, I will show you how to arrange the classic standard Stella By Starlight in a Ballad style. We will also focus on how to comp and accompany. This is great if you work with a singer, accompany yourself or need to comp behind a soloist. | 01:10:09 |
| "Stormy Weather" | You will learn how to re-harmonize the song and play the arrangement. However, we will also cover improvisation and I left room for a "followup" chapter to answer students questions about the lesson! | 01:33:23 |
| "Summer Samba" | In this lesson we will use the chord progression to Summer Samba to learn how to create that cool, relaxed Bossa Nova beat. We will also cover how to add fills and learn how to comp the chords if you are playing with a group. | 01:25:31 |
| "Summertime" | 02:59:24 | |
| "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" - Vol. 1 | In this traditional spiritual, I have created an advanced arrangement which includes a change of rhythm, tritone substitutions and some really fat-sounding chords. The gospel sounds created here are similar and complementary to those you learned in the Richard Tee Tribute lesson while also teaching more about how to create an advanced arrangement of a traditional song. Improvisation will be covered in depth in part 2 of the lesson. | 00:59:49 |
| "Take 5" - Dave Brubeck Quartet | I've been wanting to do this song for a while! Take 5 was written by Paul Desmond and performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet on their 1959 album Time Out. In this lesson I'll break down the arrangement but we will also cover a bunch of improvisation and reharmonization ideas to make the song "your own." | 01:23:13 |
| "Thank You Lord" | In this lesson, I will show you some tricks on how to add flavor to your arrangement through passing chords, walk ups and transition chords. | 01:40:50 |
| "That's Life" - Vol. 1 | "That's Life" is a popular song written by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon and was made popular by Frank Sinatra. In this lesson you'll learn the complete arrangement. | 01:00:58 |
| "The Chicken" - Pee Wee Ellis | "The Chicken" or simply "Chicken" is an instrumental funk tune composed by Pee Wee Ellis that was the B-side to James Brown's 1969 single "The Popcorn". Jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius also performed this song and we will learn it step-by-step. | 01:11:17 |
| "The Days of Wine and Roses" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, we will work on the standard “The Days of Wine and Roses” and arrange various phrases of the song with some pro techniques. In the end, you’ll have a fully scored (and explained) arrangement of this tune. Concepts discussed include: chromatic approach, inserting a ii-V-I, using dominant sus4 resolutions, tritone substitutions, quartal voicings, modulation, drop-2 voicings, and reharmonization. | 00:49:33 |
| "The Girl From Ipanema" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, I’ll teach you an arrangement for this beautiful Jobim tune. We will also discuss improvisation ideas and more on montunos. | 01:30:42 |
| "The Nearness of You" | In this lesson I tackle how to create an arrangement for the song The Nearness of You using my 4-step method to arrange standards. I also answered a bunch of questions from students since this was recorded as a Live lesson. | 02:07:45 |
| "The Old Rugged Cross" | In this lesson we will be working through arranging this 6/8 traditional piece using re-harmonization techniques. We will also focus on various ways to 'groove' on a 6/8 song and use grooves in your improvisation. You'll also learn about the 7-3-6 progression and what it really is called. | 01:32:00 |
| "The Shadow Of Your Smile" | Using techniques from our step-by-step standards series you will learn how to create an easy bossa nova arrangement for "The Shadow Of Your Smile." We will also cover some advanced techniques to add some spice to your playing. | 00:48:52 |
| "The Way It Is" - Bruce Hornsby | In this lesson I will show you how to play the sections of the song and also teach you some Hornsby licks for improvisation. We will also discuss how to make this song your own by creating your own interpretation through different pentatonic lines. | 01:50:34 |
| "Tipitina" - As Played By Dr. John | This is a fun New Orleans groove! In this lesson I break down the form of "Tipitina" measure-by-measure. These are the licks and grooves that Dr. John plays. I will also show you how to transpose these patterns to new keys and create new combinations. | 01:12:06 |
| "Unforgettable" - Vol. 1 | In this multi-part series, we will use the song Unforgettable to dive deeper into a multitude of concepts. This first part focuses on the arrangement of the song along with techniques to create an arrangement that has motion in it. If you are a beginner, there is an important chapter for the beginner that has valuable tips. Future parts of this lesson will be released in weeks to come thus giving you time to master this lesson before starting the next. | 00:58:31 |
| "Wade In The Water" | In this classic spiritual, we will cover how to create a simple arrangement…perfect for beginners. We will also move into a more advanced “reharmed” version of the song with fuller chords. | 00:53:24 |
| "Waltz For Debby" - Vol. 1 | I'll show you how to play the first 16-measures of Bill Evan's beautiful song Waltz For Debby. Using techniques right from Bill Evan's recordings, you'll learn some of the gorgeous piano chord movements that Bill and his trio used. After each section, I'll analyze what is going on so you can see how it all fits together. Future lessons will cover the rest of the song. | 00:47:34 |
| "Waltz For Debby" - Vol. 2 | In part 2 we pick up where we left off in the song and breakdown some more Bill Evans concepts. In the chapter on scales in 3rds, an important Bill Evans technique, I show you how to practice and create scale-in-thirds exercises that will help with your harmonic fluidity. We will analyze what we are playing so that you not only know how to play the song...you also know WHAT you are playing. | 01:05:16 |
| "Wave" | Learn this classic bossa nova arrangement. We will cover arranging techniques like harmonizing diminished chords and incorporating some montunos at the end. | 01:01:15 |
| "What A Difference A Day Made" | Learn how to create a bossa version of this Maria Greaver song. In this lesson, we will create a full arrangement that you will learn note-for-note. We will also cover an easy 3-note approach to improvisation which is perfect for beginners. | 00:57:50 |
| "What A Wonderful World" - Vol. 1 (Arrangement) | In this lesson, we will focus on creating a beautiful arrangement using our shells and melody technique. Much like the My Romance lesson, this lesson will go step-by-step through the song so that you can see a finished arrangement using these techniques. Picking apart this arrangement and the techniques used, will be a valuable exercise for students of all levels. | 00:58:55 |
| "When I Fall In Love" | Learn my full arrangement of the beautiful standard When I Fall in Love. I’ll teach you the melody, chords and re-harmonizations note-for-note. | 01:18:08 |
| "When Sunny Gets Blue" | In this lesson you’ll learn When Sunny Gets Blues using my step-by-step standards approach. This is a perfect lesson for all levels, especially beginners. You'll learn how to analyze the song, which makes it easier to memorize, while also learning improvisational flourishes to make it sound more full. | 01:07:33 |
| "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" - Carole King | In this lesson you will learn the classic song, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Carole King. This song is in a country-rock feel. | 01:10:15 |
| "You Don't Know Me" | The best-selling version of this Eddy Arnold song was taken to #2 on the charts by Ray Charles in 1962. We will brake down Ray Charles arrangement and pull out some fun phrases and licks. I will also give you some improvisation tips and different endings. This song has a nice modulation at the end, so it is a great practice for direct modulation. | 01:03:14 |
| "Your Song" - Elton John | In this lesson you’ll learn how to play Sir Elton John’s “Your Song.” However, we will also use this as an opportunity to learn a step-by-step process by which you can approach creating arrangements for other rock songs. | 01:05:59 |
| “Signed Sealed Delivered” - Stevie Wonder | This is an instantly recognized funky party tune that you will want to have in your repertoire. In this lesson, you will learn how to play this song on an organ patch and teach you all the chords necessary to play this Stevie Wonder hit. In addition, we will demonstrate the traditional and alternate chord voicings that you can use during your own performances and will break down the three sections that make up the entirety of this song, demonstrating how easy it is to have the entire song memorized. | 00:56:49 |
| “The Way You Make Me Feel.” - Michael Jackson | In this lesson, we will teach you how to play two classic funk-party Michael Jackson tunes – “Shake Your Body Down to the Ground” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Students will learn how to play these great keyboard-centric grooves and will learn the finer points of funk rhythm-reading and counting (which draws heavily on 16th-note rhythms). You will learn the importance of transposition and will show you how to think about the chords in a way that makes transposition much easier to practice. In addition, you’ll get a total of 4 jam tracks! | 00:54:47 |
| “This Can’t Be Love” - Melody & Comping - Vol. 1 | This up-tempo Rogers/Hart jazz piano classic will get your toes tapping and is great for the intermediate or more advanced player. If you’ve gone through my Step-By-Step Standards series, then you’re ready for this lesson. Inside, you’ll learn rootless voicings along with comping techniques to get you ready for playing with the band! | 01:15:57 |
| “This Can’t Be Love” With The Band Vol. 2 | This is where the “rubber meets the road.” It’s game time. In this session you will be playing along with the band…LIVE! Don’t worry, we will go slow and I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. If you’ve worked through the “This Can’t Be Love” Piano Melody And Comping lesson, you’ll definitely want to put your skills to the test in this live band session. | 01:43:21 |
| "Ain't Misbehavin" - Vol. 2 | We are covering the B section and the final A section. The B section holds some very nice runs that are quite a challenge! I will also show you how using these runs under different chords will give you runs like Oscar Peterson! | 00:41:40 |
| "Amazing Grace" | Learn how to create an arrangement for Amazing Grace. Re-harmonization and improv techniques are also covered. | 02:00:06 |
| "Auld Lang Syne" Special Reharmonization - Vol. 2 | In this lesson we will take all of the techniques we learned in the previous lesson to create a full arrangement. I'll teach you the entire arrangement step-by-step. | 00:47:35 |
| "Body and Soul" - Vol. 2 | In this second part and conclusion of our Body and Soul lesson, you’ll learn how to play the 8-measure bridge, coupled with first 8 measures of the song to complete 32-measure form. You will learn the original melody and harmony as well as learn to use advanced harmonic devices such as tritone substitutions, diminished scale harmony, internal harmonic motion, and how to use motivic development in the melody. At the end of the lesson, you will have all the information necessary to play a beautiful professional arrangement of this timeless jazz classic. | 00:26:25 |
| "Don't Know Why" - Norah Jones - Vol. 1 | In this first volume, we will work on getting down the chords and the groove for this song that Norah Jones made famous. If you want to accompany yourself or others while singing, the chapters on how to break up the chords up the chords with be extremely valuable to you. In volume 2 we will work on improvisation. | 01:23:53 |
| "Don't Know Why" - Vol. 2 | In this 2nd volume, we will be learning how to build a solo over the Norah Jones song, "Don't Know Why." These techniques work well for most pop/rock songs so you can easily take what you learn in this lesson to other songs. We will also learn about rock piano articulation which gives your improvisation more of a 'pop' and helps your lines stand out. | 01:09:34 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - Jazz Reharm Part 2 | Part 2 of the lesson. | 00:35:20 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - The Police (Vol. 2) | In this lesson, you will get an inside look into creating a reharmonized, solo piano jazz arrangement of the pop tune “Every Breath You Take”. Topics include how to reharmonize chords, jazz theory, reading a lead sheet, and how to create comping and soloing ideas over a static (2 chords only) harmony. | 02:29:11 |
| "Every Prayer" | This “in the style of” lesson shows you how to play the chords for New Breed’s “Every Prayer”. We will also analyze the structure of the song and discuss improvisation. | 00:39:01 |
| "I Loves You Porgy" - Gershwin (Part 1) | In this lesson we will begin learning the song "I Loves You Porgy." We begin by brainstorming the song then create an arrangement through a shells / melody approach. | 01:01:25 |
| "My Romance" | In this lesson I will break down the Rogers and Hart standard My romance into 5 easy steps. We are using the chords right out of the Real Book with limited re-harmonizations. Many students have asked “How do I play from a fakebook?” Well, this is the lesson for you! The information in this lesson can easily be applied to thousands of other standards. | 01:19:10 |
| 12 Days of Jazz Standards | In this lesson I'll take you through the 12 levels (I broke them into days for this lesson) and show you once and for all the steps necessary to play standards and lead sheets from a fakebook. This lesson should be your FIRST lesson before beginning my other courses on standards and fakebooks. The goal of this lesson is to introduce you to the levels and show you where to get more help on each level, so this is a great summary lesson. We will use the song "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" as an example. | 03:26:38 |
| 4 Step Standards Mini Course - Step 1 | In this 4-step mini course we will cover different ways to arrange, improvise and accompany oneself using George Gershwin's standard Someone To Watch Over Me. Step 1 is perfect for beginner and intermediate level students who want to learn how to arrange standards. But I like Gospel or Rock or Latin music, is this lesson for me too? Oh yes. These techniques are important no matter what style of music you play. I explain why in the lesson! | 01:02:38 |
| Adele | This lesson focuses on some great rock piano comping techniques using Adele’s smash hit “Make You Feel My Love,” already a classic rock piano ballad. But in addition to learning that great tune and some of harmonic accompaniment tips, you’ll also get bonus Adele in which you’ll learn her new smash hit “Hello,” another soon-to-be-classic rock piano hit. Add both of these great songs to your repertoire today! | 00:45:51 |
| Africa - Toto | Toto’s “Africa” is a classic rock hit that you definitely need in your repertoire. The best part is that the song is largely based on the piano part. This lesson will teach you how to break this song down into smaller sections that are easier to memorize, and will also discuss some of the specific aspects of synthesizer programming that are important for a song like this. | 00:57:18 |
| Amazing Grace Reharmonization | This short lesson is a good primer into reharmonization. Start here before digging into the longer reharmonization lessons. | 00:18:02 |
| Ben's Blues Part 1 | The key to being a good jazz pianist is knowing how to switch between chords, basslines and other accompaniment patterns quickly. In this first lesson we will be focusing on bassline creation using an original 12-bar blues song "Ben's Blues." | 00:24:48 |
| Blue Moon | You'll learn the classic standard Blue Moon in this lesson. I'll show you how to go from a simple oom-pah arrangement to a fuller sounding arrangement by adding chord tones under your melody. | 01:29:51 |
| Blueberry Hill | "Blueberry Hill" is a popular tune published in 1940, and is best remembered for Fats Domino's 1950s version. We will learn both an easy arrangement and one that is more intermediate. | 01:54:04 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 1 | In four steps you'll learn the entire song "My Funny Valentine" along with tensions. | 01:20:45 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 2 | In this lesson you'll learn more about how to fill with the right-hand along with chord motion in the left-hand. | 01:27:45 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 3 | We will learn how to create more motion in the left-hand to create a flowing arrangement. You'll also learn some reharmonization and how to create an introduction using the "Last 8" concept. | 01:04:39 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 4 | In this lesson you'll learn how to switch styles to create a stride bridge. | 01:27:04 |
| Bye Bye Blackbird | In this lesson I'll show you how to both fix a chord chart (looking for bad chords) and how to FILL OUT an arrangement when only a few chords are given. We will also cover tritone subs, 2-5-1's, dominant motion and more. | 02:08:22 |
| Caravan - Van Morrison | In this lesson you will learn to play Van Morrison’s classic hit “Caravan.” We will show you how to break this song down into 3 easy-to-remember sections. You will also learn how to practice these sections individually and how to transpose the song to different keys. | 00:47:35 |
| Christmas Time is Here | "Christmas Time Is Here" is a popular Christmas standard written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the 1965 television special A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is one of the first animated Christmas specials produced for network television in the United States. | 00:23:49 |
| Create an Arrangement of "Foggy Day" | Using the song "A Foggy Day" we will work on how to create an arrangement using the techniques we've used so far. | 00:59:51 |
| Creating Contemporary Arrangements | A question I get asked a lot is “How do you create an arrangement for a song?” Or, “How do I ‘modernize’ this song and give it new life?” In this lesson I am going to share with you some of the techniques that I use to create arrangements and “contemporize” a song. Some of these techniques are common, yet some are ones that I have come across over the years and developed my own personal style. We will use the song "Wade in The Water" as an example. | 01:08:52 |
| Dock of the Bay | The Otis Redding classic with an easy-going bass pattern. | 00:30:35 |
| Don’t Stop Believin - Journey | This song is a must-have in the repertoire of any rock piano player. We will show you how to break the song down into just two easy-to-remember sections. We will also give you some bonus theory info on the chord progression of this song (which is a very common chord progression) and show you how to apply a harmonic formula which can help you transpose this song to various keys. Add this hit to your repertoire today! | 00:37:20 |
| Happy Birthday | In this week's lesson we will be covering one of the most important songs that you should have in your repertoire...."Happy Birthday," also known as "Good Morning to All." In this lesson you'll learn a very simple way to play the song then 4 different variations including an advanced jazz version! | 00:51:09 |
| Hey Jude - The Beatles | This lesson teaches you the Beatles’ classic hit “Hey Jude” by focusing on 6 essential areas of instruction: technique, rhythm, reading, theory, licks/fills, and song tips. Packed with great advice, tips, instruction, demonstration, and explanation that covers all the based. Add this rock hit to your repertoire today! | 00:57:43 |
| How To Create A Blues | In this lesson I will show you how to take licks and patterns that we have learned to create your own personal blues statement. A student asked me "What do I do with all the licks I've learned?" Well, this lesson explains what to do! | 01:08:48 |
| Human Nature - Michael Jackson | This classic Michael Jackson tune has perhaps one of the most recognizable keyboard lines in all of pop-rock music. Luscious rock/R&B chords, ear-grabbing melody lines, and a lot of fun to play, this is a tune that all keyboard players and singers enjoy playing. Add it to your repertoire today! | 00:53:35 |
| I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free | The song served as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement in America in the 1960s. A commonly played version was recorded by Nina Simone in 1967 on her album Silk & Soul. In this lesson you'll learn the arrangement note for note. | 01:02:42 |
| Imagine - John Lennon | You’ll want to add this classic John Lennon hit to your repertoire. By breaking the song down into three easy-to-remember sections, you will more quickly be able to commit this song to memory. Built primarily using triads and a few 7th chords, this song uses a “broken chord” accompaniment that will be explained and demonstrated. This style of accompaniment is an easy technique that can be used on a variety of other songs. | 00:47:55 |
| In the Style of "Corcovado" | In this lesson, I have re-worked the melody of Jobim’s classic Corcovado. I will teach you the entire arrangement along with improvisation scales and tips! | 01:12:24 |
| In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning | Learn a full, rich and lush arrangement of "In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning" step-by-step. | 00:49:44 |
| Just The Way You Are | Learn both an easy and intermediate arrangement of this rock classic. I'll also break down HOW to create an arrangement so you can take these concepts to other songs. | 01:50:42 |
| Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel | In this lesson, you will learn how to play this classic Billy Joel hit, breaking down each section for easier memorization. We will also talk about a couple ways to approach two-handed accompaniment if you are accompanying a singer (yourself or someone else). With lots of great sounding chords that include shell voicings, upper extensions, and ii-V-I progressions, you’ll want to add this piano classic to your repertoire. | 00:52:46 |
| Layla - Eric Clapton | One of the greatest rock tunes of all-time, this tune has two complete different sections. The first is a hard-driving rock-blues tune with some great organ riffs. The second section is a beautiful piano rock-ballad piece in which the acoustic piano is very prominently featured. You will learn both sections and discuss the various parts of each (i.e., intro, chorus, verse, piano outro), as well as discuss details such as key changes, rhythmic figures, and chord voicings. | 00:51:14 |
| Let it Snow | Learn an easier arrangement of this Christmas classic! "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!", also known as simply "Let It Snow", is a song written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne in July 1945. It was written in Hollywood, California during a heat wave as Cahn and Styne imagined cooler conditions. | 00:54:09 |
| Like a Prayer - Madonna | This classic Madonna hit is pure pop-rock. Get to know the organ sounds on your keyboard or synth and learn the 3 sections that comprise this great tune. You’ll be jamming along with the original or playing this song in your cover band in no time. You’ll also learn about triads, inversions, “beefing up” your triads, and voice-leading! | 00:54:55 |
| Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney | In this lesson, we will teach you how to play this classic Paul McCartney hit by breaking the form down into individual section, making the song easier to memorize. We will show you how to build each chord, as well as discuss slash chords and how to spell triads in root position, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion. | 00:46:31 |
| My Favorite Things | "My Favorite Things" is a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. Recorded by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane on his 1961 album by the same name. This lesson contains both an easy and more advanced version of the song. | 01:52:13 |
| My Girl - The Temptations | Not only is the song a classic but it also appeals to audiences young and old and is fun to play. The music of Motown has stood the test of time, so you’ll definitely want to add this song to your repertoire. Taught in an easy-to-understand manner, the song is broken down by section so that you can more quickly and easily memorize the form. Start learning this class track today! | 01:06:28 |
| My Yiddishe Momme | "My Yiddishe Momme" is a song written by Jack Yellen (words and music) and Lew Pollack (music), first recorded by Willie Howard, and was made famous in Vaudeville by Belle Baker. | 00:55:26 |
| New York State of Mind - Billy Joel | In this lesson you will learn how to play Billy Joel’s classic piano hit “New York State of Mind.” We will show you how to break the song down into its component parts for easier memorization, teach you the specific chord voicings, and discuss the specific repetitive harmonic pattern being used in the bridge. | 00:55:10 |
| O Christmas Tree | "O Tannenbaum" (German), English: "O Christmas Tree", is a German Christmas song. Based on a traditional folk song which was unrelated to Christmas, it became associated with the traditional Christmas tree by the middle of the 19th century. This song was also popularized in the 1965 animated "A Charlie Brown Christmas " played by Vince Guaraldi. | 00:43:02 |
| Only A Paper Moon - Full Arrangement | Learn the complete arrangement of It's Only a Paper Moon. | 00:58:26 |
| Only A Paper Moon - The Basics | In this lesson we will learn how to play a simple arrangement of It’s Only A Paper Moon using chord shells and bass line concepts. | 00:48:25 |
| Original Composition Techniques | In this original composition, I will show you how I organized this song for a gig that I had later that night. I will show you the techniques that I used to create the composition and how to solo over it. If you are interested in writing your own original compositions, you will find many useful techniques and "tricks" that you can apply from this lesson to your own songs. | 00:55:13 |
| Over The Rainbow | Watch me create a full. modern-sounding arrangement for this classic song in real time. You'll learn how to add more motion in your left hand while filling notes under the melody with your right. | 01:17:30 |
| Piano Man - Billy Joel | In this lesson we will break down Billy Joel’s song Piano Man. I will teach you each section and how to accompany yourself or someone singing. We will also work on improvisation, scales for improvisation, Billy’s licks and a solo that I wrote out for you to learn. | 01:11:33 |
| Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree | "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" is a Christmas song written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. This popular Christmas classic will be a great addition to your repertoire. | 00:59:09 |
| Saturday In The Park - Chicago | In this lesson you will be shown how to play this classic rock hit by learning one section at a time (intro/verse, prechorus, chorus, bridge, ending), helping you to memorize the form more easily. In addition, you will study various kinds of 7th chords and rhythmic comping patterns. Add this great rock tune to your repertoire today! | 00:49:42 |
| SBTD-1: The Days of Wine And Roses | In this first standard, you'll be learning the Henry Mancini classic "The Days of Wine and Roses." Be sure to watch "How the course works" to learn how best to use this course. | 07:09:00 |
| SBTD22-2: Ain't No Sunshine | In this lesson we'll be learning the jazz-funk classic "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. We will be learning and applying various jazz techniques - such as drop-2 voicings and reharmonization - in order to create a new, professional-sounding solo piano arrangement. | 01:52:21 |
| Slow Blues - Stormy Monday - Vol. 1 | In this lesson (part 1 of 2) you’ll learn several different basslines that you can use to play a slow blues. Using Stormy Monday as a starting point, these 8 basslines allow you to create multiple slow blues arrangements. | 01:01:55 |
| Slow, Soulful Blues - Frank's Blues | This slow and soulful blues song teaches you how to create that slow, gospel-sounding blues feel. In addition to learning the song, we will cover many other concepts to help you apply these techniques to your own pieces. | 01:19:12 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 1 | In this first lesson you'll learn the first 8 measures of our slow blues form and how to form a few different left-hand accompaniments. | 01:04:30 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 10 | In this lesson you'll learn the next part of Tennille's Blues, the last A section. | 01:03:21 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 11 | In this lesson you'll learn 5 different endings that you can use for blues or other songs. | 00:47:45 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 12 | In this lesson you'll learn the next part of Tennille's Blues which can also be played as a composition on its own. I'll discuss the "strollin'" bass pattern and what a vamp is and how to use it. | 01:20:45 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 13 | In this lesson you'll learn 4 intros that you can use for the blues and other styles. | 01:04:39 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 14 | In this lesson you'll learn how to create a bassline for Tennille's Blues. I have included the sheet music for the bassline by itself along with the melody with the bassline. | 01:06:54 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn different techniques to add motion to your left hand along with groove and bassline approach exercises. | 00:46:43 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 3 | Reharmonization means you are changing the chords, sometimes adding new chords, sometimes changing the existing chords. This gives you the ability to create dozens of variations on the blues to improvise over. | 00:58:44 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 4 | In this lesson you'll learn 6 different accompaniment patterns to use for your slow blues improv and compositions. | 01:01:37 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 5 | In this lesson you'll learn staccato, tenuto, marcato and accent articulations. You'll also learn how to use grace notes and chromaticism to make your solos sound great using just the 3rd and 7th of the chord. | 00:59:53 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 6 | In this lesson you'll learn the bridge section of Tennille's Blues. | 01:07:51 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 7 | In this lesson you'll learn the first part of Tennille's Blues. We will also discuss using range in your solos. | 01:27:45 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 8 | In this lesson you'll learn more of Tennille's Blues. We will also discuss using scales in 3rds and 3 against 2 in your solos. | 01:22:43 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 9 | In this lesson you'll learn the next part of Tennille's Blues. | 00:51:12 |
| The 80's - Vol. 1 | In part 1 of this lesson, you’ll learn how to play the classic pop song Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know from the 1980s. This is not a piano arrangement of these songs but rather a note-for-note transcription of what the keyboard players played on the recording so that you can learn exactly what was played and play along. | 00:46:56 |
| The 80's - Vol. 2 | In part 2 of this lesson, you’ll learn how to play the classic pop songs Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, and the theme from the movie Dirty Dancing I’ve Had The Time Of My Life from the 1980s. This is not a piano arrangement of these songs but rather a note-for-note transcription of what the keyboard players played on the recording so that you can learn exactly what was played and play along. | 00:54:43 |
| Tiny Dancer - Elton John | From the opening introductory melody, this piano hit is instantly recognized by everyone. Learn this tune by studying the 5 component sections: intro, verse, bridge, chorus, and interlude. Also study the specific comping concepts that Elton John is using when he accompanies himself on this tune. | 00:57:44 |
| We've Only Just Begun | Beautiful song made popular by the Carpenters. | 01:35:25 |
| What Child Is This | Another classic Christmas song. Its lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. This carol is set to the tune of “Greensleeves”, a traditional English folk song. In this lesson, you’ll learn each section of the song in two ways. First you'll learn an easy version perfect for beginners. Then you'll learn to create an advanced jazz piano arrangement of the song. | 01:11:57 |
| Your Smiling Face - James Taylor | This is a classic James Taylor song that presents some challenging chords not often found in most rock music. You’ll encounter gospel-style chord progressions that use diminished seventh chords and slash chords and modulate through three different keys. The instructor will break the material into 3 sections to help you more easily memorize the song as you learn. | 00:58:34 |
| Title | Description | Duration (HH:MM:SS) |
|---|---|---|
| "A Mid-Summer Session" | A Mid-Summer Session: Learn a Bluesy, Gospel-flavor song while also learning new techniques, licks and “walk ups”. I will explain how to play “A Mid-Summer Session” note for note on the piano. Also I’m going to go through all of the techniques and chords I am using for this arrangement. By learning how to play“A Mid-Summer Session” you will learn to get these techniques under your fingertips. After learning the arrangement, you will also get to see how I came up with the chords I’m using in this song. | 00:49:27 |
| "Ain't Misbehavin" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, I will show you note-for-note Fats Waller’s performance of Ain’t Misbehavin. This lesson will be broken into 2 parts. Part 1 (this lesson) will focus on the song introduction and the first 2 A sections. In “Ain’t Misbehavin” – Vol. 2 we will finish the song. This lesson is real fun if you like this stride piano sound then this lesson is definitely for you because you can take these techniques and apply them to other songs in your repertoire. | 00:54:59 |
| "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" | “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”: In this lesson, you will learn the keyboard part that was played on the classic recording “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. This is not a solo piano arrangement of the song but rather a transcription of what was actually played in the studio by the keyboard player on the recording. You will learn this song in parts, breaking the music into 4-8 measure sections making it easy to learn and easy to memorize. So purchase this famous track, put your headphones on, and get ready to play along as a member of the band as you add this great tune to your repertoire! | 00:43:06 |
| "Alfie" - Burt Bacarach | Learn Burt Bacarach’s beautiful song Alfie. In this lesson, I will break down the piano arrangement note-for-note. We will only be learning the song in the lesson, no improvisation. There will also be little explanation of how the arrangement was created. The goal is to just learn the song note for note. The skill level needed in order to play Alfie would be intermediate to professional level. It’s pretty intense with a lot of notes in it. | 00:43:10 |
| "Alice in Wonderland" Fakebook Comping - Vol. 1 | In this lesson we will be using the 3/4-time song Alice In Wonderland to cover some very important comping techniques. This first part of the lesson will cover the first 16 measures of the song. In upcoming part 2, we will finish the song. This approach will give you the perfect balance between having a challenge and being overwhelmed, thus allowing you to really get the first part of the lesson down pat before moving on. | 00:38:22 |
| "Alice in Wonderland" Fakebook Comping - Vol. 2 | In this fakebook comping lesson we will be using the 3/4-time song Alice In Wonderland to cover some very important piano comping techniques. This is the second part of the lesson and we will cover the rest of the song. | 00:37:13 |
| "All Blues" - Miles Davis (Arrangement) | Learn step-by-step a full arrangement of "All Blues." You will also learn some improvisation tips for the song. | 00:58:27 |
| "All Blues" Techniques | In this lesson we break apart sections of Miles Davis's song "All Blues." We will learn the groove section and I'll also show you how the melody lines up with the groove. However, our main focus will be on improvisation and some advanced concepts like maintaing flow while improvising over the baseline. We will also cover Four "over" Six rhythms and how to incorporate them into the song. | 01:08:55 |
| "All of Me" Arrangement - Vol. 1A | In this lesson, you will learn how to play an arrangement of the jazz standard All of Me. We will cover note-for-note each measure of the arrangement. We will also be covering stride left-hand styles along with some jazz piano theory which will allow you to apply these techniques to other jazz piano standards. | 00:45:42 |
| "All of Me" Arrangement - Vol. 1B | In the 2nd part of this arrangement, you will continue learning how to play an arrangement of the jazz standard All of Me. We will cover note-for-note each measure of the arrangement. We will also be covering stride left-hand styles along with some jazz piano theory which will allow you to apply these techniques to other jazz piano standards. | 00:26:07 |
| "All of Me" The Improvisation - Vol. 2A | In this lesson, You will learn two different ways to play the melody for use in a trio setting. In addition, you will learn various ways to use rhythm in your comping and within the melody. Also, You will learn some simple ways to think about improvisation using small groupings of notes so that you can create stronger rhythmic solos. Be sure to play and practice with the play-along tracks provided! | 00:45:58 |
| "All of Me" The Improvisation - Vol. 2B | In the 2nd part of this lesson, you will learn two different ways to play the melody for use in a trio setting. In addition, you will learn various ways to use rhythm in your comping and within the melody. Also, you will learn some simple ways to think about improvisation using small groupings of notes so that you can create stronger rhythmic solos. | 00:35:04 |
| "As Time Goes By" | In this lesson I’ll show you how to create a full arrangement of As Time Goes By using my step-by-step standards system. We will start with easy chord shells then I’ll teach you a more advanced arrangement and show you how to do quick chromatic fills to create a more personal style for your arrangements. You should do the My Romance lesson before starting this lesson. Finally, I’ll give you some “pro tips” to make your lead sheet playing sound more professional. | 01:06:30 |
| "Auld Lang Syne" Special Reharmonization - Vol. 1 | In this lesson we are going to work through an arrangement for Auld Lang Syne in 8 steps (The 8th step is Special Reharm pt 2). In each step we will add a new technique that we can use for reharmonization of this song and countless others. If you are interested in reharmonization, want to create your own arrangements or need more help with concepts like Dominant motion, related ii's, tri-tone substitution then this lesson is for you! Even beginners can benefit from this lesson...just remember to go slow and re-watch the chapters! | 01:06:22 |
| "Bebop Blues" | For this lesson, I transcribed (3) choruses from a YouTube video featuring a Ray Charles bebop blues. In the lesson I will teach you step-by-step each of the choruses and also show you how to practice the song so that you can incorporate these ideas into your own soloing. If you like the bebop and blues sound, you'll love this lesson. | 01:03:43 |
| "Black Orpheus" Improvisation (Manha De Carnaval) | In this "Romantic," rubato-style version I will show you step-by-step the improvisation of the song and how to use arpeggios in your songs to create flourishes, fills and runs. | 01:12:15 |
| "Blackbird" | I will teach you my arrangement of the Lennon-McCartney song "Blackbird." I will explain the harmony and arrangement to you while also showing you how to create a flowing, arpeggiated style. We will also discuss ways to create your own signature style on this and other songs. In this lesson, I recorded an improvisation with a click track to make it easier to transcribe. | 01:12:33 |
| "Blessed Assurance" | In this lesson you'll learn how to analyze this traditional hymn and play it with basic triads, perfect for beginners. I also created a more contemporary arrangement with some cool reharmonization techniques and big chords. | 01:19:53 |
| "Blue Bossa" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, you will learn to tackle the standard “Blue Bossa” and arrange various phrases of the song with some pro techniques. In the end, you’ll have a fully scored (and explained) arrangement of this tune. Concepts discussed include: chromatic approach, inserting a ii-V-I, using dominant sus4 resolutions, tritone substitutions, quartal voicings, modulation, drop-2 voicings, and reharmonization. | 00:44:34 |
| "Blue Bossa" - Vol. 2 | Part 2 of the lesson. | 00:30:39 |
| "Blue In Green" | Learn how to play this classic song from Miles Davis, “Kind of Blue” recording. Since this is a more advanced “like a pro” lesson, you’ll learn how to create chord substitutions that you can use to add more spice to the arrangement. | 00:59:36 |
| "Body and Soul" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, we will be tackling the jazz standard Body & Soul. Learn how to play this in a professional way. This lesson will focus on the first 8 measures of the song. Learn the correct method for going through this or any other jazz standard and turn it into a professional piece. | 01:22:43 |
| "Break On Through To The Other Side" - The Doors | "Break On Through (To the Other Side)" is a song by the Doors from their debut album, The Doors. It was the first single released by the band. In this lesson we will break down each section of the song, including Ray Manzarek's solo. | 00:56:44 |
| "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Simon And Garfunkel (Vol. 1) | Learn Paul Simon’s classic song Bridge Over Troubled Water. In this part 1 lesson you’ll learn the first 2 pages of the arrangement, step-by-step along with all reharmonizations. We will also devote a chapter to the analysis of the song. | 00:53:54 |
| "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Simon And Garfunkel (Vol. 2) | In this second part you will finish learning the arrangement of the song step-by-step. You will also learn a cool C minor pentatonic lick. | 00:55:26 |
| "Cantaloupe Island" | This is a classic funky tune with a great piano groove. In this lesson, I'll teach you the groove, how to alter it and also how to add some improvisation. We will also discuss inside/outside soloing techniques. | 01:24:39 |
| "Chameleon" Bass Lines w/ Improvisation | Learn how to improvise over Herbie Hancock's classic tune "Chameleon". The exercises presented in this lesson are a great way to get your hands playing in sync, especially over a syncopated bass line like Chameleon. | 01:14:11 |
| "Chestnuts Roasting" | Learn my arrangement of the holiday favorite, "Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire". I will also cover some "runs" and "fills." | 01:25:36 |
| "Danny Boy" - Londonderry Air | I cover a lot of really neat reharmonization techniques in this lesson, including dominant motion, related ii-V’s, dominant motion and much more. Best of all, you get to learn a beautiful ballad arrangement of the song. | 02:26:47 |
| "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" | This lesson features a popular Duke Ellington tune. You will learn an advanced arrangement of this tune and breakdown the various jazz devices that go into creating a pro arrangement. Topics covered in this lesson include mapping the form, bebop scale harmony and theory, and the planning technique. | 01:01:48 |
| "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" Vol. 2 | In Part 2 of this lesson, you will learn the jazz devices that are used to build this advanced arrangement. Once finished, you will have a full solo piano arrangement of this tune, complete with intro and ending. Topics covered in this lesson include filling space, inserting a ii-V progression, stride technique, creating an intro, and creating an ending. | 01:00:19 |
| "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey | Learn the iconic piano part to this classic rock song. We have another lesson on this song in the site, just do a search. | 00:25:47 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - Jazz Reharm Part 1 | In this lesson, you will get an inside look into creating a reharmonized, solo piano jazz arrangement of the pop tune “Every Breath You Take”. If you're interested in just learning the song, we have a lesson on just the song. Topics include how to reharmonize chords, jazz theory, reading a lead sheet, and how to create comping and soloing ideas over a static (2 chords only) harmony. | 00:31:39 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - The Police (Vol. 1) | In this lesson, you will learn how to play a reharmonized version of the Sting & The Police classic Every Breath You Take. Note, this is not the original version and contains some jazz style reharmonizations. | 00:52:48 |
| "Feelin' Alright" | In this Joe Cocker version of “Feelin’ Alright,” I will show you how to play the grooves of the song and alter those grooves to create your own sound. We will also cover some of the original keyboardist, Artie Butler’s, licks for improvisation. If you like a funky piano sound, this is a great lesson for you. | 01:13:25 |
| "Fly Me To The Moon" | I will teach you how to play this song in a solo/cocktail piano style using an easy shells and melody approach. After we cover the basic arrangement I'll show you how to create fills and flourishes. We will also cover how to create an ending. This is a great introduction to Real Book / Fakebook playing. | 01:02:22 |
| "Funky Jazz Gospel" | In this original song (in 3 sections) I will show you how to create FULL chord voicings while also creating a progression with motion using tri-tone substitutions and other techniques. The sound of this song will appeal to many of you, especially if you like that "smooth jazz" contemporary sound. In this lesson I am using a Nord Electro keyboard which has very nice electric piano sounds. At the end of the lesson, I spend time on improvisation over the C section, giving you more techniques to use in your soloing. | 01:17:13 |
| "Fur Elise" - Vol. 1 | One of the most famous piano melodies of all-time by one of music’s greatest composers – you will definitely want to have this piece in your repertoire! In this lesson you will learn the signature theme from this piece using a very specific and efficient practice method which focuses on three areas to ensure that the piece is learned properly: reading the correct notes, rhythms, and fingerings. Students will also master some challenging technical aspects of the piece, such as reading and playing pedal markings and executing some unfamiliar fingerings. | 00:52:17 |
| "Fur Elise" - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 00:28:53 |
| "Georgia On My Mind" | Georgia on My Mind was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics). I’ll teach you how to re-harmonize and play my arrangement. Soloing tips will also be available. | 04:33:30 |
| "Giant Steps" - Vol. 1 | In part one of this lesson, you will learn 8 different practice methods for learning Giant Steps. We will learn how this advanced complex harmonic tune is unique and how it will make you a better piano player. | 00:48:50 |
| "Giant Steps" - Vol. 2 | In this second part of Giant Steps, you will learn 6 steps for improvising over Giant Steps changes. We will also tackle the Giant Steps solo in 4 measure chunks to help you master this tune. | 00:49:17 |
| "Go Tell It On The Mountain" | In this lesson you'll learn a cool arrangement of the classic "Go Tell it On The Mountain" while also learning about harmony, shout choruses, gospel and contemporary feels along with bassline creation. | 02:12:25 |
| "Green Dolphin Street" Improvisation | In this first lesson of a multi-lesson set, we will begin by covering how to improvise over Green Dolphin Street. This lesson is marked advanced, but students of all levels interested in improvisation can benefit from the chapters on how to make improvisation lines. Willie will also be conducting a Master Class in a future lesson based upon student input. | 00:45:23 |
| "Green Dolphin Street" Master Class | In this unique lesson, I am using 5 student-submitted videos as a Master Class. You will see each student video followed by a response from me with tips and tricks on how to improve their playing. The sheet music for this master class follows the chord chart from the Green Dolphin Street lesson. | 01:00:12 |
| "Have I Told You Lately" - Van Morrison | In this beautiful ballad, I'll take you step-by-step through my arrangement. I will also give you arrangement tips along the way. We will cover a bit of improvisation at the end. However, this lesson is mostly about learning the song. | 00:50:19 |
| "Have You Met Miss Jones" 10 Tips | In this lesson we will use the classic jazz standard "Have You Met Miss Jones" to discuss different approaches to reharmonization and improvisation. | 01:13:47 |
| "Have You Met Miss Jones" Improvisation Tips (Part 2) | One of the top requested concepts that students are interested in learning more about is improvisation. In this improvisation lesson we will focus on the standard "Have You Met Miss Jones." | 00:51:06 |
| "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" | In this song, His Eye is on the Sparrow, we will begin by analyzing this gorgeous piece and breaking down it’s form. Next, I will show you how to create a simple arrangement. This step is perfect for beginners. Next, I will show you how to create a contemporary arrangement and then teach it to you step-by-step. Lastly, we will go through some improvisation tips that will help you structure your improvisation more. | 01:22:42 |
| "House Of The Rising Sun" - The Animals | In this arrangement we will learn how to go from a groove to adding the melody. By learning a few key rhythmic patterns, you can apply the melody on top and create a cool sounding arrangement. We will also cover 16th-note broken chords that give the song a lot of momentum and excitement. I will give you some improvisation tips and show you how to create your own arrangement by re-arranging the form. | 01:04:19 |
| "How High The Moon" | Learn how to fill out those one-chord-per-measure sections. We will create an arrangement and you will learn how to add chords and reharm to make a richer arrangement. | 00:59:15 |
| "Hush" - Vol. 1 | In this first volume of Deep Purple's version of the Joe South song, "Hush," we will be covering the groove and form of the song. We will spend a lot of time breaking down different ways of using the organ to create a groove over the chords. Volume 2 will work on improvisation. | 00:59:08 |
| "Hush" - Vol. 2 | In this lesson, I will show you some important soloing techniques for organ. Since the organ is so different than the piano, these techniques will help you create a solo that sounds more full and grooving. | 00:49:22 |
| "I Feel Good" | In this lesson we will cover the bassline and horn lines for I Feel Good by James Brown. However, we are going to spend a lot of time on improvisation as well. I will show you how to integrate eighth and sixteenth note patterns into your improvisation. | 01:08:06 |
| "I Get A Kick Out of You" - Advanced Improv | In this lesson you'll learn some more advanced improvisation techniques. We will use Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out of You" for improvisation. We will discuss the pentatonic scale, rootless chords, line creation using rhythm, scales and more. | 00:38:07 |
| "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" - Marvin Gaye | Play only the opening keyboard riff and this Motown classic is instantly recognizable. Another Marvin Gaye hit, this lesson will teach you the actual keyboard parts from the recording, allowing you to put yourself in the studio, at the keyboard, playing along as a member of the band. This is not an arrangement of the song, but a transcription of specifically what was played by the keyboardist on the record. Using his method of breaking the music into easy-to-understand pieces, you will learn how to string together the small component parts that create this Motown masterpiece. | 00:51:35 |
| "I Loves You Porgy" - Gershwin (Part 2) | In this lesson we will create a full arrangement of "I Loves You Porgy" by beginning with a chord shell exercise before learning the full arrangement. | 00:45:29 |
| "I Want You Back" | In this lesson, I break down the Jackson 5 song "I Want You Back". I will show you all of the sections and even how to improvise in different styles over the form of the song. We will analyze the sections of the song allowing you to use snippets to create your own grooves. | 01:23:53 |
| "I Wish" - Stevie Wonder | Learn how to play this killer groove and bassline. I cover all the sections of the song step-by-step. We then move into improvisation and I will show you which scales to use for improvisation. Backing tracks are included to make it easier to practice. | 01:25:43 |
| "In A Sentimental Mood" | Learn Duke's beautiful ballad In A Sentimental Mood. We start with the analysis of the song which makes it easier to memorize and transpose the song to other keys. Next we cover the step-by-step process for creating an easy "quick" arrangement. After that we talk about how to re-harmonize the song to create an interesting arrangement. Finally, you will learn the arrangement note-for-note. | 01:24:16 |
| "In My Life" - Vol. 1 | In part 1 of this lesson you will learn how to play The Beatles – In My Life. Not only will you learn the basic melody and harmony but you will learn their relationship to each other. You will be able to take the basic information and put in the rest of the notes to fill out the voicing. He will show you how to sprinkle in some jazz influence and 2-5-1 progressions. | 00:46:57 |
| "In My Life" - Vol. 2 | Part 2 of the lesson. | 00:45:04 |
| "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" | In this song lesson, we will use our step-by-step standards technique (similar to My Romance) to create an arrangement. In three steps (plus analysis) we will go from melody to complete arrangement along with some advanced tips to help you apply these techniques to other standards. | 00:54:27 |
| "Isn't She Lovely" - Stevie Wonder | Learn how to play the chords for this popular Stevie Wonder song. We will also discuss different improvisation ideas for you to crate a solo over the song. The melody of this song is not in the arrangement so it is a perfect song to sing over! | 01:00:23 |
| "It Had To Be You" | In this lesson I’ll show you how to play this classic song using an extremely easy technique. Perfect for students of all levels. It Had To Be You – Learn my simple method to arrange Jazz standards quickly. Learn how to simply the chord patterns to make it easier to create your own arrangement. | 00:53:03 |
| "Jolly Ol' Saint Nick" | One of my first lessons from 2008! | 00:24:49 |
| "Jordu" - Duke Jordan (Arrangement) | In this lesson you'll learn Duke Jordan's "Jordu," a faster-tempo song that incorporates shells and stride-like playing. | 00:36:19 |
| "Jordu" - Duke Jordan (Improvisation) | In this lesson you'll learn how to improvise over the arrangement of "Jordu" we just created. | 00:42:06 |
| "La Cumparsita" | Learn the arrangement of this classic tango song. You’ll also learn different tango accompaniment patterns and arranging techniques. We will cover improvisation over the tango groove and learn some exercises to get your hands playing together. | 00:59:23 |
| "Layla" - Eric Clapton (Piano Coda) | Learn the classic piano section from Eric Clapton's song Layla originally released by Derek and the Dominos. | 00:47:11 |
| "Les Miserable" Improvising | Improvisation over the song "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables. | 00:15:36 |
| "Light My Fire" - Vol. 1 | In this 2-part lesson we are going to cover Ray Manzarek's epic solo on the Door's song: Light My Fire. There are many great tips to gain from this solo and it is a great example of how to build a solo using few notes and rhythmic elements. Using the A dorian scale, this lesson will also give you pointers on how to improvise using your dorian mode. | 00:56:35 |
| "Light My Fire" - Vol. 2 | In part 2 we will finish up with the organ solo. I'll also show you how to practice the left-hand bass and bring that into the solo. We will end by covering some more advanced improvisation techniques that will take the solo outside of the rock style and bring in some other stylistic elements. | 00:55:51 |
| "Look of Love" | Learn to play The Look of Love by Burt Bacharach note for note. Willie will also spend time teaching you how to create an arrangement. At the end of the lesson you will get tips on how to create your own accompaniment. | 01:06:10 |
| "Man in the Mirror" - Michael Jackson | In this lesson, you will learn how to play Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror. | 01:12:24 |
| "Manha De Carnaval" | Manha De Carnaval from Black Orpheus is one of Luiz Bonfa’s most famous songs. In this lesson we will be breaking down the improvisation of the song first and add an arrangement at a later date. I will cover a few techniques that you can use in both group and solo settings. I will also play it a bit faster (like you will often find on gigs). This lesson is for the intermediate to advanced student. | 01:14:51 |
| "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" | In this song by Joe Zawinul, we are going to learn the song step-by-step while also learning some improvisation and groove techniques in the latter half of the lesson. | 01:00:20 |
| "Miniature Rondo" - Vol. 1 | In this fun, up-tempo classical piece, you will learn a practice process that focuses on three areas of primary concern: learning the correct notes, learning the correct rhythms, and using the proper fingering. This practice process is meant to train you to work through such pieces in a very efficient, organized, and methodical manner and can be applied to any piece of music you are studying. We will place significant importance on learning hands separately before playing hands together, and work through the music in small pieces that are later merged to create larger phrases. In a separate chapter, you will learn all of the various “musicality details” that breathe life into the music. | 00:51:50 |
| "Miniature Rondo" - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 01:05:00 |
| "Minuet" Bach - Vol. 1 | From the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach This famous melody is a beautiful piece to add to your piano repertoire. You will learn this piece in a step-by-step manner, using a practice process to focus on three primary areas of concern: learning the correct notes, the correct rhythms, and the correct fingering. In a very efficient and methodical procedure, you will learn how to break the music into small sections and then combine those small sections to create larger phrases, working this way to completion. | 00:58:57 |
| "Minuet" Bach - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 01:03:21 |
| "Minuet" Mozart - Vol. 1 | Classical music introduces students to some of the greatest composers of all-time, such as Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. In addition to providing some of the most memorable melodies and piano repertoire, classical music is tremendously helpful and essential to developing proper technique and hand independence. In this lesson, you will learn a beautiful Minuet by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and uses a very specific practice process. This process focuses on three areas of importance: reading the correct notes, playing the correct rhythms (and practicing with a metronome), and the importance of using the correct fingering. | 00:55:58 |
| "Minuet" Mozart - Vol. 2 | Lesson part 2. | 00:39:12 |
| "Minute By Minute" - Doobie Brothers | Minute by Minute is the eighth studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released on December 1, 1978 with Michael McDonald at the keys and vocals. Learn this song step-by-step and master this 12-8 rhythm! | 01:13:44 |
| "Misty - Erroll Garner | Learn the Erroll Garner classic, “Misty”. This three-step (Standards in 3) series will teach you how to re-harmonize the lead sheet, how to play the arrangement and put in fills and runs. | 02:00:56 |
| "Moon River" | In this lesson, you'll learn how to play Henry Mancini’s Moon River arrangement step by step while also learning how to create a flowing left-hand ballad style. | 00:43:54 |
| "Moondance" - Song - Van Morrison | In this part 1, we will cover the form, chords and bassline of the song. We will cover a bit of improvisation, but the bulk of improvisation will be covered in part 2. This is being classified as a "beginner" level lesson. You should know some basic triads and know your way around the keyboard before doing this lesson. | 00:53:37 |
| "Moondance" Improvisation | In this second part of the Moondance lesson, we will be focusing on the improvisation. In this lesson, I'll show you some of the licks played on the recording as well as new licks that you can use over this song and others. This is a great lesson for triplet exercises and also triplet groupings. If you want to learn how to improvise in a rock setting, you'll want to go through this lesson! The song lesson is also available on the site, just do a search. | 00:59:36 |
| "Moonlight In Vermont" - Arrangement (Part 1) | Learn how to create an arrangement of this beautiful song in 3/4 time. In this lesson we will cover the first half of the song. | 00:37:19 |
| "Moonlight In Vermont" - Arrangement (Part 2) | In this second part you'll learn the complete arrangement for "Moonlight in Vermont" and we will break it down step-by-step. | 00:31:33 |
| "My Funny Valentine" | Learn the standard "My Funny Valentine." I explain all of the chords along with re-harmonization and scales for soloing. | 00:45:00 |
| "New York State Of Mind" - Billy Joel | Learn this Billy Joel classic step-by-step. | 00:55:10 |
| "Night and Day" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, I am going to show you three "options" for each line of the song. We will go through line-by-line Cole Porter's Night And Day and you will learn different techniques that you can stack, mix and move around to create your own arrangement. Part one will show you the first two A sections. Part two will cover the bridge and endings. | 01:01:57 |
| "Night and Day" - Vol. 2 | In part 2 we are going to finish up creating 3 options for lines 5-8 for the song. We will also cover some "options within the options" like tri-tone substitutions and other 'goodies'. Finally, we will discuss different endings. This is a definite 'must-do' lesson if you are interested in cocktail piano playing. | 01:12:08 |
| "O Come All Ye' Faithful" | Learn this Christmas song from start to finish. I cover picking out the melody, applying basic chords to the melody and then working out advanced harmonies. You’ll also learn my complete arrangement. | 01:58:25 |
| "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" | This fun jazz standard is a great introduction to the world of jazz piano. Using simple block chords, you’ll learn how to play this arrangement in 4-steps. Geared for beginners, but valuable for all levels of player, you’ll also learn a simple stride pattern that you can apply to countless other jazz standards. | 01:02:47 |
| "Over The Rainbow" | I love this song. In this lesson, you'll learn my re-harmonization for this classic piece. You'll also learn some tips that I have gotten from players like Keith Jarrett. This is an advanced lesson. THERE IS NO SHEET MUSIC FOR THIS LESSON. | 01:46:08 |
| "Paranoid Android" - Radiohead | Learn Radiohead's "Paranoid Android" along with advanced techniques to make this song your own. We will cover all sections of the song along with alternate bass lines and right hand fills. We will also discuss how to learn a song by ear and what to listen for. If you like that rock piano sound, you'll like this lesson a lot. The last section of the song is very pretty and is open to a lot of improvisation, making it fun to jam on this song. | 01:33:04 |
| "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" | In this beautiful piece, I will split the lesson into an easy beginner section that shows a beginning student how to put together a nice contemporary arrangement. In the second half we discuss advanced techniques to create a richer arrangement. | 01:02:24 |
| "Riders On The Storm" | In this Dorian-based song, I'll show you how to play the song solo or with a group. You'll learn the melody as well as improvisation. We will break down some of Ray Manzarek's licks and talk about bringing in some advanced techniques like tritone-substitutions into the arrangement. | 01:18:05 |
| "Ring of Fire" - Ray Charles | In this lesson you will learn the Ray Charles version of Ring of Fire. We will go over the right hand voicings and the left hand bassline. We will also go over the scales used for improvising over this tune with some jazz techniques. | 01:13:11 |
| "Salsa Bop" | A fun original latin song that will teach you more about latin music and montunos. | 00:59:50 |
| "September" - Earth Wind & Fire | In this lesson, we will show you how to play the piano-based funk groove that makes up Earth Wind & Fire’s classic funk-party hit “September.” You will learn the chords and specific voicings, as well as the left-hand bassline, that make up this groove, and we will show you how to practice establishing the groove using your metronome and the 2 provided jam tracks. | 01:02:09 |
| "She's Got a Way" - Billy Joel (Vol. 1) | In part 1 of this lesson, you’ll learn how to play Billy Joel’s “She’s Got a Way.” You will be shown how to construct the chords and vary them along with harmonizing ideas for the melody. | 00:38:41 |
| "She's Got a Way" - Billy Joel (Vol. 2) | In part 2 of this lesson, you will learn to play the second half of Billy Joel’s She’s got a way. You will be shown how to construct the chords and vary them along with harmonizing ideas for the melody. | 00:55:13 |
| "Smoke On The Water" - Deep Purple | Learn how to play each part of this classic rock song. This is a great jam song to play with other musicians as well! | 00:43:05 |
| "So Far Away" - Carole King | In this lesson you'll learn this classic Carole King song step-by-step. “So Far Away” is a song written by Carole King, which appeared on her 1971 album Tapestry. The recording features James Taylor on acoustic guitar. | 00:56:23 |
| "So What" - Vol. 1 | You will learn “So What” a classic Mile’s Davis modal song in two parts. In the first part of the lesson, you’ll learn about the dorian mode and start working on the chord voicings which make this song so iconic. | 00:42:46 |
| "So What" - Vol. 2 | In this lesson, you will learn different ways of using both the dorian and pentatonic scales for improvisation. You’ll also learn several scale patterns that will boost your improvisation creativity. | 00:40:08 |
| "So What" - Vol. 3 | In this follow up lesson, you’ll learn how to master the solo from Miles Davis’s So What using the dorian scale. Each chapter breaks it down into smaller pieces to help you understand the theory behind the solo. | 01:02:20 |
| "Some Day My Prince Will Come" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, you will learn how to play Some Day My Prince Will Come note for note. We will also discuss the theory behind the chords. We will go over how to play this lesson with a ballad feel and with a jazz waltz feel by breaking up the chords. | 00:47:23 |
| "Some Day My Prince Will Come" - Vol. 2 | In this lesson, you will learn note for note the solo from Someday My Prince Will Come. This solo is described as being influenced by Bill Evans and it uses a lot of diatonic approaches. There is also some bonus material on modulations and advanced concepts on reharmonization. | 01:03:43 |
| "Someone Like You" - Adele | In this lesson you will learn how to play Adele's song Someone Like You. The song will be broken down into 4 parts and is taught slowly, so it is well suited for new students. The second-half of the lesson will show you advanced methods for manipulating the song with more of an improvisational feel. | 01:10:56 |
| "Somos Novios" | Somos Novios is a beautiful ballad by Mexican composer Armando Manzanero. We will break down the chords, learn the analysis and talk about how to move this into new keys. We will also spend time on improvisation and learn the montunos in the song. | 01:10:17 |
| "Stardust" | A beautiful song by Hoagy Charmichael in which I teach you the arrangement while also reviewing arranging techniques that "spice up" the song. We will be covering drop 2, drop 3 and drop 4 voicings. These voicings help to spread out your chords. | 01:33:27 |
| "Stella By Starlight" | In this lesson, I will show you how to arrange the classic standard Stella By Starlight in a Ballad style. We will also focus on how to comp and accompany. This is great if you work with a singer, accompany yourself or need to comp behind a soloist. | 01:10:09 |
| "Stormy Weather" | You will learn how to re-harmonize the song and play the arrangement. However, we will also cover improvisation and I left room for a "followup" chapter to answer students questions about the lesson! | 01:33:23 |
| "Summer Samba" | In this lesson we will use the chord progression to Summer Samba to learn how to create that cool, relaxed Bossa Nova beat. We will also cover how to add fills and learn how to comp the chords if you are playing with a group. | 01:25:31 |
| "Summertime" | 02:59:24 | |
| "Sunny" Smooth Jazz Improvisation | Learn how to create a smooth jazz improvisation version of "Sunny." | 00:48:48 |
| "Sunny" Smooth Jazz Version | Smooth jazz version of “Sunny” written by Bobby Hebb. In this lesson you'l learn how to create big, rich two-hand chord voicings that groove so hard over a smooth jazz feel. | 00:40:17 |
| "Superstition" - Stevie Wonder | We will begin this lesson learning all of the parts of this funky tune. We will also dive into minor diatonic harmony, discuss quartal accompaniment techniques in minor, work on pentatonic improvisation and create note-groupings for solos to stretch over the beat. | 01:22:55 |
| "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" - Vol. 1 | In this traditional spiritual, I have created an advanced arrangement which includes a change of rhythm, tritone substitutions and some really fat-sounding chords. The gospel sounds created here are similar and complementary to those you learned in the Richard Tee Tribute lesson while also teaching more about how to create an advanced arrangement of a traditional song. Improvisation will be covered in depth in part 2 of the lesson. | 00:59:49 |
| "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" Improvisation - Vol. 2 | In this lesson we are going to focus on the improvisation for Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. We are going to work on soloing over a 6/8 pattern and using polyrhythms like 2 against 3 in our soloing. | 00:51:59 |
| "Take 5" - Dave Brubeck Quartet | I've been wanting to do this song for a while! Take 5 was written by Paul Desmond and performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet on their 1959 album Time Out. In this lesson I'll break down the arrangement but we will also cover a bunch of improvisation and reharmonization ideas to make the song "your own." | 01:23:13 |
| "Tequila" | Tequila, written by Daniel Flores (aka Chuck Rio) is an easy, yet fun song which is known by many. In this lesson, we break down the arrangement and I will show you improvisation techniques and licks that you can use over the song. This is a nice tune to have in your repertoire! | 01:06:57 |
| "Thank You Lord" | In this lesson, I will show you some tricks on how to add flavor to your arrangement through passing chords, walk ups and transition chords. | 01:40:50 |
| "That's Life" - Vol. 1 | "That's Life" is a popular song written by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon and was made popular by Frank Sinatra. In this lesson you'll learn the complete arrangement. | 01:00:58 |
| "That's Life" - Vol. 2 (improvisation) | In this lesson we will talk about a few different ways to approach improvisation over the song "That's Life." | 00:32:24 |
| "The Chicken" - Pee Wee Ellis | "The Chicken" or simply "Chicken" is an instrumental funk tune composed by Pee Wee Ellis that was the B-side to James Brown's 1969 single "The Popcorn". Jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius also performed this song and we will learn it step-by-step. | 01:11:17 |
| "The Chicken" Vol. 2 - Improvisation | Learn how to improvise over "The Chicken" with these exercises along with a written-out solo. | 01:06:04 |
| "The Days of Wine and Roses" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, we will work on the standard “The Days of Wine and Roses” and arrange various phrases of the song with some pro techniques. In the end, you’ll have a fully scored (and explained) arrangement of this tune. Concepts discussed include: chromatic approach, inserting a ii-V-I, using dominant sus4 resolutions, tritone substitutions, quartal voicings, modulation, drop-2 voicings, and reharmonization. | 00:49:33 |
| "The Days of Wine and Roses" - Vol. 2 | Part 2 of the lesson “The Days of Wine and Roses.” | 00:46:43 |
| "The Girl From Ipanema" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, I’ll teach you an arrangement for this beautiful Jobim tune. We will also discuss improvisation ideas and more on montunos. | 01:30:42 |
| "The Girl from Ipanema" Improv & Analysis - Vol. 2 | In this lesson I'll teach you the analysis for Jobim's Girl From Ipanema. I will also show you a few re-harmonization techniques. We will also cover how to improvise using arpeggio "upper structures." | 00:58:51 |
| "The Nearness of You" | In this lesson I tackle how to create an arrangement for the song The Nearness of You using my 4-step method to arrange standards. I also answered a bunch of questions from students since this was recorded as a Live lesson. | 02:07:45 |
| "The Old Rugged Cross" | In this lesson we will be working through arranging this 6/8 traditional piece using re-harmonization techniques. We will also focus on various ways to 'groove' on a 6/8 song and use grooves in your improvisation. You'll also learn about the 7-3-6 progression and what it really is called. | 01:32:00 |
| "The Peanut Vendor" | This fun song has been played by many and is a very popular and famous cuban song. In this lesson I will teach you several different left-hand accompaniment patterns and how to create an arrangement. I broke this song into modules, making it easier to create your own arrangement. You will enjoy moving between modules, creating your own improvisation (which we discuss) and "jamming" on this groove. | 01:07:23 |
| "The Shadow Of Your Smile" | Using techniques from our step-by-step standards series you will learn how to create an easy bossa nova arrangement for "The Shadow Of Your Smile." We will also cover some advanced techniques to add some spice to your playing. | 00:48:52 |
| "The Way It Is" - Bruce Hornsby | In this lesson I will show you how to play the sections of the song and also teach you some Hornsby licks for improvisation. We will also discuss how to make this song your own by creating your own interpretation through different pentatonic lines. | 01:50:34 |
| "There Will Never Be Another You" - Improvisation | In this lesson you'll learn how to improvise over the jazz standard "There Will Never Be Another You" using different techniques. | 00:38:34 |
| "This Is My Last Affair" - The Meters | This Meter's tune is a great song to help round-out both organ players and pianists alike who want to play a bassline groove while improvising in the right hand. Some important scale techniques are discussed in this lesson which benefit both pianists and organists. This lesson is categorized under improvisation because of the valuable improvisation techniques covered in the second-half of the lesson. | 01:21:53 |
| "This Little Light of Mine" | This classic song covers how to re-harmonize the song and improvise over it. I’ll also teach the arrangement note-for-note. Some of the concepts we will cover is more re-harm techniques like dominant motion, related ii’s and tritone substitutions. | 01:24:30 |
| "Tipitina" - As Played By Dr. John | This is a fun New Orleans groove! In this lesson I break down the form of "Tipitina" measure-by-measure. These are the licks and grooves that Dr. John plays. I will also show you how to transpose these patterns to new keys and create new combinations. | 01:12:06 |
| "Unforgettable" - Vol. 1 | In this multi-part series, we will use the song Unforgettable to dive deeper into a multitude of concepts. This first part focuses on the arrangement of the song along with techniques to create an arrangement that has motion in it. If you are a beginner, there is an important chapter for the beginner that has valuable tips. Future parts of this lesson will be released in weeks to come thus giving you time to master this lesson before starting the next. | 00:58:31 |
| "Unforgettable" - Vol. 2 | After our Unforgettable Part 1 lesson, students were asking for more ways to fill out the accompaniment with improvisation, fills and runs. In this lesson we will cover different ways of creating fills and runs over a small section of the song. If you want to know how to fill the "dead air" between chords, this lesson will show you how to create your own fills and runs in both the right and left hands. | 01:08:47 |
| "Use Me" - Vol. 1 | In this 2 part lesson we will be working through the groove for Bill Withers Use Me. In part 1 we will cover the different keyboard licks and variations. We will discuss the minor pentatonic and how to create interesting improvisation sequences and also talk about different chord voicings for the organ. | 01:06:08 |
| "Use Me" - Vol. 2 | In this second part of "Use Me" we will talk about how to create some interesting improvisation ideas using different scales and arpeggios. Using some simple concepts, we can get some really cool sounds that will "perk up" your improvisation. We will also talk about taking your improvisation "outside." | 01:14:59 |
| "Wade In The Water" | In this classic spiritual, we will cover how to create a simple arrangement…perfect for beginners. We will also move into a more advanced “reharmed” version of the song with fuller chords. | 00:53:24 |
| "Waltz For Debby" - Vol. 1 | I'll show you how to play the first 16-measures of Bill Evan's beautiful song Waltz For Debby. Using techniques right from Bill Evan's recordings, you'll learn some of the gorgeous piano chord movements that Bill and his trio used. After each section, I'll analyze what is going on so you can see how it all fits together. Future lessons will cover the rest of the song. | 00:47:34 |
| "Waltz For Debby" - Vol. 2 | In part 2 we pick up where we left off in the song and breakdown some more Bill Evans concepts. In the chapter on scales in 3rds, an important Bill Evans technique, I show you how to practice and create scale-in-thirds exercises that will help with your harmonic fluidity. We will analyze what we are playing so that you not only know how to play the song...you also know WHAT you are playing. | 01:05:16 |
| "Wave" | Learn this classic bossa nova arrangement. We will cover arranging techniques like harmonizing diminished chords and incorporating some montunos at the end. | 01:01:15 |
| "Wave" Improvisation | In this lesson we build a solo (improvisation) over the song Wave. I will teach you all of the scales needed for improvisation. We will then begin building a solo together. I will discuss how to build your improvisation lines and look for targets in your solo. We will also cover Improvisational Bridging which will help to expand how you practice improvisation. | 01:05:58 |
| "What A Difference A Day Made" | Learn how to create a bossa version of this Maria Greaver song. In this lesson, we will create a full arrangement that you will learn note-for-note. We will also cover an easy 3-note approach to improvisation which is perfect for beginners. | 00:57:50 |
| "What A Wonderful World" - Vol. 1 (Arrangement) | In this lesson, we will focus on creating a beautiful arrangement using our shells and melody technique. Much like the My Romance lesson, this lesson will go step-by-step through the song so that you can see a finished arrangement using these techniques. Picking apart this arrangement and the techniques used, will be a valuable exercise for students of all levels. | 00:58:55 |
| "What A Wonderful World" - Vol. 2 (Improvisation) | In this arrangement, the song What a Wonderful World is played three times. The first time the arrangement from Wonderful World part 1 is played. The second time through the song I play a solo and the third time, I play my own personal arrangement using chords and voicings that come naturally to me. The key to this lesson is that we’ve included chapters SLOWED DOWN by 50% to make it easier for you to see the notes that I am playing! | 00:30:44 |
| "When I Fall In Love" | Learn my full arrangement of the beautiful standard When I Fall in Love. I’ll teach you the melody, chords and re-harmonizations note-for-note. | 01:18:08 |
| "When Sunny Gets Blue" | In this lesson you’ll learn When Sunny Gets Blues using my step-by-step standards approach. This is a perfect lesson for all levels, especially beginners. You'll learn how to analyze the song, which makes it easier to memorize, while also learning improvisational flourishes to make it sound more full. | 01:07:33 |
| "Will It Go Round in Circles?" - Billy Preston | Learn how to play Billy Prestons "Will It Go Round in Circles" with each section broken down. You'll also learn about scales chords, how to create a bassline along with licks to improvise with. | 00:54:46 |
| "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" - Carole King | In this lesson you will learn the classic song, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Carole King. This song is in a country-rock feel. | 01:10:15 |
| "You Don't Know Me" | The best-selling version of this Eddy Arnold song was taken to #2 on the charts by Ray Charles in 1962. We will brake down Ray Charles arrangement and pull out some fun phrases and licks. I will also give you some improvisation tips and different endings. This song has a nice modulation at the end, so it is a great practice for direct modulation. | 01:03:14 |
| "You've Got A Friend" - Vol. 1 | Using a lesson request from a student, I created an accompaniment lesson on a gospel version of You've Got A Friend. In this 2-part lesson I will show you the rich gospel chords and how to 'fill the space' using a more gospel/jazz style. In addition, you will learn some nice transition chords. These are chords that move use smoothly between the larger I-IV-V chords. While not an easy lesson, there is something here for all levels. In part 2 we will cover 'gospel grooving' where we take a simple progression and really groove on it. | 01:10:38 |
| "You've Got A Friend" Improvisation And Groove - Vol. 2 | In this second part of the You've Got A Friend lesson, we will learn how to create the ending groove section, how the harmony works and how to create a groove step-by-step. | 01:21:33 |
| "Your Song" - Elton John | In this lesson you’ll learn how to play Sir Elton John’s “Your Song.” However, we will also use this as an opportunity to learn a step-by-step process by which you can approach creating arrangements for other rock songs. | 01:05:59 |
| “Signed Sealed Delivered” - Stevie Wonder | This is an instantly recognized funky party tune that you will want to have in your repertoire. In this lesson, you will learn how to play this song on an organ patch and teach you all the chords necessary to play this Stevie Wonder hit. In addition, we will demonstrate the traditional and alternate chord voicings that you can use during your own performances and will break down the three sections that make up the entirety of this song, demonstrating how easy it is to have the entire song memorized. | 00:56:49 |
| “The Way You Make Me Feel.” - Michael Jackson | In this lesson, we will teach you how to play two classic funk-party Michael Jackson tunes – “Shake Your Body Down to the Ground” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Students will learn how to play these great keyboard-centric grooves and will learn the finer points of funk rhythm-reading and counting (which draws heavily on 16th-note rhythms). You will learn the importance of transposition and will show you how to think about the chords in a way that makes transposition much easier to practice. In addition, you’ll get a total of 4 jam tracks! | 00:54:47 |
| “This Can’t Be Love” - Melody & Comping - Vol. 1 | This up-tempo Rogers/Hart jazz piano classic will get your toes tapping and is great for the intermediate or more advanced player. If you’ve gone through my Step-By-Step Standards series, then you’re ready for this lesson. Inside, you’ll learn rootless voicings along with comping techniques to get you ready for playing with the band! | 01:15:57 |
| “This Can’t Be Love” With The Band Vol. 2 | This is where the “rubber meets the road.” It’s game time. In this session you will be playing along with the band…LIVE! Don’t worry, we will go slow and I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. If you’ve worked through the “This Can’t Be Love” Piano Melody And Comping lesson, you’ll definitely want to put your skills to the test in this live band session. | 01:43:21 |
| "Ain't Misbehavin" - Vol. 2 | We are covering the B section and the final A section. The B section holds some very nice runs that are quite a challenge! I will also show you how using these runs under different chords will give you runs like Oscar Peterson! | 00:41:40 |
| "Amazing Grace" | Learn how to create an arrangement for Amazing Grace. Re-harmonization and improv techniques are also covered. | 02:00:06 |
| "Auld Lang Syne" Special Reharmonization - Vol. 2 | In this lesson we will take all of the techniques we learned in the previous lesson to create a full arrangement. I'll teach you the entire arrangement step-by-step. | 00:47:35 |
| "Autumn Leaves" | In this lesson, I’ll teach you how to improvise over the standard Autumn Leaves. I’ll also show you different practicing tricks to make it easier to learn the song and the improvisation. Many students ask me “What do I start with and where do I go from there?” I’m going to lay this out so you have a “plan of attack” to make it easier to learn these important concepts! | 02:09:35 |
| "Besame Mucho" | "Bésame Mucho" ("Kiss me a lot") is a song written in 1940 by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velázquez. I will show you this beautiful song note-for-note. I will also show you how to incorporate other latin grooves to create an improvisation. | 00:53:59 |
| "Body and Soul" - Vol. 2 | In this second part and conclusion of our Body and Soul lesson, you’ll learn how to play the 8-measure bridge, coupled with first 8 measures of the song to complete 32-measure form. You will learn the original melody and harmony as well as learn to use advanced harmonic devices such as tritone substitutions, diminished scale harmony, internal harmonic motion, and how to use motivic development in the melody. At the end of the lesson, you will have all the information necessary to play a beautiful professional arrangement of this timeless jazz classic. | 00:26:25 |
| "De-Mystifying Rhythm", Session 1 | In this course, Mike discusses rhythms in life, The Pulse in music, time signatures, notes and rests (and the importance of space!) down to 16ths, counting as a tool. | 00:42:30 |
| "De-Mystifying Rhythm", Session 2 | Mike explains tied notes, dotted notes and rests, 8th-note triplets in 4/4 and 12/8. | 00:46:17 |
| "De-Mystifying Rhythm", Session 3 | In this lesson Mike will discuss 16th and 32nd notes. | 00:45:12 |
| "Don't Know Why" - Norah Jones - Vol. 1 | In this first volume, we will work on getting down the chords and the groove for this song that Norah Jones made famous. If you want to accompany yourself or others while singing, the chapters on how to break up the chords up the chords with be extremely valuable to you. In volume 2 we will work on improvisation. | 01:23:53 |
| "Don't Know Why" - Vol. 2 | In this 2nd volume, we will be learning how to build a solo over the Norah Jones song, "Don't Know Why." These techniques work well for most pop/rock songs so you can easily take what you learn in this lesson to other songs. We will also learn about rock piano articulation which gives your improvisation more of a 'pop' and helps your lines stand out. | 01:09:34 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - Jazz Reharm Part 2 | Part 2 of the lesson. | 00:35:20 |
| "Every Breath You Take" - The Police (Vol. 2) | In this lesson, you will get an inside look into creating a reharmonized, solo piano jazz arrangement of the pop tune “Every Breath You Take”. Topics include how to reharmonize chords, jazz theory, reading a lead sheet, and how to create comping and soloing ideas over a static (2 chords only) harmony. | 02:29:11 |
| "Every Prayer" | This “in the style of” lesson shows you how to play the chords for New Breed’s “Every Prayer”. We will also analyze the structure of the song and discuss improvisation. | 00:39:01 |
| "I Loves You Porgy" - Gershwin (Part 1) | In this lesson we will begin learning the song "I Loves You Porgy." We begin by brainstorming the song then create an arrangement through a shells / melody approach. | 01:01:25 |
| "My Romance" | In this lesson I will break down the Rogers and Hart standard My romance into 5 easy steps. We are using the chords right out of the Real Book with limited re-harmonizations. Many students have asked “How do I play from a fakebook?” Well, this is the lesson for you! The information in this lesson can easily be applied to thousands of other standards. | 01:19:10 |
| #1 - Progression and Chords (Adv) | In this lesson we will move away from the blues and instead focus on the classic jazz standard "Beautiful Love." You'll learn the progression and how to form rootless chords to get a more advanced sound. | 00:24:24 |
| #1 - Progression and Chords (Int) | In this lesson we are going to learn the entire 12-bar advanced blues form along with chords and comping. | 00:26:24 |
| #1 – Progression and Chord Tones | In this lesson we are going to focus on R7 and R3 chord shells over dominant seventh chords. We will also work through a pentatonic scale exercise. | 00:26:25 |
| #1 – The Bassline | In this lesson we will work on the bass line in the key of C minor. | 00:25:46 |
| #2 - Melody (Licks) | In this lesson we will add some melody and licks to the right hand over our 12-bar blues progression. | 00:21:56 |
| #2 - Scales for Improvisation | In this lesson you'll learn the scales needed for improvisation over "Beautiful Love." | 00:29:20 |
| #2 – Bassline in B minor | In this lesson we will work on the bass line in the key of B minor. | 00:20:37 |
| #2 – Two-hand Chords | In this lesson we are going to focus on filling out our R7 and R3 chord shells by adding more notes to our right hand. | 00:22:02 |
| #3 - Arpeggios (Adv) | In this lesson you'll learn how to use and practice chord arpeggios for improvisation. | 00:33:35 |
| #3 - Arpeggios (Int) | In this lesson we will now use chord arpeggios to expand our improvisation. | 00:26:59 |
| #3 – Bassline with Chords | In this lesson you'll learn how to play the bassline in C minor along with chords in the right hand. | 00:21:09 |
| #3 – Targeting Chord Tones | In this lesson we are going to begin targeting chord tones in both our voicings and improvisation. | 00:27:44 |
| #4 - Arpeggio Lines and Guide Tones | By mixing chord tones and arpeggios, this lesson will show you how to create more focus in your improvisation by utilizing guide tones and chord tones. | 00:19:10 |
| #4 – Bassline with Chords | In this lesson we will work on creating simple bass lines for accompaniment and adding chords in the right hand. | 00:22:23 |
| #4 – Bassline with Melody | In this lesson you'll learn how to play the melody along with the bassline in C minor. | 00:19:45 |
| #4 – Targeting (7th to the 3rd) | In this lesson you'll learn how to target your guide tones (3rd and 7th) to create a more cohesive solo. | 00:32:05 |
| #5 - Double Stops, Tremolos and Grace Notes | You'll learn how to use grace notes and double stops to add a bluesy "gritty" sound to your improvisation. This gives you that classic blues piano improvisation sound. | 00:29:56 |
| #5 – Approaches and Neighbor tones | In this lesson you'll learn how to use neighbor tones to create a bebop sound in your improvisation lines. | 00:26:20 |
| #5 – How to Create Your Own Blues Jam | In this lesson you'll learn how to put together all of the techniques from previous lessons in this course to create your very own blues jam with improvisation! | 00:26:50 |
| #5 – Improv Part 1 (Accompaniment, Scales & Exercises) | In this lesson we will build an improvisation over The Thrill is Gone. We will cover the scales needed to build a solo. | 00:30:07 |
| #6 – Improv Part 2 (Chords, Grace Notes and Quartal Straddles ) | In this lesson we will create a more advanced sound in our improvisation by using quartal straddles and by adding grace notes to chords. | 00:41:12 |
| 1-2-3-5 Patterns (Will You Still Love Me Rock Improv) | Learn how to improvise over rock songs using this pattern. We will use the song "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" as a springboard for our improvisation. | 00:29:37 |
| 1-Lead Sheet | Learn the melody to Swingin' Shepherd Blues. | 00:10:29 |
| 10 Jazz and Blues Licks | Master these 10 Jazz and Blues licks to use them in your songs. | 00:41:45 |
| 10 Must-Have Funk Licks 1 | In this lesson, we will use the Yamaha Motif synth to teach you funk licks #1-5 which you can practice and use in your playing. Each lick is meant to highlight a different concept, including pentatonic scales, blues scales, quartal voicings, “outside” playing, chromatic approach, etc. You’ll also get 2 excellent jam tracks to use in your practice. And the best part is that since these licks are built over a “ii – V” progression, you’ll be able to use them in all different styles of music – jazz, rock, funk, pop, etc. | 01:11:58 |
| 10 Must-Have Funk Licks 2 | In this lesson, we will continue teaching funk licks #6-10, this time splitting the Yamaha Motif to feature two different sounds in each hand. These licks get slightly more advanced but are still built over the Bb-7 to Eb7 chord progression (ii – V progression), meaning that you can use these licks in all styles of music. | 00:57:17 |
| 11 Rock Piano Technique Tips | This lesson is jam-packed with 11 Rock Piano Technique Tips that are the result of years of practice, gigging, touring, and teaching experience. Not only will you get some incredibly useful tips for practicing and playing, but you’ll also get professional insight into how to prepare for gigs, essential skills for improving your musicianship, scales for soloing, theory, and demonstrations using some of the most classic rock hits of all-time. | 00:56:52 |
| 12 Days of Jazz Standards | In this lesson I'll take you through the 12 levels (I broke them into days for this lesson) and show you once and for all the steps necessary to play standards and lead sheets from a fakebook. This lesson should be your FIRST lesson before beginning my other courses on standards and fakebooks. The goal of this lesson is to introduce you to the levels and show you where to get more help on each level, so this is a great summary lesson. We will use the song "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" as an example. | 03:26:38 |
| 12/8 Piano Grooves | 12/8 is a common rock piano groove. In this lesson you'll learn how to play it! | 00:32:56 |
| 15 Blues Licks | In this lesson you will learn 15 cool Blues licks. Each lick is presented with minimal talking, so you can get right into learning and applying these licks into your own playing | 01:00:34 |
| 15 Funk Grooves | Learn 15 Funk grooves that you can apply in many situations. I’ll teach you the grooves step-by-step. | 01:35:18 |
| 2-5-1 Essentials | In this important lesson for ALL styles, we will talk about the core ingredients of a 2-5-1 progression and chord voicings. Once you understand these core concepts, it is easier to add upon them to create richer and fuller voicings. We will also discuss voice-leading and show you how to smoothly move between chords. There will be a followup to this lesson with several progression examples. | 00:40:14 |
| 2-5-1 Major Licks | In this lesson you will learn how to play eight 2-5-1- licks in major mode. We will also discuss the theory behind these licks and how to take these licks and add them to any 2-5-1 progression in your playing. | 00:40:50 |
| 2-5-1 Minor Licks | In this lesson you will learn how to play eight 2-5-1 licks in minor mode. He will also discuss the theory behind these licks and show you how to play them at tempo. He will focus on left hand shell voicings & rootless closed position voicings. You will transpose these licks into all 12 keys. | 00:40:16 |
| 2-Shells | Learn to play Swingin' Shepherd Blues along with shells in the left hand. | 00:11:10 |
| 3-Rootless | Learn to play Swingin' Shepherd Blues along with rootless chords in the left hand. | 00:10:45 |
| 4 Step Standards Mini Course - Step 1 | In this 4-step mini course we will cover different ways to arrange, improvise and accompany oneself using George Gershwin's standard Someone To Watch Over Me. Step 1 is perfect for beginner and intermediate level students who want to learn how to arrange standards. But I like Gospel or Rock or Latin music, is this lesson for me too? Oh yes. These techniques are important no matter what style of music you play. I explain why in the lesson! | 01:02:38 |
| 4-Improvisation | Learn how to solo (improvise) over Swingin' Shepherd Blues. | 00:23:28 |
| 4-Layer Standards | In this lesson you'll learn how to think of playing standards in layers. Each layer adds sparkle to the arrangement and you'll learn how to use these layers for maximum effect! | 00:24:44 |
| 5 Must Have Rhythms | 5 rhythms that are great to master and use in your improvisations. You'll learn each rhythm along with examples of how to use them. | 00:47:05 |
| 5 Scales for Soloing | In this lesson you will learn 5 scales that are essential when learning how to solo over a funk groove. Each chapter will present a new scale and will examine how the scale is constructed, relevant music theory information, the chords over which each scale can be used, and demonstrations of each scale using a jam track (which is also provided). Scales to be discussed include pentatonic, blues, mixolydian, dorian, and lydian dominant. | 00:49:28 |
| 5 Ways To “Lock In” Chords At The Piano | In this lesson I'm going to show you how to really 'lock in' and own your chords at the piano. | 00:34:18 |
| 5-Ending | Learn different ending chords for Swingin' Shepherd Blues. | 00:06:22 |
| 50's Blues Rock Piano | Learn how to recreate that 50's blues piano sound. | 00:32:50 |
| 6 Essential Arpeggio Exercises | In this lesson, you'll learn 6 different exercises to help you speed up your arpeggios while also learning how to be more musical with arpeggios. | 00:53:15 |
| 6 Funky Chord Progressions | In this lesson you will be shown 6 different funky chord progressions, each 2-4 measures in length in varying keys. In each groove, the instructor will highlight 5 various points: (1) How to build the chords; (2) How to understand the rhythm and work with the metronome; (3) How to play along with the provided jam track; (4) Variations of the chords and progression for further exploration; and (5) Scales that you can use for soloing over the progression. | 01:33:24 |
| 6 Must-Have Organ Sounds | 6 “must have” organ sounds that need to be in every organist’s toolbox. These are the sounds that make you sound like a know-what-you’re-doin’ musician at the organ and help you stand out from the crowd. | 01:01:37 |
| 7 Ways To Practice Away From The Piano | This lesson is perfect for those of you who are too busy to always find time to practice at the piano. Learn techniques that you can practice away from the piano that will enhance your learning and technique when you do get a chance to sit down at the piano and play. | 00:39:22 |
| 7 Ways to Resolve to a “I” Chord | Are you interested in writing or arranging music? Are you interested in understanding why certain chords “work” and sound so cool? Then this is the lesson for you. In this lesson, we will show you 7 different ways to resolve to a C major chord, a particularly valuable skill for anyone who wants to take command of the music they’re playing and unlock all of the creative possibilities. In fact, with all the different variations we will show you, you will learn more than 10 different chord progressions, all of which will bring you to C major. | 01:09:19 |
| 8 Scales you MUST know for Improvisation | These are the scales that you should know, practice and master to become a good improviser. Each scale is written out along with fingering. Scales covered are: Major pentatonic, Minor pentatonic, Blues scale, Altered scale, 1/2-Whole Diminished, Whole-1/2 Diminished, Whole tone and Locrian Natural 9. | 01:12:32 |
| ABC's of the Blues - Vol. 2 | In this second part, we are going to cover how to create your own blues composition in four different styles: Shuffle, Swing, Rock and Stride. This lesson makes it easy to create a blues composition that will have a clear structure which you can then easily improvise over. We will also cover an introduction and ending for all four styles of blues that we covered. | 00:48:11 |
| ABC's of the Blues - Vol. 1 | In this series, I break down how to create a blues song using my ABC approach. A stands for accompaniments and style, B is Building a Solo and C is chords and progressions. This part 1 will cover parts A and B. | 00:48:50 |
| Accompaniment Toolkit | A great lesson for anyone wanting to accompany themselves or others while singing. This lesson is also great if you want to get better at comping chords. I've broken the lesson into three concepts to focus on: Introductions, Endings and Comping. | 00:57:55 |
| Accompaniments and Turnarounds | Learn 8 different Blues accompaniment patterns and turnarounds. We cover different styles like New Orleans, Country, Boogie and Funk. You will also learn how to apply these patterns to your own playing. | 01:16:41 |
| Accompanying a Vocalist/Instrument | Learn from Tish and I how to work with a singer or other instrument. Learn about comping, endings, cueing and turnarounds. | 02:08:42 |
| Adele | This lesson focuses on some great rock piano comping techniques using Adele’s smash hit “Make You Feel My Love,” already a classic rock piano ballad. But in addition to learning that great tune and some of harmonic accompaniment tips, you’ll also get bonus Adele in which you’ll learn her new smash hit “Hello,” another soon-to-be-classic rock piano hit. Add both of these great songs to your repertoire today! | 00:45:51 |
| Adv. Improv Session 1 | We will cover: Tension & Wrong Notes, Launch & Target Notes, Bebop Scales, Inside/Outside, Autumn Leaves Progression. | 01:01:38 |
| Adv. Improv Session 2 | We will cover: Playing with Intent, Target Intention, Filling in the Gaps, Launch & Target Notes. | 00:53:46 |
| Adv. Improv Session 3 | In this lesson, you'll learn my 8-Steps To Improvisation method which includes: 1. Target Notes, 2. Chord Tones, 3. Scales, 4. Activating the Left Hand, 5. Neighbor Tones / Enclosures, 6. U.S.T. and Advanced Scales, 7. Rhythm / Syncopation, 8. Reharmonization. | 00:57:08 |
| Adv. Improv Session 4 | In this lesson, we will review the 8 steps to improvisation and answer student questions. The lesson starts at 3:00 so you can skip the first 3 minutes. | 01:05:29 |
| Advanced Blues Progressions | Learn an advanced blues progression in F along with rootless chords in the right hand. | 01:00:30 |
| Advanced Boogie Woogie Part 1 | In this first lesson you'll learn how to play the bassline and get in the groove. You'll also get some helpful practice tips and learn how to increase your speed. | 00:51:43 |
| Advanced Boogie Woogie Part 2 | We will finish up our advanced boogie song learning a couple more licks and endings. | 00:41:48 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 1 | In this course, Willie will show you how to take your improvisation to the next level with some advanced techniques like constant structure, triadic UST improv, chromaticism, pentatonics, quartals and more! | 00:44:26 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 2 | In this lesson we will focus on targeting notes and chromaticism. | 00:46:28 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 3 | In this lesson we are going to deep-dive into the Whole Tone scale and its usage. | 00:34:25 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 4 | In this lesson we will use the song "Everything Happens To Me" as a vehicle for chordal improvisation techniques. | 00:46:42 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 5 | In this lesson you'll learn how to take your improvisation outside and also use quartals in your left hand for accompaniment. | 00:53:38 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 6 | We will use the song "Killer Joe" as a springboard for improvisation. You'll learn the scales needed for improvisation. | 00:41:43 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 7 | This lesson is all about using rhythmic accents in your improvisation. | 00:33:10 |
| Advanced Improvisation Techniques 8 | In this last lesson we will focus on creating an improvisation over "A Foggy Day" and wrap up this course. | 00:40:18 |
| Advanced Jazz and Blues - Vol. 1 | This lesson, a followup to Jazz And Blues Made Easy, will teach you more advanced techniques that you can use for comping, soloing and creating basslines. Using the blues as a catalyst, we will cover many new techniques while applying them to real-world situations. | 01:53:19 |
| Advanced Jazz and Blues - Vol. 2A | In this lesson, we will cover a more advanced 12-Bar blues. We start by learning two choruses of an original blues called Blowin’ On The Blues. This song is a great way to explain your voicings and learn new techniques to make your blues playing sound more sophisticated. We will also cover improvisation over the song! | 01:04:12 |
| Advanced Jazz and Blues - Vol. 2B | In this lesson we focus on improvisation. I will cover some common questions like "What notes do I choose for my solo?" I will also teach you exercises that will help your improvisation become more fluid. | 01:40:49 |
| Advanced Organ Shout | This more advanced lessons will give you more organ shout techniques that you can use. | 00:57:57 |
| Advanced Pentatonics | In this advanced lesson, I am going to show you some interesting ways of breaking up, and practicing, your pentatonic scales. We will also cover some McCoy Tyner like left hand voicings to add to these pentatonic patterns. With practice, these patterns will become fluid to you and change your soloing! | 00:48:52 |
| Advanced Pentatonics and Quartals - Vol. 1 | 01:55:53 | |
| Advanced Pentatonics and Quartals - Vol. 2 | 01:08:20 | |
| Advanced Quartal Chords and Comping | Learn how to create full, two-hand chords using quartals and tensions. The chord voicings are awesome to use while comping behind a soloist. | 00:51:43 |
| Advanced Warm Up Exercises For Piano | In this lesson you'll learn some advanced warmup techniques that I like ot use to get ready for a performance. | 00:38:10 |
| Africa - Toto | Toto’s “Africa” is a classic rock hit that you definitely need in your repertoire. The best part is that the song is largely based on the piano part. This lesson will teach you how to break this song down into smaller sections that are easier to memorize, and will also discuss some of the specific aspects of synthesizer programming that are important for a song like this. | 00:57:18 |
| Altered and 1/2 Whole Diminished Scales | In this lesson we will add on 2 new scales and discuss why and how to build your solo using one scale at a time. | 01:14:14 |
| Amazing Grace Reharmonization | This short lesson is a good primer into reharmonization. Start here before digging into the longer reharmonization lessons. | 00:18:02 |
| Analysis and Starting Improv | In this lesson you'll learn how to analyze the song Easy Living. We will also cover what to do if you lose the form and how to quickly spin up an improvisation using only 2 scales. | 01:13:29 |
| Analysis, Memorization and Transposition | In this important lesson, I will teach you techniques for analyzing the structure of songs. Once you learn how to analyze a piece of music, it becomes much easier to both improvise and transpose that song to new keys. We will work through analysis for songs: Ain't Misbehavin', All The Things You Are and I Could Write A Book. | 01:29:38 |
| Anyone Can Improvise in 3 Easy Steps (For Beginners) | In this lesson, you'll learn three critical aspects of improvisation: Accompaniment, Rhythm and Licks. By combining together these three elements, you'll see how anyone can improvise...even if you have never done it before! | 01:02:46 |
| Arpeggios, 2-5-1's and Tritones | Learn how to use arpeggios over 2-5-1 progressions to create beautiful introductions and endings. | 00:50:26 |
| Arrangements For Small Hands [HangWithWillie] | If you can't reach those big stretches, this lesson will help you 'fix' arrangements so you can play them more easily. | 00:21:55 |
| Arranging Christmas Songs - The First Noel | Learn different ways to create an arrangement for a Christmas song. | 00:40:00 |
| Autumn Leaves Part 1 (Major Scale) | Learn how to improvise over the first part of the standard Autumn Leaves using your major scale. | 00:25:16 |
| Autumn Leaves Part 2 (Enclosures & Chord Tones) | Expanding on the techniques that we learned in the previous lesson, now we will add enclosures to our improvisation. | 00:20:24 |
| B3 Organ Techniques | In this lesson I am going to show you some organ techniques that I have learnt over the years. I'll show you how I use the drawbars. We will discuss sustaining notes, creating pads and I'll teach you a cool progression, some chords to go with it and improvisation! | 01:07:07 |
| Basic Stride Piano Techniques | This lesson teaches you how to play a basic stride piano pattern along with improvisation. The stretches are challenging, but once mastered with the pentatonic scale, you will have a nice stride pattern that I'll show you how to combine into several combinations to improvise for minutes. Topics covered are improv with the pentatonic scale and 4 different stride progression "options." | 00:59:38 |
| Basic Vocal Workout | If you want to learn to sing, or improve your voice, this is the lesson to start with. In this lesson, Jazzedge teacher Anna Rizzo will teach you the basics of singing, the different ranges and techniques to warmup and strengthen your voice. | 00:59:31 |
| Basics of Improvisation | This lesson will teach you improvisation techniques over Satin Doll and Canon in D. You’ll learn both Jazz and Pop/Rock improvisation styles. You’ll also learn about approaches into chord tones. | 03:09:50 |
| Bass Play-alongs | Play along with the bass player over Swingin' Shepherd Blues. | 00:05:51 |
| Bassline Creation | In this lesson we will create a bassline in different styles to use on Silent Night. | 01:13:37 |
| Beginner's Guide | In this first lesson you'll learn the 15 steps you need to follow if you are new to improvisation. The Step-By-Step Improvisation Over Standards Beginner's Guide will give you actionable, step-by-step list of lessons and courses to follow in a specific order. | 01:16:22 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 1 | In this first lesson we will be covering the basics of improvisation like rhythm, fingering, relaxing, phrasing and more. I'll also show you how to get started improvising in 6 steps. | 01:00:48 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 2 | In this lesson you'll learn how to comp chords and improvise over a simple minor-key bassline. We will discuss how to create longer phrases and add rests to your improvisation. | 00:40:02 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 3 | In this lesson you'll learn my popular song, Kimmy's So Cool. You'll learn the song along with improvisation and I'll show you exactly what you need to practice. This is an important song for Beginning Improvisation! | 00:36:38 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 4 | In this lesson you'll learn a really cool minor chord progression and how to play it with two-handed chord voicings and an easy bassline. | 00:31:10 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 5 | Learn how to vocalize rhythms to make your rhythmic playing stronger. Using my song "Do'h Blues" you'll also learn how to create 7th chords, chord shells and how to create basslines from shells. | 00:29:41 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 6 | The blues is an extremely important form to learn. In this lesson I'll show you the entire blues in C along with a great bassline. | 00:30:38 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 7 | In this lesson you'll learn a bunch of licks that you can use to solo over the bassline and progression we learned in the previous lesson. | 00:22:43 |
| Beginning Jazz & Blues Improv 8 | In this last lesson of this course you will be learning another original piece, "Chicken Pox Blues" which we will use to learn more about the blues and improvisation. | 00:30:26 |
| Ben's Blues - Melody With Bassline | In this lesson we will focus on putting the melody together with the bassline. | 00:18:33 |
| Ben's Blues Part 1 | The key to being a good jazz pianist is knowing how to switch between chords, basslines and other accompaniment patterns quickly. In this first lesson we will be focusing on bassline creation using an original 12-bar blues song "Ben's Blues." | 00:24:48 |
| Ben's Blues Part 2 | In this next lesson we will be adding on the melody to the blues song "Ben's Blues." If you want, you can skip this lesson and come back to it later. Learning the melody for this song is optional. | 00:29:06 |
| Ben's Blues Part 3 | This is the lesson where we learn how to play rootless chords and apply them to the bassline. You'll learn about syncopation and different chord comping techniques. | 01:02:04 |
| Ben's Blues Part 4 | In this last lesson we will focus on improvisation. You'll learn how to vocalize rhythms and create licks out of scale blocks. We will cover both the blues scale and minor pentatonic scale. I'll also show you how to use play/rest to build a solo. | 00:54:52 |
| BF16 Live Training "November Webinar" | In this massive 12-part lesson I'll show you how to create and improvise over arrangements in different styles. We will also cover some advanced improvisation tips and comping techniques you must know! | 05:42:46 |
| Big Chords, Progressions & Fills | In this lesson we talk about HOW to create those BIG sounding chords. We will also cover how to turn a basic progression into a more contemporary sounding set of chords through re-harmonization, chord fills, left hand accompaniment techniques and chord tensions. | 01:10:51 |
| Block A-1 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:09:39 |
| Block A-2 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:04:58 |
| Block A-3 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:06:42 |
| Block A-4 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:10:46 |
| Block A-5 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:16:54 |
| Block A-6 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:05:33 |
| Block A-7 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:04:25 |
| Block A-8 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:05:18 |
| Block B-1 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:05:34 |
| Block B-2 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:04:02 |
| Block B-3 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:03:47 |
| Block B-4 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:03:10 |
| Block C-1 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:01:57 |
| Block C-2 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:03:02 |
| Block C-3 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:03:04 |
| Block C-4 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:02:54 |
| Block D-1 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:02:52 |
| Block D-2 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:03:35 |
| Block D-3 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:02:35 |
| Block D-4 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:02:42 |
| Block E-1 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:04:19 |
| Block E-2 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:04:15 |
| Block E-3 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:03:13 |
| Block E-4 | Blues Progression Matrix block tutorial. | 00:05:03 |
| Blue Jay | Learn the basics of Jazz pike vocalizing rhythms, the eighth note rhythm, simple accompaniments and chord shells. | 00:50:03 |
| Blue Moon | You'll learn the classic standard Blue Moon in this lesson. I'll show you how to go from a simple oom-pah arrangement to a fuller sounding arrangement by adding chord tones under your melody. | 01:29:51 |
| Blueberry Hill | "Blueberry Hill" is a popular tune published in 1940, and is best remembered for Fats Domino's 1950s version. We will learn both an easy arrangement and one that is more intermediate. | 01:54:04 |
| Blues and Boogie Piano | In this lesson you’ll learn different boogie piano accompaniments and licks. Most important, Willie will be showing you his process for how to break down a lick in order to play it hands together. | 00:44:46 |
| Blues Basics | Learn the basics of what makes the Blues, the Blues. We will cover basic progressions, rhythmic cells, transposition and putting the hands together with improvisation. | 01:12:22 |
| Blues Double-Stops & Bassline | Create double stops over a blues sound. You'll also learn a super-simple bassline that is great to have handy! | 00:27:27 |
| Blues Improvisation Over Bassline | Learn how to create a solo over a blues bassline and play rootless chords in the right hand. If this lesson is too difficult, try the Ben's Blues lesson first. | 00:58:15 |
| Blues Matrix “How To” | Learn how to use the Blues Progression Matrix. | 00:41:52 |
| Blues Matrix Introductory Webinar | Learn how the Blues Progression Matrix works. | 01:28:21 |
| Blues n' Boogie - Vol. 1 | This is the place to start if you want to learn the basics of Blues & Boogie piano playing. I'll teach you the "basic" shuffle groove and show you some licks to play over it. You'll also learn about sliding and crushing notes. Neighbor chords and suspensions. | 02:10:23 |
| Blues n' Boogie - Vol. 2 | This DVD picks up where DVD501 left off and teaches you more advanced Blues techniques. You'll learn the "common" shuffle and Jimmy Yancey grooves. I'll also explain the triplet feel and how it is written. | 01:38:38 |
| Blues n' Boogie - Vol. 3 | You'll learn the New Orleans, Gene Harris and Fat's Domino grooves on this DVD. I'll also teach you the Boogie in octaves plus a bunch of licks, turnarounds and endings! Sheet music is included along with DVD502 | 01:32:53 |
| Blues n' Boogie - Vol. 4 | This is a "summary" DVD of the first 3 DVDs making it easy to see how the lessons work together. This is also a 'quick-start' for advanced players. The music for DVD504 is found on DVD501-503. | 00:57:08 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 1 | If you love Blues piano, this is the course for you. In this course, we are going to spend 8 weeks covering different blues styles and progressions. I’ll show you how to improvise over each style and give you the tricks that I use to effectively get that “grit” and blues piano player sound. Even though this is a 101 course, I would suggest that you have at least (1) year of study under your belt before beginning this class or you’ve successfully completed the Beginning Jazz/Blues Improvisation course. | 00:48:33 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 2 | In this lesson we are going to cover the triplet feel along with several licks that will teach you how to add accents to your playing. You'll also learn how to 'link up' the left and right hands to play together. | 00:40:14 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 3 | In this lesson you'll learn about different blues progressions from basic to more advanced jazz/blues progressions. You'll also learn several basslines and licks to use over these progressions. | 00:41:10 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 4 | Now we are going to put together all that we have learned so far to create a full 12-bar blues arrangement along with a stride-style accompaniment. | 00:34:17 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 5 | In this lesson we will work on "walk ups" and how to transition between chords. | 00:30:13 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 6 | Learn a bluesy song in a Floyd Cramer, country-type piano style. | 00:40:59 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 7 | In this lesson we are going to combine techniques from previous lessons in this course to create our own 12-bar blues progression. | 00:29:46 |
| Blues Piano Improvisation 101 - 8 | In this last lesson we will wrap up with some improvisation tips for the slow bluesy progression we covered earlier. | 00:34:04 |
| Blues, Basslines, Re-harm, Chords and Comping - Vol. 1 | In part 1, I am going to cover some of the most common requests that I have gotten from students. We will learn more about creating a walking bassline, how to form rootless chords and comp chords over that bassline. This approach makes it easier to learn many concepts over a form that you'll use again and again. In addition, you'll learn a new harmonization for the blues! | 00:41:37 |
| Blues, Basslines, Re-harm, Chords and Comping - Vol. 2 | In part 2 of Blues, Basslines, Re-harm, Chords & Comping, we will cover 3 new blues variations. These new variations allow you to create numerous blues progressions of your own! These new variations will include tritone substitutions and other re-harmonization techniques. I will also cover the bassline fingering in detail. | 00:46:59 |
| Bluesy Pentatonic Scale | Learn how to use the bluesy version of the pentatonic scale. | 00:19:52 |
| Boogie Woogie Basics Part 1 | If you've never played boogie-woogie before, this is a great place to start! We will break down all of the licks and riffs and you'll learn how to play them over a boogie bassline, | 00:57:35 |
| Boogie Woogie Basics Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn different variations you can use in your left hand, how to create your own licks and riffs and different intros and endings. | 00:23:24 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 1 | In four steps you'll learn the entire song "My Funny Valentine" along with tensions. | 01:20:45 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 2 | In this lesson you'll learn more about how to fill with the right-hand along with chord motion in the left-hand. | 01:27:45 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 3 | We will learn how to create more motion in the left-hand to create a flowing arrangement. You'll also learn some reharmonization and how to create an introduction using the "Last 8" concept. | 01:04:39 |
| Boot Camp For Lovers Week 4 | In this lesson you'll learn how to switch styles to create a stride bridge. | 01:27:04 |
| Breath Awareness for Vocalists | A lesson to develop awareness of how we are breathing, learn to draw deeper, more supported breaths and increase breath capacity. | 00:51:35 |
| Building a Funk Groove | Many funk grooves are based on simply 2-4 measures and contain only a few chords. These short passages can make up entire sections of grooving and soloing. In this lesson, we will show you how to build an entire funk groove using only 2 measures and 2 chords. What’s best is that you will learn to build the groove one instrument at a time, examining the drum part, bass part, and clarinet part. You’ll get a bunch of jam tracks so that you can listen, analyze, and learn each individual part in isolation, and get a comprehensive understanding of how the parts fit and work together. | 00:59:23 |
| Bye Bye Blackbird | In this lesson I'll show you how to both fix a chord chart (looking for bad chords) and how to FILL OUT an arrangement when only a few chords are given. We will also cover tritone subs, 2-5-1's, dominant motion and more. | 02:08:22 |
| Caravan - Van Morrison | In this lesson you will learn to play Van Morrison’s classic hit “Caravan.” We will show you how to break this song down into 3 easy-to-remember sections. You will also learn how to practice these sections individually and how to transpose the song to different keys. | 00:47:35 |
| Chicken Pox Blues | Learn how to play a full 12-bar blues. You'll also learn about tags and how to transpose the blues into different keys. This prepares you for the next lesson on Chicken Pox Blues improvisation. | 00:23:56 |
| Chicken Pox Blues Improvisation | In this lesson you'll learn how to improvise over the 12-bar blues Chicken Pox Blues. | 00:23:56 |
| Chord Approaches / Enclosures & Guide Tones | Guide tones, chord approaches and enclosures are at the heart of bebop improvisation. Study this lesson a lot to really master how to create more complicated improvisation lines. | 00:42:03 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of A | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of A | 00:47:03 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of Ab | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of Ab | 00:23:54 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of B | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of B | 00:27:51 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of Bb | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of Bb | 00:23:37 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of C | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of C. | 01:44:09 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of D | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of D | 00:47:28 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of Db | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of Db | 00:30:12 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of E | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of E | 00:42:11 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of Eb | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of Eb | 00:23:52 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of F | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of F | 00:25:30 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of F# | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of F# | 00:31:16 |
| Chord Essentials - Key of G | 10 examples in a variety of styles to help you learn your chords, comping, styles and rhythms in the key of G | 01:01:25 |
| Chord Essentials Tips | Some tips on how to use Chord Essentials. | 00:28:46 |
| Chord Tips | Learn different chord tips that I've learned over the years and use in my playing to this day. | 00:28:22 |
| Chord-Tone Boulders | In this lesson we will add on 2 new scales and discuss why and how to build your solo using one scale at a time. | 00:57:13 |
| Chords and Accompaniment | In this lesson you'll learn 5 different left hand accompaniment techniques and how to use them while improvising in the right hand. | 01:16:54 |
| Christmas Bootcamp | In this course you'll learn how to play three Christmas classics: Away in a Manger, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Silent Night. | 05:32:40 |
| Christmas Bootcamp 2020 | In this course you'll learn how to play Jingle Bells three ways: Easy, Jazz and Klezmer. We will also cover improvisation in session #4. | 03:40:19 |
| Christmas Time is Here | "Christmas Time Is Here" is a popular Christmas standard written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the 1965 television special A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is one of the first animated Christmas specials produced for network television in the United States. | 00:23:49 |
| Christmas Variety | In this course you'll learn how to play five Christmas classics: Silent Night, Joy To The World, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire (The Christmas Song), O Christmas Tree and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. | 03:38:07 |
| Classic Jazz Piano Endings Part 1 | The secrets for creating rich chords and snappy endings, that are actually used on gigs by professional musicians, are revealed step-by-step. | 00:34:23 |
| Classic Jazz Piano Endings Part 2 | Part 2 of the lesson. The secrets for creating rich chords and snappy endings, that are actually used on gigs by professional musicians, are revealed step-by-step. | 00:31:22 |
| Clave and Montunos | Learn the essence of Latin/Salsa music with this lesson on the clave and montunos. You will learn how to play several different montunos along with a left-hand bass pattern. | 02:04:58 |
| Clavinet Grooves Revealed | Have you ever wanted to groove right along with the most classic clavinet hooks on some of the greatest funk tunes of all-time, but had trouble capturing that elusive sound? In this lesson, we will explain (1) why that sound is so difficult to capture, (2) the sounds he uses on his keyboard to replicate those classic clav patches and (3) how to play these awesome, essential funk grooves using a step-by-step process. And you’ll also get 6 great play-along jam tracks as part of the lesson. | 01:22:09 |
| Cocktail Piano Basics - Vol. 1 | In this 2-lesson series, I will break down my basic steps for learning cocktail piano techniques. We will use Fly My To The Moon as a learning vehicle to breakup concepts into: Introductions, Accompaniment & Style, Soloing and Endings. By working on these 4 concepts, you will start to unravel how to play a cocktail piano style. | 00:59:40 |
| Cocktail Piano Basics - Vol. 2 | In this second part, we will cover soloing techniques and endings. Using the soloing techniques in this lesson, you will be able to create a basic solo over most swing standards. The endings can also be used on multiple songs. | 00:47:12 |
| Cocktail Success | This lesson is designed to help plan your practice in the lessons Cocktail Piano Basics 1 & 2 while you learn Night And Day. You might decide to watch this lesson BEFORE Cocktail Piano Basics. | 00:42:34 |
| Comping Ideas For Blues Funk Grooves | Oftentimes funk tunes are built on the traditional 12-bar blues form. The elements which transform a tune from a swing-blues to a funk-blues are usually things like groove, instrumentation, and comping rhythms. In this lesson, we will teach you a powerfully effective yet simple blues-funk comping groove. In addition, you will also learn to add a left hand baseline, a funky fill, and even a bonus chapter which discusses a commonly-encountered funk voicing for dominant chords. | 00:51:27 |
| Composing A Groove | In this lesson, I'll teach how to create a sus-chord groove. You'll learn passing chords and chordal groove techniques. I'll also teach you some hip improvisation tricks. | 01:27:21 |
| CorePiano™ - Easy Piano Basics | This is the lesson to begin with if you are a complete beginner to the piano. You'll learn all of the important techniques to get started properly. Work through each chapter slowly and feel free to come back to this course time and again. | 03:09:07 |
| Country Piano - Floyd Cramer Style | In this lesson we are going to use my re-worked version of Last Date to get inside of Floyd Cramer’s style. We will cover bass lines, licks and I’ll show you how to create your own Cramer-style song. | 01:09:13 |
| Create an Arrangement of "Foggy Day" | Using the song "A Foggy Day" we will work on how to create an arrangement using the techniques we've used so far. | 00:59:51 |
| Create Otis Spann Style Licks | In this lesson you'll learn how to create several advanced-sounding Otis Spann licks. Each lick is broken down and taught step-by-step. | 00:50:37 |
| Creating a Funk Groove | In this lesson, we will be covering fast funk grooves. More importantly, we will discuss how to create a groove between you and one other instrument. Often, we find ourselves in "non-traditional" situations like piano and drums only. In this lesson, I'll show you how to create a 'simple' groove, how to put it together in sections, how to do some groove improvisation and use outside chords to create an interesting sound. | 00:57:37 |
| Creating Cocktail Piano Arrangements | In this lesson you'll learn how to create your own cocktail piano arrangements using different techniques like pedal tones, cadences, 1-6-2-5 progression stalling and other techniques. | 01:13:15 |
| Creating Contemporary Arrangements | A question I get asked a lot is “How do you create an arrangement for a song?” Or, “How do I ‘modernize’ this song and give it new life?” In this lesson I am going to share with you some of the techniques that I use to create arrangements and “contemporize” a song. Some of these techniques are common, yet some are ones that I have come across over the years and developed my own personal style. We will use the song "Wade in The Water" as an example. | 01:08:52 |
| Creating Improv Lines | If you want to learn improvisation, this is the lesson for you. These concepts are VERY IMPORTANT for creating both bebop lines and general improvisational lines. Think of a line as a lick or phrase. In this lesson we will cover several lines and their construction. These ideas will quickly help you in 2 ways: 1) it will make your playing sound more sophisticated right away and 2) you will start to understand how to create and "weave" an improvised line through a set of chords. (Faster Fingers 3c) | 01:06:33 |
| Creating Improvisation Lines | Now that you've learned different scales, licks and arpeggios, it is time to learn how to bring all of this together to create better improvisational (solo) lines. | 00:29:02 |
| Creating Modal Chords | Learn how to use modes to create chords using Lydian, Aeolian and Phrygian modes. | 00:32:45 |
| Critical Song Analysis | This lesson will show you how to analyze jazz progressions to make it easier to memorize. The voicings in this lesson are great to learn and the fill-in-the-blank exercises will help you understand the material easier. | 01:38:20 |
| Cycle 4 Motion | Cycle 4 motion is counter-clockwise motion on the Circle of 5ths. This is a VERY popular chord motion and in this lesson you'll learn how to create chord voicings for this type of chord motion. | 00:24:17 |
| Cycle 4 Motion with Improvisation Pattern | Learn an improvisation pattern that you can use over cycle 4 motion. | 00:22:04 |
| Day 1 | We will be going over the 5 elements needed to effectively improvise. | 00:42:02 |
| Day 2 | In this improvisation lesson, we will be covering different approaches to improvisation like chord-tone improvisation and chord-to-scale relationships. I’ll also show you how to create scale “cells” to enhance your improvisation lines. Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson: 7 Days of Improvisation – Day 2 Requirements: 1. knowledge of triads 2. knowledge of seventh chords 3. must be able to create and spell notes of chords 4. must know how to create chord shells (R3, R7) | 00:44:03 |
| Day 3 | When it comes to playing the piano, you can play…Right Hand Alone, Left Hand Alone, or Hands Together. Don’t think of your hands being independent, think instead of the cooperation between them! Having an understanding of your chordal options, for the style you are working with, will help guide you in your rhythmic choices and how your hands cooperate with one another. | 00:45:07 |
| Day 4 | Learn Dorian and Phrygian modal improvisation in this lesson. You’ll also learn how to improvise over a latin tumbao bass pattern. I will also show you how NOT to use your modes and a better way of thinking about and practicing modes. | 00:41:06 |
| Day 5 | Using different scales like pentatonic, modes, blues and other scales, the techniques in this lesson will show you how to elongate your improvisation lines to create a more interesting solo. | 00:44:48 |
| Day 6 | This lesson will show you how to create and weave your own solo using chord tones and enclosures. We will use the song “It Could Happen To You” to create our solo. | 00:43:41 |
| Day 7 | Learn important practice concepts to get the most out of your improvisation. | 01:05:32 |
| Diatonic Chords - Vol. 1 | Would you like to know what the Beatles, Journey, and Johann Pachelbel can teach you about diatonic harmony? Have you ever wondered about the meaning of all those “theory terms” that advanced musicians use, terms like “scale degree,” “diatonic chords,” or even “Roman numeral analysis”? If so, this lesson is for you because it will completely clarify your understanding and help you “talk the talk.” You will learn these concepts step-by-step and get practical examples while learning what a scale degree is, how to create diatonic triads and 7th chords, and why Roman numeral analysis is so critical in developing your ability to memorize and transpose songs. | 00:35:16 |
| Diatonic Chords - Vol. 2 | Have you ever wondered how advanced players are seemingly able to memorize so many tunes and transpose them so easily? Would you like to learn a trick that ALL advanced jazz players know that allows them to do this? This lesson completes the explanation of the concepts introduced in Part 1, starting with an explanation of how to build diatonic 7th chords. You will learn why harmonic analysis (also referred to as Roman numeral analysis) will change the way you think about songs and teach you how to use this information to approach memorization and transposition just like the pros! | 00:41:15 |
| Diminished Harmony 1 | In this lesson, we will focus on really digging into diminished harmony. This is an important skill, especially if you want to learn to play cocktail piano and re-harmonize songs. There are also many cool improvisation ideas that we will end up covering in this 2-part series. | 01:10:52 |
| Diminished Harmony 2 | In this second part we will cover some usage of the diminished chord for improvisation. We will also apply diminished replacement techniques to song snippets "I Could Write A Book" and "Have You Met Miss Jones?". We will end by covering the Barry Harris diminished approach technique and apply it to a snippet of "The Days Of Wine And Roses." | 01:05:13 |
| Diminished Harmony 3 | In this lesson we will cover four important uses of diminished harmony: 1) Diminished chord reharmonization, 2) Harmonizing melodies using diminished chords, 3) Using diminished scales for improvisation and 4) Diminished and Slash Chords. These four techniques are practical because they are most often used in live situations and are important for any gigging musician to know. We will use the song "It Could Happen To You" as an example. | 01:13:50 |
| Do'h Blues | Learn Root-7 chord shells along with how to form all types of seventh chords. | 00:38:04 |
| Do'h Blues Improvisation | In this lesson we will learn how to improvise over the song Do'h blues. This is a great introduction to improvisation. | 00:13:55 |
| Dock of the Bay | The Otis Redding classic with an easy-going bass pattern. | 00:30:35 |
| Dominant Bebop Scale | Learn how to use the dominant bebop scale to improvise over dom7 chords. | 00:17:00 |
| Dominant Motion | Dominant motion is the strongest chordal motion in Western music. Learn how to use this technique to expand your chord progressions. | 00:51:56 |
| Don’t Stop Believin - Journey | This song is a must-have in the repertoire of any rock piano player. We will show you how to break the song down into just two easy-to-remember sections. We will also give you some bonus theory info on the chord progression of this song (which is a very common chord progression) and show you how to apply a harmonic formula which can help you transpose this song to various keys. Add this hit to your repertoire today! | 00:37:20 |
| Ear Training - Solfege | We will be covering: Solfege Simple Exercises Solfege Chords Tendency Tones To improve your ear, use a combination of: 1. Solfege (melodies, chords, progressions, etc.) 2. Music Theory 3. Trial and Error 4. Practice | 00:36:49 |
| Ear Training 1 Boot Camp - Lesson 1 | In this lesson you'll learn what solfege is, how to vocalize rhythms, use solfege to 'hear' melodies, solfege chords, conduct in 4/4 time and learn some exercises. | 01:05:30 |
| Ear Training 1 Boot Camp - Lesson 2 | We will be focusing on exercises starting on different solfege notes. We will also cover rhythmic dictation and melodic/rhythmic dictation exercises. | 01:07:55 |
| Ear Training 1 Boot Camp - Lesson 3 | We will be focusing on exercises starting on different solfege notes. You'll learn about tendency tones and how to know where notes want to resolve. We will also cover rhythmic dictation and melodic/rhythmic dictation exercises. Eighth-note triplets will be introduced. | 01:01:00 |
| Ear Training 1 Boot Camp - Lesson 4 | We will be going over: Examples to Sing, The "Pickup", Dictation Examples, Melodic and Rhythmic Dictation, Major Triad Inversions and Introducing Minor. | 00:54:05 |
| Ear Training 1 Boot Camp - Lesson 5 | We will be going over: Minor Solfege, Upbeats, Dictation Examples, Melodic and Rhythmic Dictation, Listening for Progressions and Listening for Chords. | 01:02:21 |
| Ear Training 2 Boot Camp - Lesson 1 | In this session, we will cover solfege for the Natural Minor scale. We will also work through several examples of both rhythmic and melodic dictation. | 00:41:22 |
| Ear Training 2 Boot Camp - Lesson 2 | In this session, we will cover Dorian Scale Solfege, A Dorian, A Dorian Alternate Solfege, Rhythmic Dictation, Melodic & Rhythmic Dictation, Progression Dictation. | 00:49:41 |
| Ear Training 2 Boot Camp - Lesson 3 | In this session, we will cover Harmonic Minor Scale Solfege, A Harmonic Minor, Rhythmic Dictation, Melodic & Rhythmic Dictation, Progression Dictation. | 00:38:13 |
| Ear Training 2 Boot Camp - Lesson 4 | In this session, we will cover Harmonic Minor, Dorian, Natural Minor, Melodic Minor Ascending, Melodic and Rhythmic Dictation, Progression Dictation. | 00:40:46 |
| Easy Gospel Basics | In this lesson we will cover gospel piano basis that we will expand upon and use as a foundation for future lessons. These important ~tricks~ come in handy in many different styles of music. Broken apart like this, these ideas will be easier for you to incorporate into your own arrangements and use them as a springboard for your own music or improvisation. | 00:53:56 |
| Easy Gospel Bass - Ethel Caffie-Austin | In this lesson inspired by the playing of Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin, we will learn a simple gospel bass pattern along with right hand gospel chordal and melodic grooves. This lesson is the first part in a series of easy-to-follow gospel lessons which are perfect for all levels. | 00:36:51 |
| Easy Jazz Piano Lesson - "Kimmy's So Cool" | This is an older lesson of one of my fun original songs, "Kimmy's So Cool" written for a student of mine years ago. Even though this isn't a jazz standard, I think it is a toe-tapping song that your audience will love to hear! | 00:51:10 |
| Effortless Minor Improvisation | In this lesson you'll learn how to create improvisation ideas over a minor chord progression. You'll also learn four different rootless chord voicings and what it takes to be able to master your improvisation over this minor progression. | 01:10:08 |
| Episode #1 - Green Dolphin Street Locked Hand Style | In this lesson I'll show you how I practice the locked-hand style to get more motion in my chords. | 00:12:57 |
| Episode #2 - Enclosures | In this practice session I'll show you how to use enclosures in your improvisation. | 00:19:13 |
| Episode #3 - Diminished Chord Tricks | This advanced lesson will show you different ways of using diminished chords. You'll also learn the Whole-1/2 diminished scale, how it relates to the 1/2-Whole diminished scale and how to harmonize and reharmonize using the V7b9 chord. | 00:56:13 |
| Episode #4 - Altered Chords and Scales | Learn how to create altered chords and improvise over them in this lesson. | 00:42:02 |
| Episode #5 - Basslines | Learn how to use the basslines from Jazz & Blues Made Easy. Refer to that lesson for the sheet music in today's session. | 00:32:48 |
| Episode #6 - Scale Slipping | Learn how to move between scales with more fluidity using scale slipping. | 00:29:48 |
| Essential Comping Techniques Part 1 | In this course you’ll learn how to comp in both a solo and group setting. If you’ve wondered how to get a fuller sound with your left-hand accompaniment, this lesson will give you techniques that you’ll use for years to come. This first lesson focuses on ballad and oom-pah / stride styles. | 00:53:18 |
| Essential Comping Techniques Part 2 | In part two, we will be covering techniques in how to comp chords in a group setting and over a bassline. | 01:03:38 |
| Essential Scale Tricks - How To Learn Scales Faster | A quick story, years ago when I was first learning improvisation, I was always confused and frustrated with those chord/scale charts. You know the ones that tell you which scale you should play with which chord. It seemed impossible to learn all those scales and so limiting. In this lesson, I'm going to show you a technique that I use in my improvisation everyday to quickly improvise over chords without "over thinking" the scale that I am playing. Using this technique, it is easy to improvise over chords even if you don't know which scale to use! | 00:54:54 |
| Exercises in 7/8 (Willie Answers) | In this lesson, we will be covering some odd-time signature exercises that will get you started playing in time signatures outside of 4 and 3. | 00:49:28 |
| Faster Fingers - Vol. 1 | We all want to play the piano faster and be stronger in what we play. However, we also need accuracy, dexterity, fluidity, dynamics and most of all musicality. In this lesson, I will show you how to achieve these characteristics in your playing through some simple exercises of both your fingers...and your mind! | 01:32:23 |
| Faster Fingers - Vol. 2A - Arpeggios | In this second volume we are going to focus on arpeggios. The sheet music has the fingering for all 12 Major scales in 2 octaves. In the lesson we will cover Major, minor and Dominant 7th arpeggios in ALL 12 keys. We will also cover how to gain more fluidity in your arpeggio playing. In addition, I will show you fun and unique exercises in each key that you can apply to other keys and incorporate into your playing. | 00:57:41 |
| Faster Fingers - Vol. 2B - Arpeggios | In part 2 of Faster Fingers we will be covering keys G through B. I will also give you a "lesson plan" in the last chapter so you know what to do with these arpeggios and how to move forward. | 00:50:12 |
| Filling Out Chord Progressions | Using the song "Harlem Nocturne" as an example, you'll learn how to fill out a chord progression for a song. | 00:54:27 |
| Finding Scale Secrets | In this lesson I'm going to show you a technique to break up scales into tetrachords. This technique makes it easier to find scales "on the spot" that will work over a set of chords. This is another way of looking at scales to get a deeper understanding of how they are made...and how to use them! | 00:44:21 |
| Fingering And Flow | Fingering and flow are critical for good improvisation and in this lesson I'll show you different exercises to help with both. | 01:11:31 |
| Fingering, Arpeggios and Chords | In this lesson, we will be covering fingering techniques, learning and applying arpeggios and how to apply simple chords to a melody, the "Battle Hymn of The Republic." | 01:37:12 |
| Fixing Chord Progressions | In this lesson we will start by working through minor-key harmony. This is important if you want to work in minor keys or expand on your own progressions. Next, we will pick apart a progression that I received from a student. We will analyze it and discuss ways of improving it. Lastly, I will show you some different ways of breaking up chords to create accompaniments. | 01:08:37 |
| Foundations For Beginners – Technique | Learn the basics of technique including my grab technique. | 00:26:05 |
| Funk Bass Grooves | In this lesson, you'll learn a bass groove with alterations. I also cover improvisation licks and teach you step-by-step how to play them. | 01:02:24 |
| Funk Double-Stops & Bassline | You'll learn how to create and use double-stops in your improvisation to get a funky sound. You'll also learn how to create a super funky bassline to improvise over. | 00:28:12 |
| Funk Fluidity | In this lesson, we are covering how to gain more fluidity in your playing and soloing. We will cover some unique exercises that will spur new ideas in your soloing while also improving your technique. These exercises work well over Funk styles, but can be applied to other styles as well. We will also talk about target-note soloing in which a target note becomes your goal and other notes are arbitrary. | 01:19:08 |
| Funk Improvisation - Vol. 1 | Learn how to improvise over funk grooves. This first part discusses chord voicings, comping and scales for improv. | 01:27:23 |
| Funk Improvisation - Vol. 2 | Picking up from part 1, this lesson will teach you ten different improvisation licks and rhythms to use in your solos. | 01:15:31 |
| Funk Improvisation - Vol. 3 | In this third part, we will discuss quartal and cluster lines, double-stops, 4-note patterns, how to create longer phrases and more! | 01:20:12 |
| Funk Improvisation - Vol. 4 | In this advanced lesson, we will use concepts from volumes 1-3 to create some advanced improvisation using key centers, quartals and different voicing techniques. | 01:20:27 |
| Funk Keyboard Technique 1 | In this lesson, you will learn some of the common aspects of playing a synthesizer using the Yamaha Motif ES6, a very frequently encountered and popular synth. We will discuss the differences of playing a piano as opposed to a synth, the features which are unique to synth playing, and some of the various “sound families” with which synth players should be familiar. A practice plan is included as well! | 00:54:42 |
| Funk Keyboard Technique 2 | Picking up where Part I left off, this lesson will continue to examine “sound families” that a synth player may commonly use in his/her playing, as well as a couple “licks and tricks” that work particularly well on synths. You will learn the importance of experimenting with various sounds, and listening so as to be able to quickly identify sounds that you hear and find them on your synth. | 00:54:26 |
| Funk Master Class 1 | In this video, I brought in my good friend Thomas Brinkley to teach along with me. Learn from our experience playing together and with other groups. | 01:21:40 |
| Funk Master Class 2 | Continuing where we left off, this master class will show you a very slick chord progression along with some soloing and groove concepts. This is the wrap-up where Thomas and I do some soloing and show you some other concepts. | 00:39:23 |
| Funk Reading 1 | This lesson puts you IN THE STUDIO! You’ve just been asked to play on a recording session which will feature a new smooth jazz/funk song entitled “Downtown Funk.” The producer has sent you the sheet music and the track in advance of the gig. You will learn all of the necessary preparation: understanding how to read the chart and why it is so different from reading classical music; how to work and count through difficult rhythms; how to interpret and build great-sounding chords; how to practice the tune; scales you can use to solo over the chords; how to select your sounds and what is meant by the expression “splitting your keyboard.” This lesson is packed with in-depth explanations and has everything you need to get ready to jam along with this great track! | 00:58:21 |
| Funk Reading 2 | Part 2 of Funk Reading. | 00:54:56 |
| Funk Rhythm Training 1 | In this lesson, you will be introduced to four rhythmic values (quarter, 8th, triplet, and 16th notes) and will work through various exercises of increasing difficulty. In the final part of this lesson, you will learn a concept known as “polyrhythms” and will show you a great exercise that will get you thinking (and moving) like a drummer. | 00:47:32 |
| Funk Rhythm Training 2 | In this lesson, we will examine and discuss the concept of upbeats and downbeats. Then, students will work on a variety of rhythmic exercises using a drum track, eventually learning to play a simple chord progression where the focus is on rhythm-reading. Lastly, students will be introduced to a “rhythm chart,” and you will learn what it is, how to read it, and why it is used. | 01:12:43 |
| Funkadiddles | Just like drummers use paradiddles, as pianists we can incorporate these techniques as well. In this lesson, I'll show you how to build independence while learning grooves. | 01:06:35 |
| Funky Fender Rhodes Grooves - Vol. 1 | In this first lesson, we will cover some basic funky grooves. The goal of this lesson is to keep you grooving with both hands. We will cover a dozen pattern variations that you can make you own unique combinations. These "basics" will prepare you for part 2. In part 2 will dive into elongating the progressions, creating a more advanced harmony and I will use the Nord Electro. | 01:16:36 |
| Funky Fender Rhodes Grooves - Vol. 2 | In this lesson we will continue to build upon our grooves with 3 new grooves. We will also expand our progression and talk about how to combine all of these concepts into an improvisation. We will also cover effects and processing like phasers, chorus and wah. | 01:19:46 |
| Funky Fender Rhodes Grooves - Vol. 3 | In this lesson, I'm going to show you how to come up with cool, funky and interesting chord progressions on the spot. We're not going to be using traditional chord progressions, so these chords will add a very unique flavor to your playing. | 00:56:08 |
| Funky Phat Chords | Learn how to make ordinary chords sound super fat using these techniques. You'll also learn many bassline tricks too! | 01:12:49 |
| Funky Piano | Learn how to create some funky piano grooves using different 16th-note rhythms, chord progressions and shifting accents. | 01:12:23 |
| Gene Harris Blues Gospel Licks - Vol. 1 | In this lesson we will cover part of Gene Harris's grooves that he plays on "Lady Be Good." I will show you 5 of Gene's fills and his intro groove. | 00:39:18 |
| Gene Harris Blues Gospel Licks - Vol. 2 | In this lesson you'll learn some cool Gene Harris blues/gospel licks. You'll also learn a common "bluesy" chord progression and some nice chord voicings. | 01:03:35 |
| Getting Focused (Audio Lesson) | This audio lesson is a great listen to get your piano practice focused. It speaks about our assessments which have now been replaced by our Piano Transformation Paths. However the information and resources are great to have. | 00:51:32 |
| Getting Started With Lead Sheets | We start this course by discussing a few important lead sheet concepts. This first lesson is really an introduction to the course and there is no sheet music for this lesson. | 00:44:35 |
| Gospel Grooves | In this lesson, I will show you how to break down some of those more complicated groove sections that sound so cool. I will show you different exercises and patterns that you can follow to create some really fat grooves. I'll also show you a couple of grooves to get you started. | 01:00:19 |
| Gospel Piano Riffs - Vol. 1 | The Gospel Piano Riffs lessons (1 & 2) will show you how to play gospel-flavor licks along with bassline accompaniment. In this first part, we are going to focus on learning a few basslines and chord patterns. We are also going to cover how to approach a new or "foreign" key and generate "key tones" that will allow you to more quickly improvise in a new key. | 01:03:11 |
| Gospel Piano Riffs - Vol. 2 | Following in the style of Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin, this lesson is a transcription of a gospel introduction as performed by Ethel Caffie-Austin. This lesson will focus on learning, note-for-note this very hip sounding gospel progression. Included is a fantastic gospel chord exercise which is important for anyone wanting to improve their gospel piano skills. | 00:49:25 |
| Groove Extension And Improvisation | Learn how to move beyond a basic chord groove by adding neighbor chords, chordal scales and more. Sus4 chords and slash chords are also covered. We will also discuss improvisation using chords and the bebop scale. | 01:01:13 |
| Guide tone Improvisation Skills | This lesson will show you how to use guide tones in your improvisation over Beautiful Love. | 00:20:08 |
| Guide Tones & Rootless Chords | In this lesson you'll learn: how to pick out the guide tones for any chord, how to create basic rootless voicings and which tensions to add. | 01:11:56 |
| Hammond Organ Basics | You’re going to learn the function of all the controls on the organ so you know what button, knob or slider to change in order to create the sound you need. | 00:51:12 |
| Hand Coordination Technique for Improv | The techniques in this lesson are a great way to improve your improvisation. | 00:40:31 |
| HangWithWillie - Nov. 29th Session - Advanced | Lesson for advanced students. | 01:09:51 |
| HangWithWillie - Nov. 29th Session - Beginner | Lesson for beginner students. | 01:13:47 |
| HangWithWillie - Stride & Improvisation | Different topics covered like stride technique and improvisation ideas. Nov 27th session. | 01:17:16 |
| Hanon Mastery | Learn how to master the first ten Hanon exercises while also learning how to be creative! | 01:41:15 |
| Happy Birthday | In this week's lesson we will be covering one of the most important songs that you should have in your repertoire...."Happy Birthday," also known as "Good Morning to All." In this lesson you'll learn a very simple way to play the song then 4 different variations including an advanced jazz version! | 00:51:09 |
| Hey Jude - The Beatles | This lesson teaches you the Beatles’ classic hit “Hey Jude” by focusing on 6 essential areas of instruction: technique, rhythm, reading, theory, licks/fills, and song tips. Packed with great advice, tips, instruction, demonstration, and explanation that covers all the based. Add this rock hit to your repertoire today! | 00:57:43 |
| Homework Review #1 | In this lesson I'll review homework from students. We are no longer accepting new homework assignments but this is a FANTASTIC way to see what other students have come up with and learn from them! | 00:59:47 |
| Homework Review #2 | Last homework review session for "My Ship." There is no sheet music for this lesson. | 01:09:30 |
| Horace Silver - "Song For My Father" | In this lesson you'll learn different improvisation and arranging techniques over Horace Silver's "Song For My Father." Techniques like delayed resolution and borrowed chords will be covered along with modes and licks. | 01:11:57 |
| How the TCI Program Works | Learn more about how The Confident Improviser program works, its benefits, structure and goals. | 01:39:39 |
| How To Create A Blues | In this lesson I will show you how to take licks and patterns that we have learned to create your own personal blues statement. A student asked me "What do I do with all the licks I've learned?" Well, this lesson explains what to do! | 01:08:48 |
| How To Create Blues Piano Licks | We’re going to create blues licks using something other than the Blues Scale. This new scale gives us a bluesy sound without the same “biting” quality of the blues scale. | 00:32:56 |
| How To Improvise Over Fakebooks | Another condensed lesson to help you improvise over leadsheets quickly. We will cover the major scale, simplified rhythms, arpeggios, chromaticism, approaches and more. | 01:16:20 |
| How to Improvise Over Rock Songs | Another lesson designed to show you how to improvise over rock songs. | 00:32:34 |
| How to Improvise Over Standards | If you've never improvised over a jazz standard before, this is the lesson for you! Learn the different techniques like targeting and improvisation shells. | 01:06:44 |
| How to Memorize & Analyze Songs 1 | In this lesson I am going to give you some pointers about how I go about memorizing songs. We have all learned a lot of songs only to forget them over time. Using analysis and some of these techniques, you’ll be able to hold on to those songs longer. These techniques work for all styles of music. We will even learn how to analyze a Bach Minuet! | 00:31:12 |
| How to Memorize & Analyze Songs 2 | In this lesson you’ll learn how to more effectively break down a piece of music to not only learn it, but learn it for the “long term” and be able to play it for years to come. | 00:53:53 |
| How To Pick Out Songs By Ear | In this lesson, I’ll share my tips, tricks and techniques that I use to pick out songs and chord progressions by ear. I’ll also show you how to use a mix of your ear and analysis to know what chord should come next before it is even played! | 01:01:02 |
| How To Play Blues For Hours | In this webinar, I show you the tools you need to be able to sit down and play the blues for hours. You'll learn some key points that you can take action on right now in your practice sessions. | 01:20:56 |
| How To Play From Fakebooks | A condensed lesson with details on how to create an arrangement from a leadsheet. | 00:54:56 |
| How to Play Standards | Learn the steps needed to create your first arrangement of a jazz standard. After learning the techniques in this lesson, you'll be ready to create your own first arrangement from a lead sheet. | 00:56:32 |
| Human Nature - Michael Jackson | This classic Michael Jackson tune has perhaps one of the most recognizable keyboard lines in all of pop-rock music. Luscious rock/R&B chords, ear-grabbing melody lines, and a lot of fun to play, this is a tune that all keyboard players and singers enjoy playing. Add it to your repertoire today! | 00:53:35 |
| I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free | The song served as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement in America in the 1960s. A commonly played version was recorded by Nina Simone in 1967 on her album Silk & Soul. In this lesson you'll learn the arrangement note for note. | 01:02:42 |
| ii-V-I Progression and Voicings | Perhaps one of the most important progressions in jazz, you need to know how to improvise over the ii-V-I progression. In this lesson we begin by learning how to create 2-5-1 voicings in all 12 keys. | 00:15:54 |
| ii-V-I Progression with Arpeggios | Learn how to improvise using arpeggios (broken chords) along with rootless voicings in the left hand. This is a great "intermediate" step to learn. | 00:23:29 |
| ii-V-I-V7 of ii Progression with Enclosures | Expanding upon our 2-5-1 progression, you'll now learn how to improvise over a V7 of II chord using enclosures. Applying enclosures to one chord is a great way to begin using this technique in your playing. | 00:27:44 |
| Imagine - John Lennon | You’ll want to add this classic John Lennon hit to your repertoire. By breaking the song down into three easy-to-remember sections, you will more quickly be able to commit this song to memory. Built primarily using triads and a few 7th chords, this song uses a “broken chord” accompaniment that will be explained and demonstrated. This style of accompaniment is an easy technique that can be used on a variety of other songs. | 00:47:55 |
| Improvisation Cells | Learn how to use cells, sequences and rhythmic variations to improve your improvising. | 00:43:36 |
| Improvisation in 5 Steps | In this lesson you'll learn how to improvise in 5 steps. These five steps make it easier for you to create a solo quickly without getting bogged down with too much music theory. | 02:10:39 |
| Improvisation Over Basslines | In this lesson I will show you some of the techniques I use to create improvisation lines over a steady bassline. We will be using my lesson on Herbie Hancock’s Cantaloupe Island to create our improvisation. | 00:35:10 |
| Improvisation Techniques for All Levels | In this lesson, I will show you techniques that I have taught students over the years and have used in my own professional playing. When learning to improvise, it is all too easy to get “bogged down” with unnecessary complexity. I will help you wade through that complexity by showing you how to create and practice your own improvisation using my step-by-step method. | 01:31:15 |
| Improvisation Using Chords and Inversions - Vol. 2 | In this second volume we are going to learn about different "clustering" techniques which will help you create more progressions and change the progressions you use now. You will also learn a cool jazz/gospel progression along with improvisation tips. | 01:17:12 |
| Improvisation With Chords and Inversions - Vol. 1 | Learn how to improvise and create chord progressions. Several common progressions are discussed along with a lot of in-depth theory. Great lesson on creating a modern piano sound. | 01:38:19 |
| Improvise in 30 (Simple Improvisation) | This easy DVD is great for the absolute beginner. You'll learn a cool bass line and several "licks" that you can use for improvisation. Rhythm is also heavily discussed. This DVD is part of JazzKids Book 2 | 01:16:28 |
| Improvising Lines Over Songs | In this lesson I’ll show you how to create different improvisation lines using a variety of techniques like chord tones and approaches. These techniques work over ANY kind of song or style. | 00:32:28 |
| Improvising Over "Georgia On My Mind" | In this lesson we will use the classic standard “Georgia On My Mind” to create guide tone lines to create more structure in your improvisation. | 00:33:33 |
| Improvising Over A New Standard From Scratch | In this lesson you'll learn how to start improvising over a new standard and the steps you should take to get started. | 00:54:25 |
| Improvising Over Progressions | In this lesson, I'll give you techniques that will help you improvise over chord progressions more easily. | 00:53:35 |
| Improvising Over Standards in 5 Steps | Improvisation Over Standards in 5 steps teaches you the 5 steps that are critical for students to learn in order to effectively improvise over jazz standards and other songs. You can build upon these 5 steps to create more in-depth arrangements. We will use the song "For Heaven's Sake" as an example. | 01:08:06 |
| In the Style of "Corcovado" | In this lesson, I have re-worked the melody of Jobim’s classic Corcovado. I will teach you the entire arrangement along with improvisation scales and tips! | 01:12:24 |
| In The Style of James Booker | In this lesson we will discover the style of James Booker. Born in New Orleans, Booker was a New Orleans rhythm and blues keyboardist. Booker's unique style combined rhythm and blues with jazz standards. | 00:59:24 |
| In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning | Learn a full, rich and lush arrangement of "In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning" step-by-step. | 00:49:44 |
| Inner Voice Movement | Using the song Everything Happens to Me (pg 85 Realbook 3) you'll learn how to add motion to your chords to create a more advanced arrangement that fills the space. | 01:17:33 |
| Insights for Practice | Great tips for players of all levels. See how I practice and work on new ideas in my playing. | 00:26:53 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 1 | In this first lesson, you'll learn about rhythm in improvisation and how to create improvisation lines using proper fingering and dynamics. You'll also learn some improvisation exercises. | 00:58:57 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 2 | Learn how to improvise over the Charlie Parker classic song, "Blues For Alice" with a bassline and rootless chords in the right hand, and rootless chords in the left hand with improvisation. | 00:43:50 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 3 | Learn how to improvise over the song "Fly Me To The Moon" with different exercises designed to help you focus your improvisation choices. | 00:38:15 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 4 | Learn how to create a "solo blues" arrangement. This means you will create an accompaniment in the left hand while improvising in the right. | 00:45:14 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 5 | In this lesson we focus on how to "activate" our left-hand and make it part of our improvisation. | 00:32:51 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 6 | In this lesson you'll learn an improvisation over "In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning" with rootless chords and quartals in the left-hand. | 00:35:27 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 7 | Learn how to create groupings of notes to create a hemiola effect in which the beat shifts between duple and triple. | 00:27:19 |
| Int/Adv Jazz & Blues Improv 8 | Learn how to target notes in your improvisation to make a more cohesive sounding improv. We will also discuss how NOT to be your own worst critic so you can thrive at improvisation. | 00:37:25 |
| Intermediate Boogie Woogie Part 1 | In this lesson we will go through a refresher of our bass lines and break down the licks/riffs for this blues song. | 00:50:08 |
| Intermediate Boogie Woogie Part 2 | In this lesson we will continue where we left off and break down the licks along with the bassline. | 00:49:46 |
| Intros and Endings - Vol. 1 | Wondering how to start that song? Need a cool ending? This series will teach you some of the intros and endings that I have come to love. We will break each example down so you know the theory behind it and how to transpose it. Best of all, I used the songs from the site as material so I will show you how to apply these intros/endings to songs you might have already learned! | 00:58:16 |
| Intros and Endings - Vol. 2 | In part two we will be focusing on endings. I will teach you eight important endings that you really need to know. These are classic endings that work in a variety of styles like jazz, blues and rock. I also branch off into some gospel groove endings that are great for 'shouting' sections or if you want a gospel 'flair' to your ending. | 01:05:32 |
| Jam #1 - Easy C Blues | In this jam we will jam over a simple C blues. Even though the performance window has closed, you can still practice the jam and watch other students' performances. | 00:20:05 |
| Jam #2 - Bossa Nova | In this jam we will jam over a bossa nova (Latin) rhythm. You'll learn a latin comping pattern and scale to use for improv. | 00:26:25 |
| Jam #3 - Funk | In this jam we will jam over a simple C blues. Even though the performance window has closed, you can still practice the jam and watch other students' performances. | 00:11:10 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 1 | This lesson teaches you a great bluesy two-handed comping riff that works over the various dominant chords in a 12-bar blues form. You’ll learn to build the chords for this riff note-by-note, transpose them through the blues form, and practice playing in a rock and shuffle groove setting. | 00:23:24 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 10 | This course focuses on bringing the standard 12-bar blues form into a more advanced and diverse chord structure by demonstrating some specific places where alternate chord changes are commonly used. Altered extensions can also be used on particular chords in order to create motion from one chord to the next. | 00:33:30 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 11 | In this lesson you are going to be using chord substitutions in a 12 bar blues form to create a full blues "song" with bassline. | 00:53:04 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 12 | In this lesson you'll learn some of the specific elements of the blues song we created in the last lesson like descending harmony and a must have lick. | 00:57:30 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 13 | This lesson is all about creating improvisation ideas. You'll learn several licks and also some advanced topics like displacing the beat. | 01:17:03 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 14 | In this last lesson we are going to work on how to fill space along with some more advanced concepts like concerted comping and how to take the harmony "outside" during your solo. | 01:12:41 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 2 | In this lesson you will learn an advanced “turnaround” chord, study the theory of the I, IV, and V chords in the blues form, practice playing and identifying the dominant chords in various inversions, and learn some great practice exercises for mastering these concepts. | 00:41:37 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 3 | In this lesson you will learn 2 left-hand basslines and 2 right-hand riffs which you will be able to mix-and-match to create four different two-handed blues grooves. We will also discuss the skill of transposition as you bring these basslines through the blues form. | 00:41:05 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 4 | Use the 2 left-hand basslines and 2 right-hand riffs to create a total of four blues grooves. Work with the rock and shuffle jam tracks, transpose the grooves to new keys, learn the inversions of the dominant 7th chords, and get some comping practice using a simple rhythmic idea. | 00:57:16 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 5 | In this lesson we will build on the blues concepts we have already studied with the goal being to create an entire blues arrangement. You will learn a right-hand part, left-hand shell voicings, and a standard jazz ending, as well as study the skill of transposition and play along with some great jam tracks. | 00:38:57 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 6 | In this lesson you will study the skill of transposition, practice playing the blues arrangement at faster tempos using the jam tracks, learn an intro and classic blues ending, and practice using both of the left-hand basslines within the arrangement. | 00:41:29 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 7 | Learn how to build “4-way close-position rootless voicings” for major, minor, and dominant 7th chords. We will then focus on the specific dominant 7th chords of the blues form (I, IV, and V chords). Begin the study of walking bass lines with a simple two-handed exercise. | 00:38:36 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 8 | This course brings you through walking bassline exercises #2-5, each getting more challenging. Topics of discussion include chord tones, scale tones, chromatic tones, and whole-step and half-step resolution. | 01:06:02 |
| Jazz & Blues Piano Part 9 | In this course we’ll be studying some common alternate chords which can be inserted into the standard 12-bar blues progression in order to get that advanced, professional sound. | 00:41:24 |
| Jazz and BeBop Exercises | In this first lesson we will be covering scales in broken thirds, free-style practice, bebop scales, scale approaches and more improvisation using the 1/2-whole diminished scale. These exercises are a great way to improve your jazz improvisation skills. (Faster Fingers 3a) | 01:06:08 |
| Jazz and Blues Made Easy | Learn chords, comping, basslines and improvisation over the Blues. This lesson is a great place to start if you have about 1-2 years of piano under your belt and want exercises to help you learn improvisation over jazz and blues styles. | 02:21:08 |
| Jazz and Gospel Exercises | These Jazz and Gospel exercises will teach you many 2-5-1 exercises, pentatonic exercises, playing outside along with Gospel grooves. This is an older lesson but still has a ton of valuable information. | 01:37:03 |
| Jazz Gospel Chord Progression | Learn this cool jazz/gospel chord progression along with analysis. | 00:10:47 |
| Jazz Improvisation with Approaches | In this second part, we will cover over a dozen different melodic approach techniques and was to practice them. Using these approaches, your improvisation lines will sound more sophisticated, you will gain a lot of dexterity and you will get to know your chords inside and out! In part 3, will put together parts 1 & 2 to show you several more ways of creating lines using these techniques. (Faster Fingers 3b) | 00:57:53 |
| Jazz Neo Soul Chords and Arrangement | In this lesson you will learn LUSH, full jazz/soul chords to use in your arrangements and compositions. | 00:44:12 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (1-10) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:20:12 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (101-110) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:09:34 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (11-20) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:38:19 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (111-120) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:19:54 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (121-130) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 02:03:54 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (131-140) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:14:00 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (141-150) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:35:19 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (151-160) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:23:03 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (161-170) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:26:29 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (171-180) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:07:44 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (181-190) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:12:56 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (191-200) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 00:17:31 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (21-30) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:22:58 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (31-40) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:24:22 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (41-50) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:31:39 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (51-60) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:19:57 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (61-70) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:15:13 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (71-80) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:12:28 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (81-90) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:03:37 |
| Jazz Piano Daily (91-100) | In this lesson you'll find a block of ten Jazz Piano Daily lessons. | 01:23:53 |
| Jazz Piano Improvisation - Vol. 1 | Learn how to improvise from the ground up. This first lesson covers some basics about improvisation while also teaching you how to create melodic lines. | 01:34:21 |
| Jazz Piano Improvisation - Vol. 2 | Expanding upon what we did in Volume 1, Volume 2 will cover take-off and landing notes, approaches, tensions, minor chords, rhythmic segmenting and more. We will also apply these concepts to the first 8 measures of Blue Bossa. | 01:49:34 |
| Jazz Piano Improvisation - Vol. 3 | In this third volume, we will be covering how to create bebop lines using a variety of different scales. We will also discuss using diminished chords for upper structures. | 01:17:35 |
| Jazz Piano Improvisation - Vol. 4 | In this lesson we will cover ALL of the modes of the Major scale and how to incorporate them into your soloing. | 01:29:42 |
| Jazz Song Introductions | This lesson is a great followup to Intros and Endings Volume 1 and will help you understand the material much better. | 00:18:33 |
| JazzKids Level 1 | JazzKids level 1. Learn fun songs, ear training, improvisation, rhythm and more! | 03:58:40 |
| JazzKids Level 2 | JazzKids level 2. Learn fun songs, ear training, improvisation, rhythm and more! | 02:37:22 |
| JazzKids Level 3 | JazzKids level 3. Learn fun songs, ear training, improvisation, rhythm and more! | 02:29:11 |
| JazzKids Level 4 | JazzKids level 4. Learn fun songs, ear training, improvisation, rhythm and more! | 02:50:04 |
| Jelly Roll Morton "The Crave" - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, you will learn a transcribed portion of Jelly Roll Morton’s composition, “The Crave,” featured in the movie “The Legend of 1900.” This piece fuses elements of stride and tango and is built upon two main sections – an “A” section in D minor and a “B” section in F major. This piece is indicative of Jelly Roll Morton’s style of performance and features many advanced rhythmic and technical concepts. | 00:44:35 |
| Jelly Roll Morton "The Crave" - Vol. 2 | In part 2 of this lesson, you will learn a transcribed portion of Jelly Roll Morton’s composition, “The Crave,” featured in the movie “The Legend of 1900.” This piece fuses elements of stride and tango and is built upon two main sections – an “A” section in D minor and a “B” section in F major. This piece is indicative of Jelly Roll Morton’s style of performance and features many advanced rhythmic and technical concepts. | 01:03:07 |
| Just The Way You Are | Learn both an easy and intermediate arrangement of this rock classic. I'll also break down HOW to create an arrangement so you can take these concepts to other songs. | 01:50:42 |
| Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel | In this lesson, you will learn how to play this classic Billy Joel hit, breaking down each section for easier memorization. We will also talk about a couple ways to approach two-handed accompaniment if you are accompanying a singer (yourself or someone else). With lots of great sounding chords that include shell voicings, upper extensions, and ii-V-I progressions, you’ll want to add this piano classic to your repertoire. | 00:52:46 |
| Just The Way You Are - Part 1 | In this lesson you'll learn how to create a solo over the Billy Joel classic, "Just The Way You Are." This is part 1. | 00:59:50 |
| Just The Way You Are - Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn how to create a solo over the Billy Joel classic, "Just The Way You Are." This is part 2, the bridge. I'll finish the last part of the solo in lesson #15. | 01:02:41 |
| Killer Voicings - "My Ship" | In this lesson you'll learn some killer voicings that I love to us for the standard "My Ship." | 00:57:53 |
| Layla - Eric Clapton | One of the greatest rock tunes of all-time, this tune has two complete different sections. The first is a hard-driving rock-blues tune with some great organ riffs. The second section is a beautiful piano rock-ballad piece in which the acoustic piano is very prominently featured. You will learn both sections and discuss the various parts of each (i.e., intro, chorus, verse, piano outro), as well as discuss details such as key changes, rhythmic figures, and chord voicings. | 00:51:14 |
| Lead Sheet Quick Start (Baby It's Cold Outside) | In this lesson you'll learn how to create a full arrangement, using the 4-step Standards Approach, from a lead sheet for Baby It's Cold Outside, a popular Christmas favorite! | 01:13:16 |
| Left Hand Accompaniment Techniques | In this 10 tips lesson, we are going to focus on the left hand. Using the first four-measures of Night And Day, I’ve created 10 different left-hand accompaniment examples that you can add to your arrangements. This will give you 10 different options when approaching a lead sheet. | 01:04:55 |
| Lesson #1 - Guide Tones and Blues Chords | Learn how to form and play guide tones over all the chords in the blues. | 00:15:42 |
| Lesson #10 - Blues Fills and Turns Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn to play a blues head that uses a lot of turns. | 00:15:35 |
| Lesson #10 - How To Improvise Over The Blues Part 2 | Learn how to use licks, tetrachords and the blues scale to improvise over the blues form. | 00:13:26 |
| Lesson #11 - Blues Fills and Turns Part 3 | In this lesson you'll learn to play the 2nd part of the blues head that uses a lot of turns. | 00:11:40 |
| Lesson #11 - Blues Notes and Licks Part 1 | In this lesson you'll learn about blues notes and how to use them to embellish your improvisation. | 00:11:40 |
| Lesson #12 - Blues Improvisation Guide Tones | In this lesson you'll learn how to "shell out" your improvisation using guide tones. This is the first step to creating longer, more interesting bebop and jazz improv lines. | 00:14:39 |
| Lesson #12 - Blues Notes and Licks Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn about blues notes and how to use them to embellish your improvisation. | 00:09:40 |
| Lesson #13 - Blues Triplet Rhythm | In this lesson you'll learn how to transform the lick you learned in lesson 12 using triplets. | 00:07:43 |
| Lesson #13 - Neighbor Tones & Enclosures | Enclosures and neighbor tones are what allow you to weave through a chord progression with your improvisation. You'll learn 8 enclosure patterns and how to practice them. | 00:21:39 |
| Lesson #14 - Blues Rolls, Tremolos and Grace Notes | Tremolos and Grace Notes really make your blues playing sparkle. In this lesson you'll learn how to use both. | 00:16:41 |
| Lesson #14 - How To Use Enclosures for Improv | In this lesson we will create a solo using enclosures. | 00:16:39 |
| Lesson #15 - Blues Bebop Improvisation | In this lesson we will finish our solo using bebop principles. | 00:19:49 |
| Lesson #15 - Blues Double Stops | In this lesson you'll learn how to use double-stops in your improvisation. Double stops create a lot of nice tension in your solo. | 00:12:24 |
| Lesson #16 - Latin Jazz / Swing Blues | In this lesson we will learn how to move from latin back to a swing feel to change styles in our blues playing. | 00:18:03 |
| Lesson #16 - Minor Blues Progression with Rootless Chords | In this lesson you'll learn how play a minor blues progression with rootless chords. | 00:09:23 |
| Lesson #17 - How To Play a Easy Bass Line for Minor Blues | In this lesson you'll learn how play a minor blues progression walking bass with the rootless chords we learned in lesson #16. | 00:15:18 |
| Lesson #17 - How To Play Jazz & Blues Basslines | In this lesson we will learn how to play a blues bassline with rootless chords in the right hand. | 00:17:29 |
| Lesson #18 - How to Improvise Over Minor Blues | In this lesson you'll learn how improvise over the minor blues progression we have been working on for the past couple of lessons. | 00:15:33 |
| Lesson #18 - Jazz Piano Quartal Comping | Quartal comping is a great way to play full, lush chords in both hands that are a great accompaniment. | 00:13:57 |
| Lesson #19 - Alternate Minor Blues Bassline | In this lesson you'll learn how play an alternate minor bassline. This new bassline is based off the bassline we learned in lesson #17. | 00:15:37 |
| Lesson #19 - Improvise Using Chord Cells Part 1 | In this lesson you'll learn how to use 4-note chord cells for improvisation over the blues. This is part 1. | 00:15:51 |
| Lesson #2 - Guide Tones with Added 9th Rootless Chords | Learn how to add the 9th to our guide tones for fuller-sounding chords. | 00:13:24 |
| Lesson #20 - Improvise Using Chord Cells Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn how to use 4-note chord cells for improvisation over the blues. This is part 2. | 00:11:44 |
| Lesson #20 - Rhythms To Make Your Improv Sound Advanced | In this lesson you'll learn how 2 new triplet-based rhythms along with how to apply them to licks. | 00:14:44 |
| Lesson #21 - Altered And Diminished Scales for Improvisation | In this lesson you'll learn how to use your altered and diminished scales for improvisation over the blues. | 00:13:18 |
| Lesson #21 - Jazz Walking Bass Made Easy | In this lesson you'll learn how to create and play an easy walking bassline that you can use for both jazz and blues songs. | 00:15:46 |
| Lesson #22 - Altered and Diminished Scale Cells | Learn how to use cells to easily incorporate altered and diminished scales into your improvisation. | 00:12:50 |
| Lesson #22 - Easy Boogie-Woogie Bass | You'll learn how to play an easy boogie-woogie bass pattern in this lesson. | 00:14:46 |
| Lesson #23 - Mixolydian and Diminished Jazz Etude | In this etude (a jazz composition which is used as an exercise) you'll learn how to use your mixolydian and diminished scales over the blues progression. | 00:19:08 |
| Lesson #23 -Boogie-Woogie Bass With Licks | In this lesson you'll learn how to alter the boogie bass pattern and play licks over this boogie-woogie bass pattern. | 00:38:24 |
| Lesson #24 - Three Advanced Blues Intros | In this lesson you'll learn three advanced introductions you can use for your blues improvisations. | 00:13:27 |
| Lesson #24 -Three Easy Blues Intros | In this lesson you'll learn three easy introductions you can use in your blues and jazz playing. | 00:14:05 |
| Lesson #25 - Three Advanced Blues Endings | In this lesson you'll learn three advanced endings you can use for your blues improvisations. | 00:11:27 |
| Lesson #25 -Three Easy Blues Endings | In this lesson you'll learn three easy endings you can use in your blues and jazz playing. | 00:08:35 |
| Lesson #26 - 5 Blues Improvisation Scales | In this lesson you'll learn 5 scales that are great for both jazz and blues improvisation. | 00:20:22 |
| Lesson #26 - Blues Turnaround Progressions | In this lesson you'll learn different turnarounds that you can use to "tag" and end your song or go back to the beginning of the form. | 00:14:32 |
| Lesson #27 - 5 Killer Blues Licks Part 1 | In this lesson I'll teach you 5 cool jazz and blues licks for improvisation along with the bassline. This is part 1. | 00:23:43 |
| Lesson #27 - Upper Structure Chord Voicings Part 1 | In this lesson you'll learn how to use upper structures in your chords to create rich sounding turnarounds! | 00:14:26 |
| Lesson #28 - 5 Killer Blues Licks Part 2 | In this lesson I'll teach you 5 cool jazz and blues licks for improvisation along with the bassline. This is part 2. | 00:18:38 |
| Lesson #28 - Upper Structure Chord Voicings Part 2 | Part 2 of our lesson where you'll learn how to use upper structures in your chords to create rich sounding turnarounds! | 00:11:06 |
| Lesson #29 - 5 Ideas to Improve Your Jazz Solos | In this lesson I'll share 5 ideas that will help you create better jazz and blues solos. | 00:20:28 |
| Lesson #29 - Easy Blues Piano Pentatonic Licks | In this lesson I'll show you how to use the bluesy pentatonic scale to create more improvisation licks over the blues. We will play these licks over both the bassline and boogie-woogie bass pattern. | 00:25:55 |
| Lesson #3 - Simplified Rootless Jazz Chords | Learn how to create simplified rootless chord voicings by adding tensions to our guide tones. | 00:09:26 |
| Lesson #30 - How To Use All That You've Learned in This Course | In this lesson I'll show you how to use the concepts you've learned in my No Bull Guide to Jazz Piano™ course. I'll also answer student's questions at the end of the lesson. This was a live lesson. | 01:29:18 |
| Lesson #4 - Jazz Comping Made Easy | In this lesson you'll learn 2-hand comping techniques using rootless chords and bell tones. | 00:12:04 |
| Lesson #5 - Minor Pentatonic and Blues Scales | The minor pentatonic and blues scales are really important scales to start with when learning improvisation. | 00:15:24 |
| Lesson #6 - How To Create Jazz Licks | In this lesson, we will learn how to create licks using the scales we learned in lesson #5. | 00:13:45 |
| Lesson #7 - Improvising Over The Blues Part 1 | In this lesson, we will take the licks we learned in lesson 6 and apply them to the blues form. | 00:15:33 |
| Lesson #8 - Improvising Over The Blues Part 2 | In this lesson, we will take the licks we learned in lesson 6 and apply them to the blues form. | 00:11:04 |
| Lesson #9 - Blues Fills and Turns Part 1 | Turns are a great way to create embellishment in your improvisation. Plus they sound really cool. This lesson will show you how to create three different blues/jazz turns. | 00:14:47 |
| Lesson #9 - How To Improvise Over The Blues | Learn how to use licks, tetrachords and the blues scale to improvise over the blues form. | 00:14:38 |
| Lesson 1 - Major Scale Harmony & Modes | Learn how to create your Major scale and all of the modes of the Major scale. Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. | 00:29:36 |
| Lesson 2 - Triads, 7th Chords, Shells, Tensions & 2-Handed Chords | Learn the 3 basic types of 7th chords that you must know. Learn about adding tensions to the chords and how to play the chords using two-hands along with shells. | 00:26:21 |
| Lesson 3 - Diatonic 7th Chords and Improvising Over the ii-V-I Progression | The ii-V-I (2-5-1) chord progression is one of the most popular and important in jazz. In this lesson you'll learn different ways to improvise over 2-5-1 progressions and how to create your own licks and phrases. | 00:23:15 |
| Let it Snow | Learn an easier arrangement of this Christmas classic! "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!", also known as simply "Let It Snow", is a song written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne in July 1945. It was written in Hollywood, California during a heat wave as Cahn and Styne imagined cooler conditions. | 00:54:09 |
| Licks from Jessica - Allman Brothers | The Allman Brothers’ classic instrumental hit “Jessica” is chock-full of some quintessential blues-rock piano language, and in this lesson we’ll be studying 7 different must-have piano licks that come directly from the studio recording of this great tune. The piano solo in “Jessica” is one of the most-famous solos in all of rock music and so we’ve transcribed 6 of our licks directly from this excellent solo and we’ll be teaching them to you note-for-note. Learn these licks so that you can play along with the recording, cover the tune in your band, or practice some great rock licks that you can use in your own solos! | 00:49:09 |
| Like a Prayer - Madonna | This classic Madonna hit is pure pop-rock. Get to know the organ sounds on your keyboard or synth and learn the 3 sections that comprise this great tune. You’ll be jamming along with the original or playing this song in your cover band in no time. You’ll also learn about triads, inversions, “beefing up” your triads, and voice-leading! | 00:54:55 |
| Live Sessions | In these live session I answered student questions. | 02:21:56 |
| Locked Hand Style over Georgia Bridge | Learn how to play the locked-hand style like Barry Harris and other jazz pianists. This advanced technique adds some beautiful harmony to the melody and is great to have in your 'tool box.' | 00:25:55 |
| Master Class 1-11-2013 | Student questions answered. Nice discussion on how to move chords around to fill space. | 00:58:44 |
| Master Every Chord At The Piano Using This Exercise | In this lesson you'll learn how to master your chords using this simple randomization technique. | 00:07:25 |
| Mastering Rhythms - The Basics | In this beginner lesson, you'll learn the basics of how to vocalize rhythms. Even if you've had trouble with rhythm in the past, this vocalization approach makes it MUCH easier to play rhythms accurately. | 01:07:10 |
| Mastering Rhythms - Vol. 1 | In this lesson, I will show you how to improve your rhythm using my easy vocalization approach! Even though this is an older lesson (check out that hair!) you'll still gain so much insight from the included PDF and step-by-step instruction. Well worth the time to check it out if you need help with rhythm! | 00:38:54 |
| Mastering Rhythms - Vol. 2 | In volume 2 of Mastering Rhythms we will dive into more syncopated rhythms, 3/4 and 6/8 time, how to comp chords using the rhythms and how to apply these rhythms to improvisation lines. | 01:19:33 |
| Mastering Your Scales | Learn how to master and own your scales with these exercises. | 00:55:29 |
| Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney | In this lesson, we will teach you how to play this classic Paul McCartney hit by breaking the form down into individual section, making the song easier to memorize. We will show you how to build each chord, as well as discuss slash chords and how to spell triads in root position, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion. | 00:46:31 |
| Melodic Minor Harmony - Vol. 1 | In this first lesson on Melodic Minor Harmony, we will go through each mode of the scale. I will give you examples from some jazz standards, but also show you how I like to use these chords in my playing. You will find a lot of interesting sounds in this lesson and it is great to learn this scale no matter what style of music you play. | 01:19:55 |
| Melodic Minor Harmony - Vol. 2 | In this second part we will cover in detail the minor 2-5-1 progression and you will learn some really cool improv licks. We will also cover how to create chords using the Melodic Minor scale and apply the scale to real songs. Song snippet "A Foggy Day" will be used as an example. | 01:08:18 |
| Memorizing Jazz Tunes "It Could Happen To You" - Vol. 1 | You will learn how to learn the process to memorize jazz tunes. Also he will teach you how to transpose the song into another key. You will have a very specific practice guide included with lesson. This lesson is also great for ear training and improvising training. | 00:54:07 |
| Memorizing Jazz Tunes "It Could Happen To You" - Vol. 2 | In part 2 of this lesson you will learn how to learn the process to memorize jazz tunes. Also he will teach you how to transpose the song into another key. You will have a very specific practice guide included with lesson. This lesson is also great for ear training and improvising training. | 00:51:06 |
| Merengue Piano | Learn the basics of modern and traditional merengue piano techniques. We will cover several different grooves and patterns that you can combine to create longer sequences. | 01:03:39 |
| Mini Lesson: Creating Jazz Chords | Learn how to create jazz chords. | 00:10:50 |
| Mini Lessons | Student questions answered. | 00:29:38 |
| Minor Scales, How And When To Use Them | Learn how to use the minor scale in your improvisations. We will be covering the following scales: Dorian, Aeolian (natural minor), Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, Locrian #2 and the Phrygian Dominant scale. | 00:29:23 |
| Modulation Techniques | In this lesson I cover several different modulation techniques that you can use to move between keys. I use the songs Amazing Grace and What A Friend We Have in Jesus as examples. You’ll learn about pivot chords, diminished sequences and other common and not-so-common modulation tricks! | 01:29:00 |
| Montunos and Progressions | In this lesson I will teach you how to combine the I-V7 montunos, ii-V-I progressions, Descending chords, Resolutions and more work on the 3-2 clave. | 01:52:21 |
| Mr. Grinch - Christmas Classic | Learn the classic Dr. Seuss “Mr. Grinch” and be a smash hit at your next Christmas Party! In this lesson I’ll show you how to play both a simple and more advanced arrangement. We will also discuss improvisation and how to link the Slow Minor blues lesson to the end of the song. | 00:26:36 |
| Music Theory - Module 1 | In this first module you'll learn about key signatures, the circle of 5ths and enharmonic spelling. NOTE: At about 3min n the Enharmonic chapter, it is said that F sharp is the enharmonic spelling for E natural. This was a mistake and should have said F Flat is the enharmonic spelling of E natural. | 00:40:20 |
| Music Theory - Module 2 | In module 2 you'll learn about clefs, relative and parallel minor. You'll also learn your major and minor scale including the harmonic minor scale. | 00:38:38 |
| Music Theory - Module 3 | In module 3 you'll learn scale degrees along with intervals. You'll also learn about modes and some practical information about modes. | 01:01:25 |
| Music Theory - Module 4 | This lesson is all about chords. You'll learn your 7th chords, chord scales and different open and closed position chord voicings. | 00:50:42 |
| Music Theory - Module 5 | In this lesson you'll learn about diatonic harmony and different harmonic progressions. | 01:07:33 |
| Music Theory - Module 6 | In this lesson we will talk about different types of rhythms. | 00:51:42 |
| My Favorite Things | "My Favorite Things" is a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. Recorded by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane on his 1961 album by the same name. This lesson contains both an easy and more advanced version of the song. | 01:52:13 |
| My Girl - The Temptations | Not only is the song a classic but it also appeals to audiences young and old and is fun to play. The music of Motown has stood the test of time, so you’ll definitely want to add this song to your repertoire. Taught in an easy-to-understand manner, the song is broken down by section so that you can more quickly and easily memorize the form. Start learning this class track today! | 01:06:28 |
| My Romance Improv Part 1 | In this lesson you'll learn how to create a solo over the first 16 measures of My Romance. | 01:09:48 |
| My Romance Improv Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn how to create a solo over the first 16 measures of My Romance. | 01:12:12 |
| My Yiddishe Momme | "My Yiddishe Momme" is a song written by Jack Yellen (words and music) and Lew Pollack (music), first recorded by Willie Howard, and was made famous in Vaudeville by Belle Baker. | 00:55:26 |
| NBGJP (Preparation Lesson) | In this lesson you'll learn how to prepare for the No Bull Guide to Jazz Piano course from No Bull Piano™. These technique exercises are a must! Be sure to go through each exercise slowly at first before ramping up the speed. | 00:33:16 |
| NBGJP Lesson #1 - 3 Basic Rhythms | Learn the 3 basic rhythms you need for improvisation and comping. | 00:07:31 |
| NBGJP Lesson #2 - 12 Bar Blues Form and Chords | Learn the 12 bar blues form, its analysis along with basic 7th chords. | 00:07:47 |
| NBGJP Lesson #3 - Anyone Can Play The 12-Bar Blues | In this lesson you'll learn how to play the 12-bar blues form along with 7th chords. | 00:05:54 |
| NBGJP Lesson #4 - Chord Shells | Chord shells make it easier to accompany yourself quickly. | 00:06:08 |
| NBGJP Lesson #5 - Comping Chords | Learning how to "comp" chords is essential if you want to accompany yourself or others at the piano. | 00:09:21 |
| NBGJP Lesson #6 - Comping & Rhythmic Improvisation | In this lesson you'll learn how to comp chords in your left hand while playing a rhythmic improvisation in your right. | 00:11:08 |
| NBGJP Lesson #7 - Jam Over The Blues | In this lesson you'll learn how to create licks to jam over the blues by combining rhythms and notes. | 00:17:33 |
| NBGJP Lesson #8 - The Blues Scale Demystified | The blues scale doesn't have to be scary. In this lesson you'll learn how create tetrachords to make improvising using the blues scale easier. | 00:15:11 |
| New Age Piano - Vol. 1 | In this lesson we will cover the new age piano style. I will use George Winston's Colors/Dance as a springboard to create our own improvisational piece. I'll show you some exercises to help you put your hands together and make your improvisation flow more. | 01:19:08 |
| New Age Piano - Vol. 2 | In this multi-part "mini course" I will show you how to create beautiful new-age progressions. In this part we will focus on alternate bass motion and fluidity of chords. The next part will dive into improvisation. Each part will come out a few weeks apart. | 00:42:01 |
| New Age Piano - Vol. 3 | In volume 3 of our New Age Piano series, you will learn 5 different left-hand accompaniment patterns that you can use to create your own New Age piano composition. In volume 4 we will use these left-hand patterns to create an original song. | 00:43:59 |
| New Age Piano - Vol. 4 | In this lesson you will learn Annika’s Song note for note. In addition to learning the song you will learn how I put the melody together and the how and why of the entire song. This lesson will prepare you for creating your own new age arrangements. | 00:50:55 |
| New York State of Mind - Billy Joel | In this lesson you will learn how to play Billy Joel’s classic piano hit “New York State of Mind.” We will show you how to break the song down into its component parts for easier memorization, teach you the specific chord voicings, and discuss the specific repetitive harmonic pattern being used in the bridge. | 00:55:10 |
| No Bull Guide To Arranging Jazz Standards | In this course you'll learn how to create arrangements for three classics songs: "Yesterday" by Lennon/McCartney, "Well You Needn't" by Thelonious Monk and "Waltz For Debby" by Bill Evans. This course was taught live and shows you in detail the steps that I take to create both simple and more complex arrangements from a lead sheet / fakebook. It is recommended that you take my Step-By-Step Standards course before taking this course. | 03:46:13 |
| No Bull Piano Webinars | These are the live webinars from No Bull Piano. | 01:32:07 |
| O Christmas Tree | "O Tannenbaum" (German), English: "O Christmas Tree", is a German Christmas song. Based on a traditional folk song which was unrelated to Christmas, it became associated with the traditional Christmas tree by the middle of the 19th century. This song was also popularized in the 1965 animated "A Charlie Brown Christmas " played by Vince Guaraldi. | 00:43:02 |
| O Holy Night | "O Holy Night" (also known as "Cantique de Noël") is a well-known Christmas carol. Originally based on a French-language poem by poet Placide Cappeau, written in 1843 | 01:18:11 |
| O Lamb of God | Taken from a Kevin Bond and Greg Kirkland performance, we will learn how to take ideas out of this groove to add to our gospel playing. Fun groove to play! | 01:14:51 |
| Only A Paper Moon - Full Arrangement | Learn the complete arrangement of It's Only a Paper Moon. | 00:58:26 |
| Only A Paper Moon - Stride | In this lesson we will expand upon our arrangement of It’s Only A Paper Moon and create a stride-feel accompaniment. | 00:50:16 |
| Only A Paper Moon - The Basics | In this lesson we will learn how to play a simple arrangement of It’s Only A Paper Moon using chord shells and bass line concepts. | 00:48:25 |
| Organ A Flat Shout | Shout music is a type of gospel music characterized by very fast tempo, chromatic basslines, snare hits and hand claps on the upbeat of each beat. In this lesson you'll learn how to play the bassline along with chords. | 01:07:39 |
| Organ Licks and Chords | In this lesson you'll learn some classic organ licks from songs like: "Green Onions", "Smoke On The Water", "Will You Be There", "Gimme Some Lovin'", plus some cool organ techniques. | 00:57:25 |
| Original Composition Techniques | In this original composition, I will show you how I organized this song for a gig that I had later that night. I will show you the techniques that I used to create the composition and how to solo over it. If you are interested in writing your own original compositions, you will find many useful techniques and "tricks" that you can apply from this lesson to your own songs. | 00:55:13 |
| Otis Spann Licks and Runs | In this lesson you'll learn several different Otis Spann licks, including how to play his fast 32nd-note runs and fills. Each lick can be used over the entire 12-bar blues progression (which we also review in the lesson), giving you a wealth of improvisation material at your fingertips! | 00:47:07 |
| Over The Rainbow | Watch me create a full. modern-sounding arrangement for this classic song in real time. You'll learn how to add more motion in your left hand while filling notes under the melody with your right. | 01:17:30 |
| PACE Pattern #1 (Triads and Inversions) | In this first PACE lesson we will be covering triads and inversions. We start in a rock style and over the next several weeks shift toward jazz and blues chords. Each lesson has three patterns to practice along with an inspiration lesson for more advanced ideas to try. | 00:49:33 |
| PACE Pattern #10 (Chord Mastery) | If you want to accompany yourself while singing, this lesson is a must! In this lesson I'll show you different ways to master your chords using random progressions and pulling accompaniments from PACE exercises. | 00:33:25 |
| PACE Pattern #11 (Style Mastery) | A big part of accompanying yourself or others is knowing how to play in different styles. We will be covering accompaniment patterns for 7 styles in this lesson: Rock, Ballad, Country 2-Feel, Latin, Shuffle, Swing and Four-to-the-floor "Gypsy Jazz." | 00:55:24 |
| PACE Pattern #12 (Rhythm Mastery Part 1) | Rhythm is perhaps the most important aspect of creating good accompaniments. In this lesson I'll show you 4 different rhythm patterns and how to apply them to a simple progression. We will also learn how to "tweak" the patterns to fit different drum grooves. | 01:31:58 |
| PACE Pattern #13 (Rhythm Mastery Part 2) | In this second part I'll show you 4 more rhythm patterns and how to apply them to a simple progression. We will also learn how to "tweak" the patterns to fit different drum grooves and how to derive inspiration using drum grooves. | 00:50:17 |
| PACE Pattern #14 (Pop/Rock Accompaniment) | In this lesson we are going to focus on how to accompany yourself in a rock/pop style. We will cover accompaniment while playing the melody or while singing or accompanying a singer. | 00:34:04 |
| PACE Pattern #15 (Jazz Accompaniment /while Singing) | In this lesson we are going to focus on how to accompany yourself in a jazz style. We will cover three different accompaniment ideas for you to use while singing or while accompanying a singer. | 00:34:06 |
| PACE Pattern #2 (Slash Chords & Broken Triads) | In this lesson we will be covering slash chords and broken triad patterns. The inspiration section shows you some advanced 16th-note patterns for hand collaboration. | 00:47:19 |
| PACE Pattern #3 (Seventh Chords) | In this lesson we will be covering seventh chords and their inversions. We will also review slash chords and talk about some more advanced rhythmic patterns in the inspiration section. | 00:40:37 |
| PACE Pattern #4 (Mixing Triad & Seventh Chords) | In this lesson we will be learning how to move between triads and seventh chords smoothly. We will be covering several 16th-note patterns as well. | 01:01:31 |
| PACE Pattern #5 (Chord Tensions & Flow Between The Hands) | In this lesson we will be learning about chord tensions and how to create flow between the hands. | 00:56:31 |
| PACE Pattern #6 (How to Create Fills & Riffs) | In this lesson we will be learning how to add fills in our right hand. This is especially useful for when there is a pause in the melody. Got a measure of space you want to fill? This is the lesson that shows you how. | 00:41:44 |
| PACE Pattern #7 (Accompaniment Fluidity) | In this lesson we will be learning how to create fluidity between the hands to create a richer, more fluid sound in your accompaniments. | 00:46:05 |
| PACE Pattern #8 (Fills Within The Accompaniment) | In this lesson I'll show you how to add fills WITHIN the chords of your arrangement, not just at the ends of sections. | 00:31:52 |
| PACE Pattern #9 (Let It Be Accompaniment) | In this lesson we are going to take the first part of the Beatle's song 'Let It Be' to demonstrate numerous ways of creating interesting arrangements. I'll also show you how to use material from the Chord Essentials course in your accompaniments. | 01:10:27 |
| Pain, Tension and Technique | PLEASE WATCH THIS LESSON! Do you suffer pain from playing the piano? Have you hit a wall in your playing speed? Is your body tense while playing? If you answered yes to any of these questions…this lesson is for you! In this lesson I will show you how to overcome pain and tension in your playing using the techniques that I’ve learned over the past 25 years. These exercises and concepts will also help improve your technique and how fast you can play. Please note: there is no sheet music or MIDI files for this lesson. | 01:05:41 |
| Piano Challenges #1-10 | First 10 piano challenges. | 01:09:32 |
| Piano Challenges #11-20 | Next 10 piano challenges. | 01:12:48 |
| Piano Challenges #21-30 | Next 10 piano challenges. | 01:14:16 |
| Piano Challenges #31-40 | Next 10 piano challenges. | 01:25:10 |
| Piano Challenges #41-48 | Next piano challenges. | 01:08:27 |
| Piano Chords - Vol. 1 | Learn your chords! This DVD will cover all of the Major, Minor and Dominant 7th chords. You'll also learn my Magic chord voicings and real world examples. | 01:39:23 |
| Piano Chords - Vol. 2 | Part 2 of the Chord Voicings Made Easy DVD. On this DVD you will learn my Chord Gems, Upper Structure Triads, Comping and Tri-Tone Substitutions. You should go through DVD701 before watching this DVD. | 01:10:01 |
| Piano Chords - Vol. 3 | Learn how to break apart your chords between two hands. You\\\\\\\'ll also learn what to play in your hands when playing with a group. 2-5-1\\\\\\\'s and 2-5-1-6\\\\\\\'s are also covered with tensions. | 01:55:57 |
| Piano Essentials Key of A | Learn the essentials in the Key of A | 00:13:23 |
| Piano Essentials Key of A Flat | Learn the essentials in the Key of Ab | 00:13:48 |
| Piano Essentials Key of B | Learn the essentials in the Key of B | 00:15:50 |
| Piano Essentials Key of B Flat | Learn the essentials in the Key of Bb | 00:10:08 |
| Piano Essentials Key of C | Learn the essentials in the Key of C | 00:45:09 |
| Piano Essentials Key of D | Learn the essentials in the Key of D | 00:25:55 |
| Piano Essentials Key of D Flat | Learn the essentials in the Key of Db | 00:12:53 |
| Piano Essentials Key of E | Learn the essentials in the Key of E | 00:16:53 |
| Piano Essentials Key of E Flat | Learn the essentials in the Key of Eb | 00:11:24 |
| Piano Essentials Key of F | Learn the essentials in the Key of F | 00:12:07 |
| Piano Essentials Key of F Sharp | Learn the essentials in the Key of F# | 00:12:45 |
| Piano Essentials Key of G | Learn the essentials in the Key of G | 00:48:13 |
| Piano Essentials Practice Tips | Learn how to get the most out of your Piano Essentials lessons with these 8 tips. You’ll learn how to not just play what’s on the page, but also how to create your own exercises and practice routines for hours of new, creative practice at the piano. | 00:24:57 |
| Piano Hand Coordination | In this lesson we are going to focus on how to better coordinate your two hands at the piano. If you've said: "I can't play hands together!" Well, this lesson is for you. You will learn several techniques that will help to improve your coordination. We are going to use several Blues riffs as examples so you'll get both better coordination and some cool Blues licks too! | 00:55:22 |
| Piano Lesson Variety | These 25 lessons are a great place to start your JazzPianoLessons.com experience. Only a few of the lessons have a handout. For many, you'll want to get the Real Book. Topics like building chords, posture, chord shells, funk grooves, approaches, 4th voicings and more are covered. | 04:09:41 |
| Piano Man - Billy Joel | In this lesson we will break down Billy Joel’s song Piano Man. I will teach you each section and how to accompany yourself or someone singing. We will also work on improvisation, scales for improvisation, Billy’s licks and a solo that I wrote out for you to learn. | 01:11:33 |
| Piano Transformation Practice Plan | In this lesson you'll learn how to use the Piano Transformation Practice Plan™. | 01:11:42 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 1/21/14 | #IV ending covered along with alterations. | 01:06:54 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 1/7/14 | Student questions answered. Beginner concepts also covered. | 01:05:40 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 12/17/13 | Student questions answered. Discussion on analysis and advanced rhythms. | 01:04:30 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 12/3/13 | In this first live training we are going to cover a bunch of different topics and answer questions. Play particular attention to practicing with your metronome on 2 and 4. | 01:07:51 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 2/11/14 | Learn how to create a flowing left hand accompaniment. We will use the song "The Nearness of You" as an example. | 01:03:31 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 2/25/14 | Beginner technique part 2. | 01:01:44 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 2/4/14 | Beginner technique, learn how to play basic rhythms and chords. | 00:58:44 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 3/11/14 | Beginner techniques part 3. | 00:47:45 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 3/19/14 | Student questions answered. | 01:06:42 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 3/25/14 | Beginner techniques part 4. | 01:02:42 |
| PianoWithWillie Live 3/7/14 | Learn some advanced ways to improvise over 2-5-1's. Approach tones will be discussed. | 00:59:53 |
| PianoWithWillie Live! - Intervals and Student Questions | In this lesson you will learn how to identify and create different intervals. I will also be covering chord tensions. There is no sheet music for this lesson. | 01:24:53 |
| Play and Rest | In this lesson we will focus on how to add play and rest techniques to your solo. | 01:13:56 |
| Play Piano For Hours #1 | This lesson shows you how to break up simple triads to create a more advanced arrangement. | 00:47:04 |
| Play Piano For Hours #2 | Building off of lesson 1, now learn to substitute chords to create a more robust chord progression. We will also use Jingle Bells as a springboard. | 00:52:40 |
| Play Piano For Hours #3 | In this lesson, slash chords and chord tensions are introduced which change the bass motion of the song and create a more sophisticated “spicy” sound. | 00:55:47 |
| Play Piano For Hours #4 | In lesson 4 we will add more rhythm to the chord progression to create a better sense of flow between chords. | 00:50:41 |
| Play Piano For Hours #5 | Now we move into minor and you’ll learn different ways to use relative and parallel minor in your compositions. | 00:40:13 |
| Play Piano For Hours #6 | In this lesson you’ll discover how to add emotion into your music and see me ‘bare my soul’ more than any other lesson. | 00:58:34 |
| Play Piano For Hours #7 | In this lesson we will move toward a jazz style and you’ll learn how to create chord structures that sound more open. | 00:43:18 |
| Play Piano For Hours #8 | I’ll teach you my original song entitled Gratitude and explain how it was composed. | 00:49:51 |
| Play Piano For Hours #9 | In this lesson you’ll learn the arrangement for the song Gratitude and I’ll answer student questions. | 00:50:44 |
| Play Piano For Hours #9 Student Questions | In this lesson I'll answer questions I received from students for this course. | 00:54:45 |
| Playbook Days 1-10 | Day 1-10 of the 30-Day Piano Playbook. These lessons are great for absolute beginners to the piano. In these lessons you'll learn a combination of how to read music, play rhythms, form chords, improvise and more! | 01:04:20 |
| Playbook Days 11-20 | Day 11-20 of the 30-Day Piano Playbook. These lessons are great for absolute beginners to the piano. In these lessons you'll learn a combination of how to read music, play rhythms, form chords, improvise and more! | 01:15:21 |
| Playbook Days 21-30 | Day 21-30 of the 30-Day Piano Playbook. These lessons will be more difficult than days 1-20 by design to help you find your playing level. | 01:15:06 |
| Posture for Vocalists | Without good posture, your singing will suffer. In this lesson Anna will show you how to keep the body in proper alignment to support singing along with exercises where we focus on maintain proper alignment while singing. | 00:53:26 |
| Practicing the piano | In this important lesson, we will cover different practice techniques, how to create exercises for yourself to practice, musical practice, practical technical exercises, the Major scale both hands two-octaves and many more concepts that will help you focus your practice time at the piano. | 00:50:54 |
| Preacher Chords | "Preacher Chords" help fill out any song and backup worship leaders. However, to use them effectively, you need to know your theory! In this lesson, we are going to dive deep into preacher chords. | 01:06:02 |
| Putting chords to a lead sheet melody | Learn how to create an arrangement from ONLY a lead sheet melody. We will use the Christmas classic, Silent Night to create an arrangement. Learn these techniques...even if you're not interested in Christmas music! You'll learn how to figure out the right chords to use. | 00:43:56 |
| Putting Chords to a Simple Melody | Putting Chords to a Simple Melody. For this lesson we will be using the melody of “Early One Morning” and learning how to put chords to the arrangement. These techniques work if you want to apply chords to a pop or rock melody as well. | 00:24:11 |
| Quartals and Pentatonic Improvisation | This lesson is designed for intermediate/advanced level players that want to take their improvisation to the "next level" and sound more modern in their approach by utilizing quartals and pentatonics. I also cover several techniques that can be mastered by beginners. | 01:11:11 |
| Quick Latin Grooves | This lesson is designed to get you quickly playing some hot latin grooves. No matter your level, there is a groove here for you! You’ll also learn how to mix these grooves together to create longer progressions and song possibilities. | 01:05:53 |
| Quick Reference - Key of A | Quick reference for the key of A. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:16:16 |
| Quick Reference - Key of A Flat | Quick reference for the key of A Flat. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:15:14 |
| Quick Reference - Key of B | Quick reference for the key of B. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:07:36 |
| Quick Reference - Key of B Flat | Quick reference for the key of B Flat. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:13:39 |
| Quick Reference - Key of C | Quick reference for the key of C. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:22:34 |
| Quick Reference - Key of D | Quick reference for the key of D. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:19:24 |
| Quick Reference - Key of D Flat | Quick reference for the key of D Flat. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:11:45 |
| Quick Reference - Key of E | Quick reference for the key of E. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:15:52 |
| Quick Reference - Key of E Flat | Quick reference for the key of E Flat. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:16:39 |
| Quick Reference - Key of F | Quick reference for the key of F. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:17:25 |
| Quick Reference - Key of F Sharp | Quick reference for the key of F Sharp. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:09:22 |
| Quick Reference - Key of G | Quick reference for the key of G. Learn your major scale, triads, seventh chords, rootless chords and 2-5-1 progression in both major and minor keys. | 00:17:30 |
| Quick Reference Tips (Checklist) | Quick reference tips with a practice checklist. Learn WHAT to practice and for HOW long. | 00:18:05 |
| Reading Music Basics - Vol. 1 | Reading music is essential to becoming what I call a "Total Musician." In this 2-volume series, I will give you important exercises, examples and tips on how to read a piece of music. Even if you can already read music, I'm sure that you will get some new ideas from these lessons. | 00:58:34 |
| Reading Music Basics - Vol. 2 | Picking up where volume 1 left off, we will cover more sight-reading exercises and I will show you more tricks on how to effectively read a piece of sheet music correctly. At the end of the lesson, I will give you some ideas on where to go from here to improve your music reading ability. | 00:59:03 |
| Reading Music Foundations | In this short lesson you'll learn the fundamentals of reading music. | 00:19:36 |
| Real World Cocktail Piano Tips | In this lesson you'll learn some "real world" cocktail piano tricks. If you've never gigged before and want to, this lesson will give you some great information to help you feel more secure. | 00:40:07 |
| Reharmonizations, Progressions and Extensions | Learn how to create and extend your chord progressions. Have you ever been asked to just "wing it" and create a chord progression? Well, now you'll have some techniques to create your own progressions on-the-fly. You can also incorporate these techniques into existing songs to extend the progression. | 01:15:53 |
| Related ii Chords | Related ii chords precede your dominant chords to extend your progressions. | 00:58:39 |
| Review - "My Ship" | Using the standard "My Ship" we will review the techniques we have been using up to this point to create an arrangement. | 00:14:05 |
| Rhythm and Articulation | Learn how to vocalize rhythm and use different phrasing techniques to create a more interesting solo. We will also cover articulation in this lesson. | 00:29:44 |
| Rhythm Changes - Vol. 1 | In this lesson we are going to cover 8 variations of the classic chord progression Rhythm Changes. This progression is an important 'right of passage' for any jazz musician. It is also a great progression to work through re-harmonization and improvisation. We will learn the various chord progressions and basslines. | 01:05:03 |
| Rhythm Changes - Vol. 2 | In this lesson we are going to continue where we left off in Rhythm Changes Vol 1. We will cover new ways of expanding rhythm changes, outside changes, back-cycling, tri-tone substitutions and more. | 00:47:48 |
| Rhythm Changes Improvisation - Vol. 1 | In this part 1 of 2, we will cover different exercises that you can use to build up your improvisation over rhythm changes. We will also cover left-hand chord structures and how to play at uptempo speeds. Part 2 will cover applications over bass or chordal patterns and how to improvise over these changes in a group or solo piano situation. | 00:54:43 |
| Rhythm Changes Improvisation - Vol. 2 | In this 2nd part, we will be covering soloing techniques that you can use over Rhythm Changes. These techniques can be applied to all styles of improvised music, so blues players, church musicians, rock players and jazz players can ALL use these techniques. In addition, I cover some really fun bassline in 10ths techniques along with advanced sounding (but easy) constant structure improvisation concepts. | 01:08:01 |
| Rhythm Foundations | In this lesson you'll learn the foundations of rhythm. This is a perfect beginner lesson. | 00:26:58 |
| Rhythmic Improvisation Map | In this lesson we will focus on how to create more interest in our improvisation by utilizing rhythm. | 00:58:57 |
| Rich Blues Improvisation Improvisation Using Chords | You'll learn how to use 7th chords and rolls to create a fuller sound in your improvisation. | 00:08:59 |
| Richard Tee - Tribute | In this lesson, I create an original song using a nice chord progression that I heard on the radio from a song called "Richard Tee". It's gospel-blues infused sound reminded me of Richard Tee's style and soulfulness. I will teach you the entire arrangement which has a bunch of really nice chords and licks that you will love adding to your repertoire! | 01:15:26 |
| Rock Groove Concepts | In this lesson we followup on our Rock piano techniques from the Suzuki workshop in the lesson "Suzuki Workshop - Easy Rock and Blues Grooves." You'll learn how to break up the chords to create a more flowing rock piano sound while also learning some exercises that will give you more fluidity in your playing. | 01:12:33 |
| Rock Organ Tour | Learn how to get those classic organ sounds by manipulating the drawbars and settings of the organ. If you want those classic organ sounds, this is the lesson for you! You'll learn to create the organ sounds of: Steve Winwood, Goldy McJohn, John Lord, John Evan and Greg Rolie. | 01:20:42 |
| Rock Piano - Keys To Success | In this three-session lesson, learn different practice techniques and ways to become the best rock player you can be! This is a great lesson to watch before beginning the Rock Piano Lessons courses. | 01:31:48 |
| Rock Piano Arranging | Learn how to create an arrangement for rock styles by learning rhythmic accents, how to break up chords, clusters and more. | 00:45:53 |
| Rock Piano Basics | In this lesson we are going to cover triads along with their inversions and usage. I will also show you how and when to use 7ths chords and chord slashes. Later in the lesson we will discuss several different Rock Piano Accompaniment patterns that you can practice. If you are new to Rock Piano…start here! | 01:00:33 |
| Rock Piano Chords Vol. 1 | This lesson will show you how to build your major and minor triads in all 12 keys. Once you’ve mastered that, you’ll learn how to double the various notes of the triads to create thick, rich, dense, and powerful major and minor chords. If you’re a beginner, this is absolutely essential information for playing rock piano. If you’re an intermediate player, this lesson can fill in any gaps in your understanding or serve as excellent review material. | 00:54:04 |
| Rock Piano Chords Vol. 2 | Picking up where “Rock Piano Chords Part 1” left off, this lesson shows you how to use all of the inversions in a way that creates smooth voice-leading, allowing you to quickly and efficiently move from one chord to another with minimal hand movement. This lesson also introduces 7th chords (major, minor, and dominant) and slash chords, and concludes by showing you how some of the greatest rock songs of all time use these essential piano chords. | 00:57:16 |
| Rock Rhythm Practice 1 | In this lesson, you will review four basic rhythmic values: whole, dotted-half, half, and quarter notes. After some brief examples you will work through 12 Rhythmic Exercises, successively increasing in their level of difficulty. These exercises will improve your rhythm and sight-reading ability. In addition to the sheet music, you will receive two drum-groove jam tracks at different tempos that should be used as practice resources. | 00:48:37 |
| Rock Rhythm Practice 2 | In Part 2 of the Rock Rhythm Practice lesson, you will review the rhythms discussed in Part 1 and immediately build upon your mastery by introducing eighth notes. You will work through Rhythmic Exercises #1-12, gradually increasing in difficulty, while also improving your sight-reading skills. In addition to the sheet music, this lesson also provides two great drum groove jam tracks at different speeds for use in your practice. | 00:53:13 |
| Rock Soloing Techniques | In this lesson we are going to cover some very hot rock solo licks and grooves. The ideas in this lesson will turn heads when you start to solo. We will cover double-stops and other improvisation techniques, but you will also learn about sextuplets and how to create some smoking grooves using this rhythm. | 01:13:15 |
| Rock Soloing with Pentatonics | Learn how to use both major and minor pentatonic scales in your improvisation. | 00:38:22 |
| Rock/Pop Pentatonics | Pentatonic scales are awesome for soloing over rock and pop tunes. Learn some different ways of using this scale in this lesson. | 00:22:29 |
| Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree | "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" is a Christmas song written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. This popular Christmas classic will be a great addition to your repertoire. | 00:59:09 |
| Rootless Chord Voicings | In this lesson you'll learn how to form your rootless chords. We will also discuss using quartals in your voicings. | 00:12:58 |
| Rootless Chords Exposed | In this lesson you'll learn what rootless chords are and how to use them. You'll also learn how to practice these chords to better integrate them into your playing. | 00:47:40 |
| Rootless Chords Workshop (Session 1) | In this 2-part workshop we cover how to master and use your rootless chords. Rootless chords are an important tool in both group and solo piano playing. In session 1 we are covering the basics of how to create rootless chords. If you've never created rootless chords, this is the lesson for you! If you have experience with rootless chords already, check out session 2 where we apply then to standards. | 01:20:57 |
| Rootless Chords Workshop (Session 2) | In this 2-part workshop we cover how to master and use your rootless chords. In session 2 we will apply rootless chords to jazz standards so you can see how to apply these chords to real songs. | 01:33:52 |
| Santa Claus is Coming to Town | Learn this fun Christmas song in 5 steps. Each measure is broken down and several ways to make the arrangement easier are also discussed. | 00:57:43 |
| Saturday In The Park - Chicago | In this lesson you will be shown how to play this classic rock hit by learning one section at a time (intro/verse, prechorus, chorus, bridge, ending), helping you to memorize the form more easily. In addition, you will study various kinds of 7th chords and rhythmic comping patterns. Add this great rock tune to your repertoire today! | 00:49:42 |
| SBTD-1: The Days of Wine And Roses | In this first standard, you'll be learning the Henry Mancini classic "The Days of Wine and Roses." Be sure to watch "How the course works" to learn how best to use this course. | 07:09:00 |
| SBTD-10: Song For My Father | In this classic Horace Silver song, we will learn how to create a syncopated latin bassline to play over the melody. Improvisation will be discussed in the GEMS session. | 02:08:08 |
| SBTD-11: Almost Like Being in Love | This Lerner & Lowe classic is a must-have in any jazz piano repertoire. This song is also a great way to practice your shell voicings! | 02:40:14 |
| SBTD-12: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered | In this beautiful Rogers & Hart song, you'll learn how to create beautiful ballad arrangements using various techniques. | 01:17:21 |
| SBTD-2: Autumn Leaves | In this lesson you'll learn the jazz standard Autumn Leaves in both a solo and group style arrangement. We will also cover improvisation. | 06:03:03 |
| SBTD-3: Misty | Learn the classic Erroll Garner standard using the Standards by the Dozen™ approach. | 04:49:11 |
| SBTD-4: The Way You Look Tonight | Learn this classic Jerome Kern tune using the Standards by the Dozen™ method. | 04:29:48 |
| SBTD-5: All The Things You Are | Sheet music has been added. Please note, this is version 1 of the music and it will likely change a bit once the lesson video is released. I am no longer teaching the lesson live since there were not many student questions. Instead, SBTD and TCI will share a Q&A session every other Thursday. | 02:14:38 |
| SBTD-6: My Funny Valentine | Beautiful Rogers and Hart tune that works as a ballad, swing or even a funk tune! You'll learn different rootless chord ideas in this lesson as well as how to play it in a quasi latin-feel using iRealPro. | 01:52:34 |
| SBTD-7: On Green Dolphin Street | On Green Dolphin Street (originally called Green Dolphin Street) is another classic jazz standard which moves between latin and swing rhythmic feels. The song was composed for the film Green Dolphin Street and became a jazz standard after it was recorded by Miles Davis in 1958. | 02:07:21 |
| SBTD-8: New York State of Mind | This classic Billy Joel tune is a great bridge between rock and jazz and offers many exciting jazz 'twists' which we will cover. This rock standard will be approached a bit differently than the other SBTD songs, so be sure to check the music for notes and watch the lesson. | 01:59:20 |
| SBTD-9: Blue Monk | A classic Thelonious Monk blues, Blue Monk is a great tune to learn. We will cover many things in this lesson including quartal voicings and a second-line bassline. | 01:32:07 |
| SBTD22-1: You Are The Sunshine of My Life | In this lesson we're going to learn Stevie Wonder's hit "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." This song features some exciting jazz devices such as the use of the whole-tone scale and a modulation. | 01:16:28 |
| SBTD22-10: I Left My Heart in San Francisco | This lesson features a classic jazz ballad popularized by the great jazz singer Tony Bennett. We will investigate how to effectively play a jazz ballad, including some specific piano tips, a simple yet effective introduction technique that uses the augmented triad, a beautiful ending that borrows from a different jazz standard, and some very large (but also simple) chords. | 01:34:56 |
| SBTD22-11: Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You | This lesson features a classic multi-generational tune that fits well in both the pop and jazz styles. The arrangement uses an easy approach on the verse featuring arpeggios, and a more advanced approach on the chorus that features larger, denser chord voicings. | 01:30:03 |
| SBTD22-12: Fire And Rain | This lesson features a song by one of the most famous folk singer-songwriters of all time, James Taylor. A beautiful piece that is familiar to a large audience, this solo piano arrangement uses simple voicings and chords to achieve an advanced sound. | 01:34:15 |
| SBTD22-2: Ain't No Sunshine | In this lesson we'll be learning the jazz-funk classic "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. We will be learning and applying various jazz techniques - such as drop-2 voicings and reharmonization - in order to create a new, professional-sounding solo piano arrangement. | 01:52:21 |
| SBTD22-3: Round Midnight | In this lesson we will be learning a quintessential jazz standard by one of the most famous musicians in jazz - 'Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk. We'll be examining a very specific solo piano recording by Thelonious Monk himself and learning a modified transcription of the piece. This lesson will demonstrate how Monk himself uses chord shells extensively in his left hand, his use of stride, and his use of chord tones to improvise and embellish the melody. | 01:07:36 |
| SBTD22-4: Desafinado | In this lesson we will learn a popular jazz standard by a famous bossa nova musician and composer - Desafinado by Antonio Carlos Jobim. We will learn how to create a bossa nova bassline in the left hand, a simple harmonization technique for the melody, and some advanced reharmonization approaches in select spots. We'll also revisit some drop-2 voicings and block chord techniques. | 00:58:32 |
| SBTD22-5: Lullaby of Birdland | In this lesson we will learn a famous jazz standard written by a great jazz pianist, George Shearing. We will treat each 'A' section differently (3 in total) so that you have the option of learning all or some of the arrangement while still being able to play the complete song. We will cover some intermediate to advanced topics including "locked hands" voicings when harmonizing the melody, drop-2 voicings, modified stride playing, and even a bit of bebop improvisation. | 01:34:21 |
| SBTD22-6: Sunny | This lesson features one of the greatest and most-covered songs of all-time. "Sunny" was written by Bobby Hebb 60 years ago and has been recorded by Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Billy Preston, George Benson, and so many other jazz and funk musicians. It's popularity makes it a great addition to your solo piano repertoire. This lesson features a discussion about improvisation, modulation, and even some "spy" movie music. | 01:37:15 |
| SBTD22-7: For Once in My Life | In this lesson we focus on a classic Stevie Wonder recording. This popular song uses many "jazz" chords and voicings despite the fact that it is undeniably a pop song. Specifically, we will encounter many augmented chords, and minor chords that use a descending chromatic bass line. | 01:16:43 |
| SBTD22-8: Just The Two of Us | This lesson features a classic pop-funk tune that is often played in the jazz repertoire. The song features a 4-measure chord progression that repeats throughout the intro, verse, and chorus. An interlude, which uses different chords, is also part of the form. Despite the repeating chord cycle of the song, the intro, verse, and chorus all sound distinct from one another. We will discuss how these cyclical chords are made to sound different as you enter various sections of the song. | 01:04:22 |
| SBTD22-9: Linus and Lucy | This lesson features one of the most classic and recognizable pieces of piano repertoire of all time. The piece, by Vince Guaraldi from "A Charlie Brown Christmas," has become a regular Christmas standard. In this lesson we'll focus on the musical element of form. Although long when notated, the entire piece centers around only 3 sections which are relatively short. By understanding the form, you learn to condense the song into small parts that are repeated in a particular order. | 01:27:48 |
| Scale Accents | Adding accents to your scales creates shape and intensity in your solo. In this lesson you'll see how I use accents to create rhythms within the scale through the use of accents. | 00:56:30 |
| Scales, Fills and Runs | This lesson (perfect for ALL styles, not just funk) will teach you several different scales, fills and runs. I will show you both the notes AND how to create your own fills and runs using your rhythmic vocabulary. | 01:12:53 |
| Scary Halloween Music | Learn how to recreate scary Halloween music like that found in the movies. Great for those special occasions when you need to break into some scary piano music! | 00:29:20 |
| Secondary and Extended Dominants | In this lesson I will show you exactly what a secondary and extended dominant is and how they are used. These chords are a great way to help your re-harmonization of standards and can also be used to expand on your composition of your own songs as well. | 00:23:50 |
| Session 1 | We will cover: Notes for Improvisation Rhythm - Vocalize Rhythm - Straight or Swung Comping Rhythm Collaboration between Hands Mixing Rhythmic Placement. | 00:50:48 |
| Session 2 | We will cover: Accompaniment with three bass patterns and the Improvisation Secret Weapon with examples. | 00:47:26 |
| Session 3 | We will be covering how to improvise over 2 different blues progressions. We will also be talking about playing and resting in your improvisation. | 00:43:06 |
| Session 4 | We will be covering how to improvise over 2 different blues progressions in the key of C and F. We will be discussing rootless chords and you'll learn how to play these chords over the blues with the band backing track. | 00:40:51 |
| Shells, Tensions and Left-hand Movement | Now we will learn how to create an arrangement using the chords we created in the last lesson. | 01:36:06 |
| Slow Blues - Stormy Monday - Vol. 1 | In this lesson (part 1 of 2) you’ll learn several different basslines that you can use to play a slow blues. Using Stormy Monday as a starting point, these 8 basslines allow you to create multiple slow blues arrangements. | 01:01:55 |
| Slow Blues - Stormy Monday - Vol. 2 | In part 2 we are going to take the baseline skills we learned in Slow Blues a la Stormy Monday Part 1 and create a full arrangement including a really cool jazzy walkup progression that perks up my ears every time I hear it. | 00:52:45 |
| Slow Blues Style Improvisation | Learn how to improvise in a slow, blues style. We will cover the use of the blues scale, minor pentatonic and "bluesy" pentatonic scales. | 00:35:01 |
| Slow Bluesy Ragtime | In this original piece, I show you the essence of a ragtime feel. We will also cover many different left-hand chordal accompaniments and improvisation tips. | 01:08:56 |
| Slow Gospel Blues | In this lesson you’ll learn how to create your own gospel/blues progressions while also learning more about dominant motion, alternate bass notes and 2-5-1 progressions. This is a perfect mix of how to apply music theory to create really cool chord progressions. | 01:48:04 |
| Slow Minor Blues - Vol. 1 | We begin by learning the basic minor groove. I’ll show you how to make rich chord voicings to sound great while also teaching you a simple bass line to accompany yourself while singing, playing chords or improvising. Next, we move on to learning the entire minor blues progression and I’ll also show a cool walking bass line that you can use over and over to create a jazz/blues sound. After mastering the basic minor blues progression, I’ll show you how to expand it with rich jazz reharmonization and chord substitutions. Then we will add some more flair to the bass line by adding in approach notes to give it a more “pro” sound. Finally, we will learn the minor blues in 6/8 time. | 01:16:43 |
| Slow Minor Blues - Vol. 2 | In this lesson, we will continue where we left off from volume 1. We begin by reviewing “The Thrill is Gone” groove and bassline. Everything is broken down for you step-by-step, making it easy to learn regardless of your skill level. After mastering a basic version, we will add more tensions to the chords to create a richer blues sound. Next we move on to improvisation. You’ll learn 8 new scales for improvisation. We will work through different ways of breaking up the scales to create your own unique blues piano solo. This lesson will focus more on improvisation. We will cover neighbor chords, trills, crushed notes, double-stops and more to create some cool sounding improvisation. Trills, turns and double-stops are an important aspect of blues piano playing. We will cover these in detail! You’ll also learn how to improvise using rhythmic cells. | 01:44:52 |
| Slow Minor Blues - Vol. 3 | In this lesson we will focus on the stride technique that we ended on in part 2. We will work through an easy and more advanced stride pattern along with licks and a new Minor Blues Stride song. The licks in this song can be applied to many other blues songs both in Major and in minor! | 00:58:59 |
| Slow, Blues Improvisation - Vol. 1 | If you are new to improvising over the blues, or you want to do more than “hunt and peck” using the Blues scale, this lesson is for you. We will cover over a half-dozen scales that you can use for improvisation and you’ll learn how to “hit” the important chord tones in your solo. I also teach you note-for-note a cool blues improvisation that works perfectly with the Slow, Soulful Blues lesson. | 01:21:20 |
| Slow, Blues Improvisation - Vol. 2 | In this lesson I will teach you all about the 16th-note triplet and how to use it to create some really slick Blues licks. I will also teach you my original piece, “Eeek’s Blues” for Annika, which has a lot of great material that you can use in your own Blues improvisation. | 01:11:30 |
| Slow, Soulful Blues - Frank's Blues | This slow and soulful blues song teaches you how to create that slow, gospel-sounding blues feel. In addition to learning the song, we will cover many other concepts to help you apply these techniques to your own pieces. | 01:19:12 |
| Soloing over the Funk Groove | Now that you’ve learned how to build a funk groove using just 2 chords and examined the role of each instrument in the rhythm section, it’s time to learn to solo over the funk groove! In this companion lesson to “Building a Funk Groove,” we will teach you 7 practice steps for gaining confidence, developing fluidity, and improving your soloing abilities using just one scale! These 7 steps can be applied to your practice in all genres of music. | 01:06:34 |
| Soon and Very Soon | This Andraé Crouch (July 1, 1942 – January 8, 2015) classic Soon and Very Soon was written in 1978 and features a lot of rich gospel piano techniques. You’ll learn the entire song and techniques like how to play gospel walk ups, syncopating the bass pattern and other ideas that you can incorporate into your own piano arrangements. | 00:50:21 |
| Stable Funk - Composition | In this lesson I teach you how to create your own song. We cover licks, sections and chords. Best of all, I recorded the song in the studio with two amazing musicians and you'll get to witness the finished product taking shape! | 01:42:03 |
| Step 2 - Reharmonization | In step 2 I am going to show you how to re-harmonize the song using some simple concepts at first, then moving into more advanced techniques. The first part of the lesson (part 1) is great for beginner - intermediate level students. Part 2 is perfect for those intermediate and advanced students who want a few more "tools" for their arranging toolbox. | 00:44:18 |
| Step 3 - Intros, Endings and Accompaniment | In this 3rd step we are focusing on intros, endings and accompaniment. Wether you're interested in accompanying yourself while singing or you're working with others, these techniques in this lesson will help you be more effective and 'clear' in your accompaniments. | 01:05:15 |
| Step 4 - Scales For Improvisation | In this lesson, we will cover all of the scales for improvisation. How often do you get confused when it comes to making these scales start to sound like improvisation? Well in this lesson, I'll show you some techniques that will help you make more musical sounding lines from scales. | 00:57:14 |
| Step 5 - Building a Solo Over Standards | In this last step we will learn how to go from scales to improvisation. Using these simple exercises and concepts that I've laid out, you are able to create improvisation lines from the scales that we created in step 4. | 01:01:18 |
| Stride Piano and Pedaling Techniques | In this lesson we will be covering how to use the pedal and some stride piano techniques. Both of these techniques take time to master, but using the examples laid out in the lesson, you'll be up and running a lot faster. | 01:06:07 |
| Stride, Reggae, Funk and more! (Willie Answers) | In this lesson we are going to cover the analysis of I Can't Get Started, learn the groove for Bill Wither's Use Me, play some Reggae grooves and learn a basic stride piano exercise. Yeah, we got a lot to cover! | 01:04:09 |
| Students' Questions Answered (Willie Answers) | In this lesson Willie answers students' questions and talks about how to Approach Target Chords. We will also discuss the gospel 1-7-3-6 progression and what it should really be called. | 01:05:06 |
| Style of Dr. John | In this lesson I show you some really cool Dr. John licks. You'll also learn more about New Orleans bass patterns and how to break apart these licks to create your own. | 01:15:00 |
| Style of Gene Harris - Licks | In this high energy lesson, we will be working through some rocking, gospel-flavor Gene Harris licks. I’ll show you some pretty advanced licks that will bump up the intensity level of your solos. I’ll also show you how to prevent hurting yourself while performing these intense licks. | 00:51:04 |
| Style of Jerry Lee Lewis | Get ready for some rocking piano! This lesson will show you how to create the exciting piano style of Jerry Lee Lewis. We will use the progression of Great Balls of Fire to create a blues arrangement with many of Jerry's classic licks. I'll also show you some of Jerry's keyboard "stunts" and teach you how to not hurt yourself while rocking heavy on the piano. Grab your cup of coffee for this lesson...it's intense! | 01:20:11 |
| Style of Jimmy Smith for Pianists | Jimmy Smith helped popularize the Hammond B-3 organ, creating a link between jazz and 1960s soul music. Learn how to create his signature sound in this lesson. | 01:24:31 |
| Style of Johnny Rivers | Using Johnny Rivers 1972 classic, “Rockin Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu”, you’ll learn 5 different breaks/fills, a simple and advanced chordal groove, how to combine licks from past songs along with some of Larry Knechtel’s piano solo as well! This lesson is jam-packed with a lot of real slick blues piano! | 01:05:05 |
| Style of Otis Spann | Learn some really cool Otis Spann licks, chords and bass lines. I will also teach you how to put together the licks to create a ‘song’. Otis Spann (March 21, 1924 or 1930 – April 24, 1970) was an American blues musician, whom many consider to be the leading postwar Chicago blues pianist. | 01:14:45 |
| Subdominants (Tritone Introduction) | In this lesson we will learn about diatonic triads and seventh chords. In addition you'll learn about subdominant chords. | 00:35:15 |
| Summertime - Bassline, Comping and Improvisation | In this lesson we will continue working on Summertime and add a bassline and improvisation. You'll also learn about rootless chords and how to comp. | 00:57:57 |
| Summertime - Comping & Switching Styles | Learn how to fix bad chord progressions, comp chords and switch into other styles. | 00:52:59 |
| Suzuki Piano Institute 2012 Lesson | Learn an easier version of Ben's Blues in this class I did for Suzuki students. | 00:37:29 |
| Suzuki Workshop - Easy Rock and Blues Grooves | This lesson I am going to show you some techniques I taught Suzuki students this past week in Louisville, KY. These are some great easy Blues techniques as well as some Rock/Pop piano ideas. | 00:58:57 |
| Switching Styles | By playing a song in more than one style, you can create some really fun arrangements and bring some sparkle to your song arrangements. | 00:56:57 |
| Targeting | In this lesson we will focus on how to target our starting and ending notes in our improvised lines. | 00:57:43 |
| TCI - Exercise #1 | In this first The Confident Improviser lesson we will learn a simple minor bassline with improvisation. | 00:53:33 |
| TCI - Exercise #10 | In this lesson we are working on shells along with a longer chord progression and utilizing chord tones for improvisation. | 00:48:40 |
| TCI - Exercise #11 | In this lesson we are working on R37 shells along with a one-chord-per-measure chord progression. | 00:33:18 |
| TCI - Exercise #12 | In this lesson we are working on R37 shells in a diatonic progression along with "four to the floor" accompaniment. | 00:56:36 |
| TCI - Exercise #13 | In this lesson we are working on on a new progression using the iii chord. We are also learning about scale cells. | 00:37:28 |
| TCI - Exercise #14 | In this exercise we will learn how to use Diatonic Scale Cells and start to transpose these licks in the Inspiration section for use in Jazz Standards. | 00:47:08 |
| TCI - Exercise #15 | In this exercise we will be focusing on the ii-V progression. | 00:42:24 |
| TCI - Exercise #16 | In this exercise we will be focusing on the minor ii-V-I progression. The inspiration chapter will focus on rootless chord voicings in minor. | 00:48:05 |
| TCI - Exercise #17 | In this exercise we will be focusing on the iii-V7/ii-ii-V progression along with neighbor tones. The inspiration chapter will focus on rootless chord voicings over this progression in 4 keys. | 00:38:15 |
| TCI - Exercise #18 | In this exercise we will be focusing on the full ii-V-I progression and working on our targeting and filling with scale notes. The inspiration lesson will give you more time to practice rootless 2-5-1 chords while creating your own bebop licks. | 00:55:34 |
| TCI - Exercise #19 | In this exercise we will be introducing the tritone substitution along with the Lydian flat 7 scale. The Inspiration lesson will teach you the 'A' form of the ii-V-I rootless chords in all 12 Major keys. | 00:39:01 |
| TCI - Exercise #2 | In exercise #2 we learn the 5-finger blues scale and a new rhythm. | 00:50:38 |
| TCI - Exercise #20 | In this exercise we will be introducing the altered scale cells along with 3-note rootless chords. The inspiration lesson will show you how to play 3-note altered rootless dominant chords. | 00:47:51 |
| TCI - Exercise #21 | In this exercise we will be moving between one- and two-measure 2-5-1 progressions. In the inspiration lesson we will learn the rootless 'B' form of 2-5-1 progressions in all twelve keys. | 00:46:17 |
| TCI - Exercise #22 | In this exercise we will be diving deeper into enclosures and their use. You'll start to hear more chromaticism in these lines as we incorporate more 1/2-step motion. The Inspiration lesson will show you a cycle 4 dominant chord exercise. | 00:50:44 |
| TCI - Exercise #23 | In this exercise we will be learning 6 new enclosures and how to apply them to the intro of "The Way You Look Tonight." The Inspiration lesson will show you a cycle 4 dominant chord exercise using 3-note rootless chords. | 00:56:51 |
| TCI - Exercise #24 | In this exercise we will be learning the dorian bebop scale along with the David Baker bebop lick. The inspiration lesson will focus on 3-note 2-5 progressions with a new lick. | 00:39:19 |
| TCI - Exercise #25 | In this exercise we will be focusing on the Locrian Natural 9 and the Altered scales. In the inspiration section we will be covering minor 2-5 to major rootless voicings. | 00:32:05 |
| TCI - Exercise #26 | In this exercise we will be learning the 1/2-Whole Diminished scale along with triplets and rhythm fragments. In the inspiration section we will cover the dom7#11 rootless chord voicing. | 00:34:26 |
| TCI - Exercise #27 | In this exercise we will be learning the Whole-1-2 Diminished scale for use with diminished 7th chords. In the inspiration section we will cover all 12 Diminished 7th Chords with W-1/2 Scale. | 00:41:40 |
| TCI - Exercise #28 | In this exercise we will be focusing on learning three important minor scales: Natural Minor, Melodic Minor and Harmonic minor. The inspiration lesson will complete the B form from TCI #25. | 00:37:13 |
| TCI - Exercise #29 | In this exercise we will be focusing on quartal voicings along with major and minor pentatonic scales. | 00:56:10 |
| TCI - Exercise #3 | In this lesson we will cover the 4-note minor pentatonic scale and a new accompaniment. | 00:53:21 |
| TCI - Exercise #30 | In this exercise we will transitioning to rock/pop improvisation. In this lesson I'll show you 16th-note pentatonic patterns along with a simple accompaniment. | 00:39:15 |
| TCI - Exercise #31 | In this exercise we will working in a funk style. You'll learn an altered chord voicing and we will cover the full altered scale. Inspiration section will cover side-slipping chords. | 00:42:59 |
| TCI - Exercise #32 | In this exercise we will be moving in a new key and focusing on turns. Turns are a fantastic way of adding interest in your improvisation! | 00:33:27 |
| TCI - Exercise #33 | In this exercise we will be introducing the New Orleans 'Second-Line' groove along with the bluesy pentatonic scale. | 00:47:35 |
| TCI - Exercise #34 | In this exercise we will be learning a stride piano accompaniment, the chromatic scale and how to create super-slick chromatic scale lines for improvisation. | 00:58:54 |
| TCI - Exercise #35 | In this exercise we will be learning how to form rootless augmented chords. We will also be covering the whole tone scale and you'll learn several patterns to play using that scale. I will also be showing you an alternate way to form the altered scale. | 00:37:56 |
| TCI - Exercise #36 | In this exercise we will move to a new time signature - 6/8. We will accompany this popular time signature with a new pattern and licks. The Inspiration section will show you 16th-note licks along with a cool chordal pattern. | 00:42:02 |
| TCI - Exercise #37 | In this exercise we will work on a smooth jazz / funk improvisation groove using the dorian scale. You'll learn how to create and transpose sequences for your solos. | 00:53:33 |
| TCI - Exercise #38 | In this exercise we will work on a new approach to improvisation using triads and triad arpeggios over minor chords. | 00:34:15 |
| TCI - Exercise #39 | In this exercise we will learn the 12-bar blues progression and learn how to create a bassline that we will later improvise over. | 00:52:09 |
| TCI - Exercise #4 | In this lesson we will expand our bassline to all quarter notes and add triplets to our rhythms. | 00:52:00 |
| TCI - Exercise #5 | In this lesson we will expand our bassline by adding chromaticism. | 00:46:22 |
| TCI - Exercise #6 | In this lesson we will work through a new progression and move to Major tonality. | 00:37:08 |
| TCI - Exercise #7 | In this lesson we are expanding our progression and adding new chords. | 00:41:12 |
| TCI - Exercise #8 | In this lesson we are adding shells in our left hand. | 00:46:59 |
| TCI - Exercise #9 | In this lesson we are working on chord tones along with tips to make the exercises more fun to play! | 00:41:28 |
| TCI Podcast | The Confident Improviser™ Podcast is a companion to my TCI program. However, there are many great ideas in the podcast to learn even if you're not going through TCI, so check it out! | 09:06:07 |
| TCI Practice Guides | These practice guides will help you organize your practice of Rhythm, Scales and Accompaniments more effectively. | 01:14:13 |
| Tech. Builder Boot Camp Session 1 | In this lesson, we will cover: 5 Finger Scales, Major Scale Contrary Motion, Chromatic Scale, Horizontal Playing and Speed Blocks, Scale Crushing, Creating Complex Examples. | 01:08:59 |
| Tech. Builder Boot Camp Session 2 | In this lesson, we will cover: Pinpointed 5 Finger Exercises, Chromatic Scale, C-7 Arpeggio, Chromatic Scale to Arpeggio. | 00:50:33 |
| Tech. Builder Boot Camp Session 3 | In this lesson, we will cover: Minor Seventh Arpeggio with Minor Triad Inversions, Minor Seventh Arpeggio with Quartals, Minor Seventh Arpeggio with Chromatic Scale | 01:02:38 |
| Tech. Builder Boot Camp Session 4 | In this lesson, we will cover: Scales, Arpeggios, Chromaticism, Enclosures (Approaches). | 00:47:50 |
| Tech. Builder Boot Camp Session 5 | In this lesson, we will cover my 8 Week Practice Schedule, Major Scale 2 Octaves, Contrary Motion, Chromatic Scale 2 Octaves, Contrary Motion, Major Scale with Arpeggio, Major Scale with Chromatic and Arpeggio, Arpeggio with Triad, Contrary Thirds - The Mind Blower, Left Hand Thirds with Scale. | 00:59:42 |
| Technique Builder Vol. 1 | Get started with our Technique Builder course with this lesson. C major and A minor covered. | 01:33:35 |
| Technique Builder Vol. 2 | F Major, D minor, Bb Major, G minor, Eb Major and C minor. | 01:31:15 |
| Technique Builder Vol. 3 | Ab Major, F minor, Db Major, Bb minor, Gb Major, Eb minor, B Major, G# minor. | 01:38:29 |
| Technique Builder Vol. 4 | A major, E major, D major, B minor, G major, E minor, C# minor, F# minor. | 01:38:20 |
| Ten ii-V-I Patterns (Part 1) | Learn ten different 2-5-1 licks that you can use for improvisation. This lesson covers the first 5 licks. | 00:22:27 |
| Ten ii-V-I Patterns (Part 2) | Learn ten different 2-5-1 licks that you can use for improvisation. This lesson contains licks 6-10. | 00:29:12 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 1 | In this first lesson you'll learn the first 8 measures of our slow blues form and how to form a few different left-hand accompaniments. | 01:04:30 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 10 | In this lesson you'll learn the next part of Tennille's Blues, the last A section. | 01:03:21 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 11 | In this lesson you'll learn 5 different endings that you can use for blues or other songs. | 00:47:45 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 12 | In this lesson you'll learn the next part of Tennille's Blues which can also be played as a composition on its own. I'll discuss the "strollin'" bass pattern and what a vamp is and how to use it. | 01:20:45 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 13 | In this lesson you'll learn 4 intros that you can use for the blues and other styles. | 01:04:39 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 14 | In this lesson you'll learn how to create a bassline for Tennille's Blues. I have included the sheet music for the bassline by itself along with the melody with the bassline. | 01:06:54 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 2 | In this lesson you'll learn different techniques to add motion to your left hand along with groove and bassline approach exercises. | 00:46:43 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 3 | Reharmonization means you are changing the chords, sometimes adding new chords, sometimes changing the existing chords. This gives you the ability to create dozens of variations on the blues to improvise over. | 00:58:44 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 4 | In this lesson you'll learn 6 different accompaniment patterns to use for your slow blues improv and compositions. | 01:01:37 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 5 | In this lesson you'll learn staccato, tenuto, marcato and accent articulations. You'll also learn how to use grace notes and chromaticism to make your solos sound great using just the 3rd and 7th of the chord. | 00:59:53 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 6 | In this lesson you'll learn the bridge section of Tennille's Blues. | 01:07:51 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 7 | In this lesson you'll learn the first part of Tennille's Blues. We will also discuss using range in your solos. | 01:27:45 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 8 | In this lesson you'll learn more of Tennille's Blues. We will also discuss using scales in 3rds and 3 against 2 in your solos. | 01:22:43 |
| Tennille's Blues Part 9 | In this lesson you'll learn the next part of Tennille's Blues. | 00:51:12 |
| The 80's - Vol. 1 | In part 1 of this lesson, you’ll learn how to play the classic pop song Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know from the 1980s. This is not a piano arrangement of these songs but rather a note-for-note transcription of what the keyboard players played on the recording so that you can learn exactly what was played and play along. | 00:46:56 |
| The 80's - Vol. 2 | In part 2 of this lesson, you’ll learn how to play the classic pop songs Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, and the theme from the movie Dirty Dancing I’ve Had The Time Of My Life from the 1980s. This is not a piano arrangement of these songs but rather a note-for-note transcription of what the keyboard players played on the recording so that you can learn exactly what was played and play along. | 00:54:43 |
| The First Noel | Dating back to the 1800's, The First Noel is a traditional English Christmas carol. In this lesson, you'll learn a beautiful slow arrangement of the song. | 01:39:43 |
| There Is No Greater Love | We start this lesson reviewing student arrangements and homework. At about 34min in we start working on the song "There Is No Greater Love." | 01:19:32 |
| Tiny Dancer - Elton John | From the opening introductory melody, this piano hit is instantly recognized by everyone. Learn this tune by studying the 5 component sections: intro, verse, bridge, chorus, and interlude. Also study the specific comping concepts that Elton John is using when he accompanies himself on this tune. | 00:57:44 |
| Transposing Swing Baseline With Rootless Chords | Learn how I go about transposing patterns into new keys. | 00:39:12 |
| Triad Primer | This lesson is designed to help students understand how to form and play triads. We will cover the 2 ways to form triads and most importantly discuss how to create and USE inversions. Students will also be given some valuable exercises to increase the speed in which they can move between chords. If you are interested in Rock/Pop piano, this lesson is a must! You need to know the information in this lesson inside and out before moving on to any of our more advanced lessons. This lesson also pairs well with our Rock Basics lesson. | 01:03:43 |
| Tritones and Phat Chords | Learn how to effectively use tritones to add spice to your arrangements. I’ll also teach you how to create fuller, richer chords with Upper Structure Triads and Quartal voicings. | 01:45:32 |
| Two Minute Piano | TwoMinutePiano – a perfect solution for those students with limited time. In these 9, two-minute mini-lessons, you’ll learn a variety of concepts with minimal talking. | 00:26:27 |
| Two-Hand Chord Voicings for Piano Part 1 | In this lesson, you’ll learn the 4-way closed position and rootless voicings that make your chord voicings scream professional. We begin by focusing on the voicings in your left hand, but the theory and application can be used all across the keyboard. You’ll quickly be able to use these voicings in all aspects of your playing. | 00:35:11 |
| Two-Hand Chord Voicings for Piano Part 2 | In this 2nd part we will focus on dominant 7 chord voicings with 2 hands along with some examples of how to apply these techniques. | 00:44:29 |
| Understanding Chords | This lesson helps you understand better what to play when you see a chord symbol in the music. You'll also learn simple ways to create your chords. We will discuss tensions and how to add them to your chords. | 00:35:59 |
| Unlocking the 9 Secrets of the Blues | 9 Secrets of the Blues We will be going over: Use Blues Scale Simple Left Hand Important Chords and Form Rhythm Driven Licks 3 Licks and Repeat Slide and Crush Notes Swing or Straight Break Down. | 01:01:34 |
| Upper Structure Triads | Learn major and minor dominant upper structure triads with examples from “Days of Wine and Roses”, “Misty”, “My ship”, and “Prelude to a Kiss." A helpful Upper Structure Triads chart is included. | 00:48:41 |
| Upper Structure Triads - My Ship | Using the standard "My Ship" we will work on Upper Structure Triads. UST's (for short) are the life-blood of advanced reharmonizations and you want to work on these using ballads at first. This lesson will show you how to incorporate them into your arrangements. | 00:46:30 |
| Upper Structure Triads Explained | Learn the basics about what are Upper Structure Triads and how to use them. | 00:20:43 |
| Using Quartals in Your Improvisation | Quartals give your improvisation a modern sound. | 00:21:32 |
| Vocal Health | In this lesson we cover how to maintain and improve our vocal health before issues arise, what things may negatively impact our vocal health and how to build and work towards belting in a healthy and safe way that doesn’t strain the voice. | 01:00:05 |
| Vocal Registers | An introduction to the four vocal registers, with a focus on Chest and Head Voice/ Falsetto, where most singers spend the majority of time singing and transitioning between. Some exercises to feel the difference between our chest vs head voice, and to transition between the two registers | 01:03:38 |
| Walking Bass At The Piano | A quick lesson on how to create a walking bassline. | 00:07:42 |
| Walking Bassline And Comping - Vol. 1 | In this 2-part lesson we are going to work through a common progression with a walking bassline and comping chords. Part 2 we will improvise over the bassline. Solid walking basslines are an important skill for any keyboardist and this lesson will show you techniques that I use to this day on gigs. Lesson is done on an organ but is great for all pianists! | 01:00:24 |
| Walking Bassline And Comping - Vol. 2 | In this second part, we will be covering improvisation techniques. The concepts in this lesson are extremely important for improvisors of ALL levels. In particular the sections on starting and ending notes are a great way to analyze your improvisation and gain concepts that will carry over to many other songs. | 01:06:48 |
| Warmups and Improvisation | This lesson is designed for beginner-advanced level players that want to take their improvisation to the “next level” and sound more modern in their approach. I will show you how to make practicing the “technical stuff” more musical and less boring. | 01:33:13 |
| We've Only Just Begun | Beautiful song made popular by the Carpenters. | 01:35:25 |
| What Child Is This | Another classic Christmas song. Its lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. This carol is set to the tune of “Greensleeves”, a traditional English folk song. In this lesson, you’ll learn each section of the song in two ways. First you'll learn an easy version perfect for beginners. Then you'll learn to create an advanced jazz piano arrangement of the song. | 01:11:57 |
| What is Improvisation? | Learn the basics of what makes up improvisation. | 00:18:24 |
| Working With A Bass Player | In this workshop, you’ll learn how to work with a bass player. My friend, and bassist extraordinaire, Bryan Frank Rizzuto and I will teach you the techniques you need to know in order to most effectively work with a bass player in a both a live and rehearsal situation. You’ll see Bryan and I pick tunes, talk through arrangements, solo and discuss how to interact in a duo performance. This will be a live, unrehearsed session so you’ll get to see in real-time how we tackle issues you might find when working with other musicians. | 01:40:52 |
| Working With a Group | Learn the 10 tips needed to effectively work in a group. | 00:46:10 |
| Working With Other Musicians | Working with other musicians is one of the greatest experiences you'll have as a pianist. This lesson will help guide you in that endeavor. | 01:01:35 |
| Wrap Up and Student Questions | In this lesson you'll learn the last part of the solo for "Just The Way You Are" and I will also answer students' questions about improvisation and how to get started with improv. | 01:29:04 |
| Your Smiling Face - James Taylor | This is a classic James Taylor song that presents some challenging chords not often found in most rock music. You’ll encounter gospel-style chord progressions that use diminished seventh chords and slash chords and modulate through three different keys. The instructor will break the material into 3 sections to help you more easily memorize the song as you learn. | 00:58:34 |
| Zoeie's Bop | Learn how to create different types of triads and Root-5 accompaniments. | 00:32:49 |
Over a dozen musical styles are covered in my lessons. Yet, you will notice that Jazzedge Academy skews toward the jazz style.
So, why Jazzedge? Well, when I started my online businesses in 2000...yes that long ago, I wanted to created a name that joined together my love for jazz and education. That became JazzED which eventually morphed into JazzEdge. We actually spelled it as JazzEDge for a while.
So Jazzedge Academy is not only for the 'elite' player. Nor is it only for jazz players. Jazzedge Academy takes the best of jazz, its creativity and improvisational spirit, to create an online learning experience like no other.
As one of my students likes to say "Your lessons don't just teach me a song, they teach me HOW to learn."
Yes! Our special Jazzedge Academy video player lets you loop any section of the lesson and slow it down. You'll never miss a note with our virtual keyboard and all of the options you have with the video player!
At the bottom of every page in the site is a 'Help' button where you can find tutorial videos on how to use the site or contact us for further help.
There are no commitments or contracts. You can cancel your membership at anytime by visiting the Billing & Payments page from within your account.
Our goal is for you to learn piano, not to be stuck in a program that doesn't work for you.
While Jazzedge Academy is an incredible resource for anyone who wants to learn the piano, we understand it might not be right for every student.
If you are unhappy with the lessons or site, you can request a full refund anytime within the first 30 days of membership.
There is a Resource Download Limit to prevent a student from signing up, downloading all of the resources, then requesting a refund. Please read the Resource Download Limit terms for more details.
Yes! With Jazzedge Paths™ you'll get a detailed list of lessons to practice and how much time to devote to each lesson.
There is also live coaching with a Jazzedge teacher where you can ask your questions and get feedback.
However, If you are an absolute beginner, meaning you don't know the notes of the keyboard, have never played a song or have no idea what a quarter-note means, you should look at our HomeSchoolPiano program which is perfect for absolute beginners.
If you've been playing for a few months you have all the skill you need to be successful here at Jazzedge Academy. My students range from beginners to pros. You'll find all the lessons you need here to "level up" your piano playing.
No. As a member of Jazzedge Academy you have unlimited viewing from any device. However, our system will check if your account is being shared outside of your household and it will lock down the account.
If you sign up for a free trial, you will be able to view the first 60-seconds of every lesson chapter. This will give you hours of content to check out before deciding to become a member.
Yes! Jazzedge Academy contains all of the lessons from our various sites in one convenient location. The only lessons that are not part of Jazzedge Academy are the HomeSchoolPiano lessons which are designed for absolute beginners to the piano.
Lessons include:
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