Cocktail Piano 1

Learn the fundamentals of cocktail piano and develop the skills to create smooth, sophisticated arrangements. This course focuses on chordal techniques, left-hand accompaniment, basslines, tritone substitutions, and improvisation. By working through the song It’s Only a Paper Moon, you’ll learn how to build a simple arrangement, expand it with a stride feel, and develop a full, polished performance.

Throughout the lessons, you’ll explore essential cocktail piano techniques, including how to use chord shells, walking basslines, and rhythmic variations to enhance your playing. By the end of the course, you’ll have a complete cocktail piano arrangement and the skills to apply these concepts to other jazz standards.

This course is perfect for pianists looking to add elegance and fluidity to their playing. Whether you’re accompanying a singer, playing solo, or improvising in a jazz setting, these techniques will help you sound more polished and professional.

How to Play Cocktail Piano: Essential Techniques for a Smooth Sound

Cocktail piano is a timeless and versatile style that blends jazz harmonies with smooth, flowing accompaniment. Whether you’re playing background music at an event or simply want to add sophistication to your piano playing, mastering the fundamentals of cocktail piano will elevate your sound.

In this course, you’ll learn how to create a simple arrangement of It’s Only a Paper Moon, starting with chord shells and bassline techniques. As you progress, you’ll develop a stride feel to give your playing more movement and energy. Finally, you’ll learn how to piece everything together into a full arrangement, complete with reharmonization and improvisation techniques.

By focusing on left-hand accompaniment, tritone substitutions, and stylistic variations, this course will help you play with confidence and fluidity. Once you’ve mastered these techniques, you’ll be able to apply them to other jazz standards, creating your own unique cocktail piano arrangements.

Is this course suitable for beginners?

This course is best suited for intermediate players who have some experience with chords and jazz voicings.

Will I learn how to improvise?

Yes! The course introduces improvisation techniques that help you add personal touches to your arrangements.

Do I need to know how to read sheet music?

No, the lessons focus on hands-on learning with chord shapes and stylistic techniques that can be learned by ear.

Can I apply these techniques to other jazz standards?

Absolutely! The skills you develop in this course can be used to create cocktail piano arrangements for many other jazz songs.