Willie is a Berklee-trained pianist, clinician, and bandleader who founded Jazzedge Academy to help students worldwide learn jazz and contemporary piano through a clear, step-by-step method.
Welcome to "Just Standards," a new iteration of my popular Standards by the Dozen™ series.
In this exciting new series of live classes, Just Standards offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of creating captivating arrangements for standards in a remarkably easy manner.
By joining my live coaching sessions, I'll provide you with valuable insights, techniques, and personalized feedback to make your standards come to life.
Jazzedge Academy classes are designed to encourage active participation and foster a vibrant community of fellow music enthusiasts.
During the live sessions, you'll have the chance to engage with me and fellow students, ask questions, share ideas, and gain inspiration from one another. This interactive approach creates a dynamic learning environment that enhances your understanding and creativity.
All levels of students are welcome to attend as long as you have at least 3 months of piano skills under your belt.
And, since we will be covering a new standard every few weeks, you can pop into any class at any time knowing that a new standard is just around the corner.
I look forward to working with you in this class!
Just Standards was a weekly 30–60 minute solo-piano class focused on building full song arrangements a few measures at a time. Over 4–6 weeks per tune, students created complete cocktail-style arrangements while learning shells, fuller textures, improvisation (TCI), and reharmonization. The first songs covered included “Cry Me a River,” “Send In the Clowns,” “Autumn in New York,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” and “My Way.” The class offered material suitable for both beginner and advanced players.
