Learn to Play Blues and Jazz Piano
Playing the blues is one of the most liberating ways of making music and the piano is the best instrument on which to do it. The essence of the blues lies in improvisation. Within the framework of the blues scale (C Eb F F# G Bb C) you can play pretty much whatever you like. Improvised melodies in the right hand using this scale fit over a simple pattern in the left hand. Once mastered students can move on to 8 bar or 12 bar blues. Check out my links here to a few basic and intermediate blues tutorials on youtube.
Jazz is larger and more complex. Students begin with a ‘lead sheet’, a simplified form of sheet music with the melody written out and the harmony realised in chord symbols. From here improvisation can begin once the basic chords have been learnt.
Children love learning both blues and jazz as it is quicker to pick up and allows almost complete freedom for their creative minds. For younger children who are new to music the blues can be played as a duet with a parent playing a simple four note pattern whilst their child creates the melody. Adults too enjoy learning these skills, particularly those who have no formal musical training to unlearn.
Lessons from home
With these unprecedented times I have introduced virtual piano lessons using the platform of your choosing. Hold a lesson from home over Zoom, Skype, Whatsapp or Facetime. Homework is sent following lessons and I’ll send you video recordings of pieces and techniques to you practice between lessons.
I teach from a dedicated room at our home near Luddenden / Wainstalls. I have a Knight upright piano and a Roland electric piano for those who prefer it. Prices start from £15 per half hour with your first lesson free.
I have a Knight upright piano and a Roland electric piano for those who prefer it. Prices start from £15 per half hour with your first lesson free.
I have studied piano since childhood, mostly classical but a few lessons in blues and jazz from my music teacher at school. After passing grade 8 I went to Leeds University where I graduated with a BAhons in Classical Music Studies. Since university I have continued to have lessons and achieved the DipABRSM and LRSM diplomas in Classical Piano. You can find out more about my skills and experience in the “Piano Lessons” section.
For pleasure I play jazz, blues and pop music. Before lessons I learnt to play by ear with help from my dad. This helps when understanding students who have also learnt to play without structured lessons or those who do not wish to learn to read at all.