22 April 2025 - 1 July 2025 ( 16.5 hours, 11 weeks )
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Waterloo Centre
A hands-on introduction for competent pianists based on the tutor's book 'Improvising Blues Piano'. Blues piano is a good introduction to basic jazz harmony and an excellent way to develop simple improvisation skills. This is the 3rd term of a three-term course. You are strongly encouraged to attend all three terms.
• The class is help in a keyboard room - each student has their own digital piano.• Two acoustic pianos are also provided for students to play duets.• You will take turns playing in class, sometimes in duet with the tutor or others• Demonstrations and suggestions will be given by the tutor• Listening to tracks in class• Home study references will be given from 'Improvising Blues Piano'
• Completion of Blues Piano 1A and 1B• Knowledge of major scales in most keys• Familiarity with major triads• Reasonable piano technique (at least grade 3 or higher)• Good coordination between the hands• Time to practise between classes• Commitment to attend every week• Some reading ability• Online enrolment on term 3 of this course, starting in April, is only available to those enrolled in the previous term. If you are a current student you will have received an email alerting you to this. If you are new to this course please select 'Ask a Question' and the curriculum department will contact you.
You will be given assignments every week and will need to commit to spending regular practice time at home between classes.
Recommended text: 'Improvising Blues Piano' by Tim Richards (book, Schott Music 1997), available from all good music shops, from the tutor, or in Morley Library. You may also wish to check out the free YouTube clips linked with the course book: https://goo.gl/gpHE2s
