A hands-on class for pianists with previous blues piano experience who wish to expand their repertoire, explore new left-hand styles and develop their improvisation skills. This term focuses on general boogie skills, before moving on to more specialised areas in terms 2 and 3.
Courses
Blues Piano 2A
When & Where
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17 September 2024 - 10 December 2024 ( 18 hours, 12 weeks )
- Evening, Tuesday
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View course timetable
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Waterloo Centre
Quick Facts
- Availability Yes
- Tutor Tim Richards
- Course Code W24JPMB02A
- Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
What you will learn
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Perform a number of blues pieces in a range of styles and keys
- Improvise fluently in the right hand against a variety of left-hand 'boogie' patterns
- Accompany others using two hands (eg: bass and chords) in several styles and keys
- Show a reasonable knowledge of different boogie piano styles
Cost
Full fee
£170
Concession fee
£130
Class format and activities
The class is held in a keyboard room; each student has their own digital piano. Two acoustic pianos are also available for students who wish to play duets. You will play and improvise blues in various keys and styles in the company of other like-minded pianists. Time will also be spent listening to and copying masters of the genre. Each term has a different theme, and there is scope for individuals to pursue their own study projects, perhaps focusing on a particular pianist, left-hand style or genre, eg: boogie-woogie, New Orleans, jazz, gospel, funk, etc...
Entry requirements
Several years of blues piano study/experience are recommended – at least completion of the Blues Piano 1A, 1B and 1C courses at Morley. The ability to keep time consistently is important, as is good coordination between the hands. Familiarity with pieces and topics from Chapters 1-3 of the tutor’s book ‘Improvising Blues Piano’ (Schott Music, 1997) is assumed.
What you need to know before you enrol
A commitment to regular, focused practice is essential. You will be given assignments from week to week.
What you need
The ‘Improvising Blues Piano’ book (available from all good music shops or from the tutor). Copies can also be borrowed from Morley Library.
What you can do next
Blues Piano 2B (next term) and 2C (summer term). Although not a direct progression, Jazz Piano 3 or Jazz Piano 4 at Morley (Wednesday evenings) is another possibility.
