8 January 2025 - 26 March 2025 ( 15 hours, 10 weeks )
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre
Study advanced jazz harmony and improvisation to professional level, following the book Exploring Jazz Piano vol. 2. Topics covered over the year include quartal harmony, altered and diminished chords/scales, pentatonics, rootless voicings, polychords, accompaniment, bebop and modal jazz.
The class is held in a keyboard room - each student has their own digital piano. Two acoustic pianos are also in the room for students to play together in pairs. Each term you will learn a selection of jazz standards in a variety of styles (swing, latin, blues, modal, funk, ballad, etc), study jazz harmony and chord voicing, and explore a range of improvisation techniques from 'Exploring Jazz Piano' Vol.2. Main emphasis is practical – you will play tunes with other class members and perform rhythmic, technical, and chordal exercises suggested by the tutor. Frequent listening to recordings on CD will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the repertoire and of important jazz pianists. Main emphasis is practical – you will take turns playing tunes and perform rhythmic, technical, and chordal exercises suggested by the tutor. Frequent listening to recordings will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the repertoire and of important jazz pianists. Topics covered this term include:• Diminished chords and scales• Flat 9 and Sharp 9 chords• Bebop scales• I - VI - II - V turnarounds• Horizontal and vertical improvisation• Blues with rootless chords• The chord/scale lick
Several years of previous jazz piano study, completion of Jazz Piano 4A. Working knowledge of basic jazz theory, chord symbols, modes, etc. Well developed improvisation and coordination skills. Time to practise between classes and commitment to attend every week. Music reading ability. Online enrolment on term 2 of this course, starting in January , 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.
Homework will be given every week and students must be prepared to spend time doing the given assignments and preparing tunes for performance in class.
Recommended text: Exploring Jazz Piano Vol. 2, by Tim Richards (Schott Music 2005), available from all good music shops, from the tutor, or in Morley Library.
