Jazz piano: advanced
Course Code: ME625B
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
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What is the course about?
Learn to play jazz standards with demanding harmonic, rhythmic and melodic issues. Consolidate and develop the work covered in previous jazz piano courses. Improvise and accompany ("comp") with greater confidence and skill.
What will we cover?
- The role of the piano in a rhythm section, and as a solo instrument
- Playing standards that include minor/altered harmony, substitution of dominant chords, and modal harmony
- Developing your ability to improvise on the study tunes
- left hand chords practice
- bassline duty.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Improve your sense of time, and range of grooves
- Build confidence to play in public
- Read charts effectively; memorise tunes and harmonic sequences
- Expand your repertoire
- 'Comp' as part of a piano duo
- Build and play solos
- Become a reliable accompanist
- navigate a lead sheet efficiently.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You should have an intermediate level of jazz piano skill and understanding. You should have successfully completed jazz piano 4 or have playing experience that has given you confidence and know-how in the use of scales and modes, patterns, swing & latin rhythms, common jazz chord progressions, and extended chord voicing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
We'll play 'together' in class. Tutorial input on aural and theoretical matters, and some demonstration.
There will be some solo playing, and duets where one player features and the other accompanies. You are encouraged to record your private practice and submit recordings for appreciation and assessment.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have manuscript for class notes. All music materials supplied for class and in the Google classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can progress to jazz harmony & ear training study, and jazz ensemble activities.
Early signs of musical activity indicated David’s future path, and after taking grades on both piano and viola, he obtained a first-class honours degree in music at Leeds University, studying both instruments. He subsequently completed a postgraduate jazz course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying piano with Simon Purcell, where he obtained an LGSM. He obtained an MMus in composition with Merit at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, with support from the Trinity College London scholarship, studying with Deirdre Gribbin, Gwyn Pritchard and Paul Newland. David is passionate about teaching, and teaches adult piano students at City Lit, as well as piano to individuals in his private practice and to young learners for Richmond Music Trust. He also performs from time to time as a jazz and classical pianist and undertakes practical music examining work for ABRSM jazz and classical syllabuses both in the UK and abroad. David also enjoys playing chamber music on viola.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
