Jazz piano: advanced
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: ME627A
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Develop and maintain your ability to play and improvise over jazz standards in swing and Latin syles. Consolidate and develop your understanding of jazz harmony, voicing options and time/groove matters.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- interpretation and delivery of melodies
- Modal tunes and modal playing
- melodic minor harmony
- practise improvising
- left hand chord practice
- How to practise; what to practise
- sharing ideas and inspirations.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Play repertoire, old and new
- Solo over the tunes
- Invent intros, endings, and create basslines
- "Comp" effectively and reliably
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of how to play in swing and Latin time feels
- record your playing competently.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You should have substantial experience of listening to jazz piano and the ability to understand and interpret chord changes in standards. You must be confident in your use of scales and modes, be well versed in minor key harmony, and have worked with melodic minor harmony. Those of you who sing are always an asset to the class.
You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through tutorial input with appropriate individual help / advice and practising to a metronome and/or rhythm section backings. Mostly you will play and rehearse simultaneously at your own piano. Some solo presentations. You will submit solo recordings for assessment and advice. You may take on projects as a duo.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need manuscript paper and pencil. All other resources will be provided in the Google Classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can take as many terms of Jazz piano: advanced as you wish. This course does not 'repeat', it always progresses to new repertoire.
You may also progress to Jazz harmony & ear training and ensembles courses, Township jazz, Afro Cuban ensemble, Latin piano, Big Band.
Della has enjoyed working at City Lit for over 3 decades, teaching, managing, learning. After training in contemporary dance, Della became consumed by drama and music work. Music came to dominate, playing in bands, song writing, teaching for, and advising, the Youth Service and Adult Education. Performing and writing arrangements for pop and jazz a cappella has been a 30 year journey. So too the teaching of jazz musicianship. Gratitude is due to early mentor Amit Sen for introducing 'the jazz thing'.
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.
