Blues Piano 1B

About this course

This second-term course develops blues piano skills through standard blues and boogie repertoire, left-hand patterns, dominant seventh chords and their inversions. Learners explore right-hand ideas and improvisation techniques while playing each week. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations, practical suggestions and listening to recordings by established blues pianists. Weekly assignments and home-study references support preparation between classes, including pieces intended for performance in class.

What you'll learn

• Play pieces from standard blues and boogie repertoire
• Perform a range of boogie patterns with the left hand
• Apply right-hand ideas and basic improvisation techniques
• Play dominant seventh chords and their inversions

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for competent pianists who have completed Blues Piano 1A. It is aimed at learners developing beyond fundamental piano skills, with knowledge of major scales in most keys, familiarity with major triads, reasonable technique and some reading ability. Regular practice and weekly attendance are expected.

• Completion of Blues Piano 1A is required
• Learners should have at least Grade 3 piano technique and good hand coordination
• Time for regular practice and preparation between classes is expected
• Pieces are prepared for performance in class

Before you go

• Weekly assignments are provided, with pieces to prepare for class performance.
• The recommended text is Tim Richards' Improvising Blues Piano.