Blues Piano 2A

About this course

The course develops blues piano playing through work in different keys and styles, with particular attention to traditional boogie patterns in both hands. Participants practise improvising, accompanying with bass and chords, and performing blues pieces. Teaching takes place in a keyboard room, where each learner has a digital piano, with acoustic pianos available for duets. The class also studies recordings by established blues pianists through listening and copying exercises. Weekly assignments provide a structure for focused practice between sessions.

What you'll learn

• Perform blues pieces in varied styles and keys
• Improvise in the right hand over a range of boogie-based left-hand patterns
• Accompany other players using two-handed bass-and-chord techniques
• Identify features of different boogie piano styles

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for intermediate pianists with substantial previous blues piano study or experience. The class involves playing and improvising alongside other pianists, while regular focused practice and weekly assignments are part of the expected participation.

• Several years of blues piano study or experience are recommended
• Familiarity with material from Chapters 1 to 3 of Improvising Blues Piano is assumed
• Consistent timekeeping and coordination between the hands are important

Before you go

• Participants should bring Improvising Blues Piano. Copies may also be borrowed from Morley Library.