Blues Piano 2C

About this course

Participants play and improvise blues in different keys and styles, working on repertoire, right-hand soloing and a range of left-hand approaches. The course also uses listening and transcription from recordings to examine influential blues pianists and styles, including boogie-woogie, New Orleans, jazz, gospel and funk.

What you'll learn

• Perform blues pieces in different keys and styles
• Improvise using the right hand
• Accompany playing with varied left-hand patterns
• Identify characteristics of a range of blues piano styles

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for pianists with previous blues piano study or experience, broadly at an intermediate level. Participants play with other pianists and may pursue an individual study project. Regular, focused practice and preparation between classes are expected.

• Several years of blues piano experience are recommended
• Good coordination between the hands and the ability to keep time are important
• Learners prepare at least one performance piece between classes

Before you go

• Bring a manuscript book, pencil and the book “Improvising Blues Piano”.
• An audio recording device may be brought optionally.
• Preparation tasks are set between classes, including at least one performance piece.